Originally Posted By: Architrav
A different question: What is the actual tactical use of combining gun and missile systems, like with the "Pantsir" or "Tunguska" systems?

I understand that a guided missile system is distinctly more expensive than a radar-guided gun system but the only solution for medium range targets. Now I would assume that even if the guns are superior at extremely short ranges and low heights, wouldn't it be a lot easier to have some additional short-range missiles instead of having to construct everything around a gun platform?


the guns are superior at extremely short ranges and low heights

Exactly.

Creating a cheap short range SAM, that cannot be blinked by Flare, and its radio/optical fuse is not susceptible against ground clutter is quite a challenge...
... on the other-side, spraying bullets is cheap and effective.


Hpasp
Free SAM Simulator, "Realistic to the Switch"

(U-2 over Sverdlovsk, B-52's over Hanoi, F-4 Phantoms over the Sinai, F-16's and the F-117A Stealth bomber over the Balkans.)
http://sites.google.com/site/samsimulator1972/home

Book from the author - Soviet Nuclear Weapons in Hungary 1961-1991
https://sites.google.com/view/nuclear-weapons-in-hungary/

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