Russian S8000 Banderol Missile Receives Ground-Based Launcher

Russia has developed a ground-based launcher for the S8000 Banderol cruise missile.

A photo of the launcher was published by the Colonel GSh Telegram channel.

The launcher appears to be a compact system mounted on a platform likely intended for installation on a pickup-type vehicle.

This type of launcher has been shown for the first time. Previously known launch platforms for the S8000 missile included the Orion UAV and the Mi-28 attack helicopter.

The emergence of such a launcher could expand the missile’s operational use, as it would no longer be limited to air-launched platforms.

At the same time, the missile itself may have been modified, for example, through the installation of a more powerful engine or a reduction in warhead weight.

Otherwise, a ground launch would require significantly more energy than an air launch, which would inevitably reduce the missile’s flight range.

S8000 Banderol

The missile was developed by the Russian company Kronstadt.

Its maximum speed is 620-650 km/h, while its cruising speed is 520-560 km/h.

The missile is powered by a Chinese Swiwin turbojet engine weighing 8.5 kg. At a maximum rotational speed of 65,000 rpm, it produces thrust of up to 81.6 kgf.

Based on these engine characteristics, the missile’s stated range is up to 500 km.

The missile is equipped with an OFBCh-150 high-explosive fragmentation warhead with a total mass of 114.3 kg, including 49.5 kg of explosive.

The explosive charge uses HMX with aluminum powder and a plasticizer.