The Soviet ZSU-23-4 Shilka is a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun system mounted on
an ASU-85 chassis. The all-welded steel hull is divided into three compartments :
driver's in the front, fighting in the middle, and engine at the rear.
The turret houses four AZP-23 23mm cannons with an elevation of +85 degrees
and a depression of -4 degrees. It has a 360 degree turret traverse. The cannon
has a cyclic rate of 800-1,000 rounds per barrel per minute, with a mximum
effective range of 2,500 meters. Short bursts of 3 rounds per barrel and long
bursts of 30 rounds per barrel can be fired. A total of 2,000 rounds of ammunition
is carried. The Shilka can fire while on the move.
The fire control system consists of the radar, sighting device, computer and
stabilization units. The Gun Dish radar operated in the J-band and performs
search, detection, and tracking modes.
The ZSU-23-4 has many versions, with the 4V1 model 1972 and the 4M model
1977 more distinctive. The 4V1 version is widely exported and has seen lots
of action in the Middle East.
Data :
Crew : 4
Combat weight : 20,500 kg
Performance : Maximum road speed 44 km/h
Engine : model V-6R, 6-cylinder in-line water-cooled diesel, 280 h.p.
Armament : 4 x 23mm cannon
