SS-1C Scud-B** SRBM VARIANT(S) AND/OR ALTERNATE NAME(S):
---- SS-1D Scud-C** SRBM
---- SS-1E Scud-D** SRBM
---- 8K14 (Russian system designation)
---- R-300 (Russian missile number)
---- Al-Abas Iraqi Scud-B** modification
---- Al-Hussein Iraqi Scud-B** modification
EQUIPMENT CATEGORY: Missiles/Rockets/Bombs -- Land Attack/Theater
Nuclear/Biological/Chemical -- Nuclear
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Russia PICTURES OF: SS-1C Scud-B** SRBM
**US/NATO code name or designation
DESCRIPTION
The Scud series are mobile, nuclear-capable, short-range ballistic missiles for battlefield support of front and army levels within the Russian army. These liquid-propelled missiles are not affected by the December 1987 Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF Treaty) between the United States and the former Soviet Union. The design earned international attention when several dozen Scud derivatives were fired at Israel and Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War.
Scuds were first deployed on converted IS-III heavy tank chassis; all of these are now out of service. The current missile launch vehicle is an MAZ-843 8 x 8 wheeled carrier known officially as the Uragan (Hurricane) and more informally as the Kashalot (Sperm Whale). The missile rests along the veh icle's centerline between the driver's and commander's cabs. When raised to its vertical firing position, the Scud is positioned behind the vehicle.
The most common variant -- the Scud-B -- is relatively inaccurate. Its storable-liquid fuel (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) with an oxidizer of inhibited red fuming nitric acid (RFNA)) powers a boost phase that accelerates the missile to Mach 5. After burnout, the Scud follows a ballistic p ath until it nears impact when the warhead separates from the missile with a loud bang and a flash. Conventional high-explosive, sub-munitions, nuclear and chemical warheads can be fitted. In service with Russian ground forces and deployed in an army- or front-level SSM brigade. Each brigade consis ts of three battalions of two or three missile batteries each; total Scud strength per brigade is 12 to 18 missiles and an equal number of reloads. Each Scud brigade has three End Tray** meteorological radar trailers.
Estimates of the number of missiles available to Iraq during Desert Storm ranged from 300 to 1,000. All surviving Iraqi ballistic missiles were claimed to have been destroyed by Iraq under United Nations oversight in July 1991. Under pressure, Iraq provided evidence in March 1992 that its forces ha d destroyed more Scud missiles.
In March 1991, Syria reportedly received 24 modified Scud-C missiles from North Korea, which has been producing them for its own forces and for export. Iran, Egypt and Libya were said to be capable of manufacturing the missiles. An October 1991 Israeli newspaper report claimed that Iran and Syria w ould jointly produce a Scud-C variant. More missiles were reportedly shipped to Syria through Iran in February and March of 1992; see "Variants" and "Issues."
Libya displayed 24 refurbished Scud B TELs and missiles in 1999. North Korea was suspected of providing assistance to the Libyans, who were reported to possess approximately 150-250 missiles and some 60-70 MAZ 543 TELs.
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