1K17 Zshatie Self moving laser system

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Prototype tests: 1990

1K17 "Szhatie" (compression). Laser system on a self movable platform for the neutralization of the optic-electronic devices of the enemy. The system was not included in the Russian arsenal and is not produced, for reasons we can only guess.

It's development was assigned to the NPO Astrofizika bureau, with leading engineer N.D. Ustinov (the son of the Defense Minister of USSR, Ustinov). The whole system was planned to be installed on a self moving platform, the development of which was assigned to Uraltransmash, under the leadership of the engineer, U.V. Tomashov.

On December 1990, the first prototype was delivered and in 1991 was send for further tests until 1992. It got certified and was recommended for admission to the USSR Armed Forces.

Despite the positive results of the tests, the fall of USSR, the revision of the funding for weapon systems, the high cost of the system itself and other financial factors, made the whole concept not appealing and finally the system was dismissed.

The system offered automatic scanning and target locking, through a multiple channel, solid-state laser, based on Al oxide (Al2O3). Some of the atoms were replaced by Chrome ions.

Especially for the 1K17 system, there was a special Rubin crystal manufactured, weighting 30 kg., in the shape of a cylinder. The edges were polished and covered with silver for better beam reflection. The Rubin was placed in a special spiral-shaped container, with gas-discharge lamps, thus amplifying illumination.

According to other sources, there might have been used some other element, like Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet; Nd:Y3Al5O12), which allows for a more powerful energy pulse.

The laser system 1K17 was placed on the chassis of a tracklaying 2S19 Msta-S vehicle. In order for the equipment to be installed, the turret was modified and enlarged. Additionally an autonomous power supply unit was installed on the rear of the turret, for the generators. On the front of the turret, an optical unit consisting of 15 lenses was placed.

For the purpose of protecting the lenses, while the vehicle was moving, an armored door was covering them. In the middle section of the vehicle, there were the seats of the operators of the system. On top of the turret an A/A gun of 12,7 mm caliber, was installed, for minimum self protection.

The only remaining system today is at Military Technical Museum.

Technical specifications