A self-propelled air-defence system combining automatic cannon for the inner zone with surface-to-air missiles for the middle zone. A distinctive Russian class. Examples: 2K22 “Tunguska”, 96K6 “Pantsir-S1”.

The U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. Operates the AC-130J Ghostrider, MC-130J Commando II, CV-22 Osprey, and MQ-9 Reaper. Main bases: Hurlburt Field (Florida), Cannon AFB (New Mexico).

Also: USAF SOC

An armoured vehicle (usually wheeled) for transporting infantry under protection from small-arms fire. Light armament. Examples: BTR-80, BTR-82A, Stryker, AAVP-7.

Also: APC

An on-board complex that automates the laying of the barrel in azimuth and elevation based on data from the fire-control system. It includes hydraulic drives, angle sensors, and an electronic control unit. In modern SPGs it allows firing without exposing the crew and rapid relocation between firing positions.

Also: АСУ НО, СУНО

The tactical employment of combat aviation against ground targets in close proximity to friendly forces, requiring coordination with a ground-based forward air controller (JTAC). CAS aircraft include the A-10 Thunderbolt II, Su-25, and AC-130.

Also: НАП

An aerodynamic phenomenon in which a jet of fluid “clings” to a nearby convex surface. Exploited by the An-72/74: with engines mounted above the wing, the exhaust flows over the upper surface of the flap, sharply increasing lift at low speeds. It also shields the engine inlets from foreign-object ingestion from the ground.

Also: эффект Henri Coandă, обдув закрылка

A digital complex that computes sight settings from target coordinates, weather data, barrel wear, and shell type. Examples: “Uspekh-S” (2S19M2), “Kapustnik-B” (2S31, 2S34). In modern systems it is integrated with the tactical command-and-control network (“Strelets”, “Andromeda-D”).

Also: СУ-О

The structure of the Russian Federal Security Service responsible for guarding the state border. Operates the An-72P aircraft and the “Kulik”, “Rubin”, and “Komandor” class vessels.

The primary type of round for field artillery. Defeats personnel through fragmentation and field works through blast. Range depends on calibre and charge: 122 mm ≈ 15 km, 152 mm ≈ 24 km.

Also: ОФ-снаряд

A tracked armoured vehicle for transporting and supporting a motorised rifle squad. Carries a medium-calibre cannon. Examples: BMP-1, BMP-2, BMP-3, Bradley.

Also: IFV

Russian designer of air-defence, anti-tank, and gun-and-missile systems. Created the 2K22 “Tunguska”, the “Pantsir” AAGM, the “Kornet” ATGM, and the AGS-30. Part of the “High-Precision Systems” holding.

Also: КБ Приборостроения

A Ukrainian aircraft factory that produced the An-72 and An-74 together with the Antonov OKB. Historical name — “Hammer and Sickle”.

A producer of chassis for light Soviet artillery — in particular the 2S1 “Gvozdika” was built at KhTZ jointly with VgTZ.

The largest American defence contractor. Producer of the C-130 Hercules (including the AC-130J Ghostrider), F-16, F-22, F-35, and the THAAD and Aegis air-defence systems.

Also: LM, Локхид Мартин

The modern class of universal tanks, which replaced the older medium / heavy / light split. Combines heavy armament, heavy armour, and high mobility. Examples: T-72, T-80, T-90, T-14 Armata, M1 Abrams, Leopard 2.

Also: MBT

A versatile tracked chassis developed by KhTZ in the 1960s. Base (MT-LB) and extended (MT-LBu) variants underpin a broad family of vehicles: 2S1 “Gvozdika”, 2S34 “Khosta”, “Strela-10”, 1V12, and others.

A Russian producer of artillery systems: 2S23 “Nona-SVK”, 2S31 “Vena”, the MLRS “Grad”, “Uragan”, “Smerch”, and the naval A-190 gun.

Also: Мотовилиха

A 12.7 mm heavy anti-aircraft machine gun (“Utyos”) in its tank variant. Mounted on the turret roof in the commander’s station. On newer vehicles it has been replaced by the “Kord” (6P49) with remote control.

Also: Утёс

A shell with laser, INS or GPS guidance that corrects its trajectory in flight. Russian examples: “Krasnopol” (152 mm), “Santimetr” (152 mm), “Kitolov-2” (120 mm). Requires target designation by laser or GPS.

Also: УАБ, корр. снаряд

A coaxial or anti-aircraft 7.62 mm machine gun. A variant of the PK adapted for mounting on armour: shortened butt, electric trigger, heavy barrel. Ammunition load is typically 2 000—3 000 rounds.

A tactical manoeuvre for gunship aircraft (AC-130): the aircraft orbits the target in a banked turn so that the cannons mounted along its left side are kept continuously aimed at the centre of the orbit. Enables sustained fire on a point target.

Also: спиральный вираж

A round with an auxiliary rocket motor that ignites after muzzle exit. It extends range by 20—40 % by trading a lighter propellant charge for higher initial velocity, at the cost of reduced accuracy.

Also: АР-снаряд

The Ukrainian border guard service, successor to the USSR KGB Border Troops. Operates An-72P aircraft and the “Grif” and “Svetlyak” class vessels.

An American small-calibre precision-guided bomb (113 kg) with GPS/INS guidance and pop-out wings for 70+ km glide. Used by the AC-130J, F-15E, F-22, F-35.

Also: GBU-39, малокалиберная УАБ

A modern synonym of SPG, most often applied to systems with gun-mortars (2S9, 2S23, 2S31, 2S34). The term highlights versatility — the ability to fire both shells and mortar bombs.

A self-propelled mount with automatic anti-aircraft cannon for engagement of low-flying aerial targets. Examples: ZSU-23-4 “Shilka”, ZSU-57-2.

A tracked or wheeled vehicle with an artillery piece mounted in a turret or casemate. Combines the firepower of towed artillery with the mobility of armoured vehicles. Examples in this catalogue: 2S1, 2S3, 2S19, 2S35.

Also: самоходка

The “Burevestnik” Central Research Institute — the lead designer of ground artillery in Russia. Created the 2S31 “Vena”, the 2S35 “Koalitsiya-SV”, and the 2A75 (T-90 tank gun).

Also: Буревестник

A turbojet with two airflow paths: an inner one through the combustion chamber and an outer one through the fan. More efficient than a pure turbojet at subsonic speeds. Examples: D-36 (An-72), AL-31F (Su-27), Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 (AC-130J).

Also: Д-двигатель, turbofan

The largest Russian tank-building enterprise. Produces the T-72, T-90, T-14 “Armata”, 2S35 “Koalitsiya-SV”, and BMPT “Terminator”. Its captive design bureau is UKBTM.

Also: Уралвагонзавод

An unguided rocket fired from external launcher pods. Russian types: S-5 (57 mm), S-8 (80 mm), S-13 (122 mm). Used against area and ground targets.

Also: НУРС

A Russian producer of self-propelled artillery: 2S3 “Akatsiya”, 2S5 “Giatsint”, 2S7 “Pion”, 2S19 “Msta-S”, 2S34 “Khosta”, 2S38 “Derivatsiya”, 2S40. Part of the “UVZ” concern.

Also: Уралтрансмаш

The branch of service charged with operations behind enemy lines after airborne insertion. Uses specialised light air-droppable armour: BTR-D, BMD, 2S9 “Nona-S”, 1V119 “Reostat”.

A producer of light armoured vehicles: MT-LB, BMD, 1V119 “Reostat”, 2S1 “Gvozdika”. In the 2010s a part of the “Tractor Plants” concern.