Self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.

Samavat 35mm Air Defense.

The Samavat 35mm is an Iranian-manufactured, towed, twin-barrel anti-aircraft gun system that is based on the Swiss Oerlikon GDF-001, originally developed by Oerlikon Contraves (now Rheinmetall Air Defence AG). This system was reverse-engineered by Iran in the early 2000s and unveiled in 2008, marking a significant milestone in the country's defense capabilities.

Country users: Iran

Description

The Samavat is an Iranian-manufactured system that is based on the Swiss Oerlikon GDF-001, which was originally developed by Oerlikon Contraves (now Rheinmetall Air Defence AG). This system was reverse-engineered by Iran in the early 2000s and unveiled in 2008, marking a significant milestone in the country's defense capabilities. It consists of a dual-barrel 35mm autocannon mounted on a mobile trailer platform. It is designed to engage a wide variety of low-altitude targets, including aircraft, missiles, and UAVs, in short-range defense scenarios. While the system retains much of the design of the GDF-001, it has incorporated Iranian modifications, particularly in fire control and radar integration, reflecting Iran's efforts to indigenize military technologies.

The Samavat 35mm system is primarily deployed in point defense roles to protect critical infrastructure, such as military airbases, nuclear facilities, and other strategic targets from low-altitude aerial threats. After initially acquiring the GDF-001 and Fledermaus radars in the 1980s, Iran went on to acquire the improved GDF-002 systems before the revolution. Following the acquisition of the SkyGuard system and its radar, Iran worked on adapting these technologies into a locally produced air defense system. The unveiling of the Samavat 35mm in 2008 marked the culmination of several years of reverse engineering and local development, signaling Iran's technological advancement in air defense.

Designed for rapid deployment, the Samavat 35mm provides a versatile, mobile solution to counter a wide range of aerial threats, such as helicopters, cruise missiles, and UAVs. The system is equipped with advanced radar and fire control systems capable of automatically tracking and engaging targets, ensuring effective engagement even against fast-moving or stealthy threats. Initially deployed at air bases and fixed sites, the Samavat system has seen increased use at Iran's high-value nuclear sites, including locations like Natanz, Arak, Parchin, Bushehr, and Esfahan, where it provides critical air defense.

Samavat 35mm Air Defense variants:

- Original Model (2008): The basic version, featuring twin 35mm autocannons and integration with SkyGuard radar for target tracking, used primarily for point defense at airbases and critical facilities.
- Improved Fire Control & Radar Integration: Enhanced versions with better targeting systems and integration with Iranian-developed radar and fire control technologies, improving engagement capabilities.
- Mobile Deployment: A more mobile variant, allowing both the radar and guns to be more rapidly deployed and repositioned in the field.
- Strategic Use at Nuclear Facilities: While not a formal variant, the Samavat has been heavily deployed at key Iranian nuclear sites, tailored for high-priority defense roles.

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Technical Data

Armament

The Samavat 35mm is armed with two 35mm twin-barrel autocannons, capable of delivering a rate of fire of up to 1,100 rounds per minute. The system uses NATO-standard 35x228mm ammunition, which is fed through automatic feed mechanisms located on either side of the cradle. These mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational with minimal manual intervention, feeding seven-round clips into the cannons. The guns achieve a muzzle velocity of 1,175 m/s, allowing them to engage fast-moving aerial targets with high precision. The effective range of the system is approximately 4,000 meters, while it can achieve maximum engagement ranges of 6,000 meters under ideal conditions. The system’s high rate of fire and powerful ammunition make it especially effective against low-flying threats like cruise missiles and UAVs.

The original design, based on the GDF-001, has been enhanced with an automated reloading system, which can carry up to 280 rounds. This automated system helps improve operational efficiency, reducing the time required for reloading and ensuring a continuous stream of fire. The Samavat system retains many of the features of the GDF-002, including the manual sighting system for traverse and elevation, but it also benefits from local modifications to improve performance and integration with Iranian radar and fire control systems.
Mobility

The Samavat 35mm is a towed system mounted on a four-wheel trailer. The entire setup, including the autocannons and associated radar systems, is designed to be towed by a truck, allowing for rapid repositioning when necessary. The trailer is divided into two components: the upper mount, which holds the guns and determines their traverse, and the lower mount, which contains the two-axle chassis and outriggers. The outriggers provide stability and support during firing operations, and they can be adjusted using either electro-hydraulic or manual systems. This flexibility ensures that the system can quickly be deployed in fixed and field environments.

In combat, the Samavat 35mm can be deployed rapidly, requiring only 2 minutes 30 seconds for full setup by a crew of three. If necessary, the system can be readied manually using a hand pump, though this takes longer—about 5 minutes to get the system into action. The SkyGuard radar, integral to the system, is also towed on a separate trailer and deployed similarly, providing additional flexibility and mobility to the overall air defense battery.
Radar and Command Systems

The Samavat 35mm integrates advanced radar and fire control systems that allow it to automatically track and engage aerial threats. The system is coupled with the SkyGuard radar, which includes both pulse Doppler search radar and pulse Doppler tracking radar. These systems enable the Samavat to detect and track low-flying threats with high precision, even in cluttered environments. The radar’s capabilities allow the system to engage threats at low altitudes, ensuring it can intercept cruise missiles and UAVs before they can reach their targets.

In addition to the radar, the system features a coaxial television camera, which assists in visual identification of targets, and a fire control system that calculates targeting data and automatically locks onto targets. The integration of radar and fire control systems ensures that the Samavat can deliver rapid and accurate responses to incoming threats. This automated engagement process is a key component of the system’s ability to respond effectively to a wide range of threats, even in high-pressure environments.

The Skyguard all-weather fire-control radar was originally developed in the 1970s by Oerlikon Contraves of Switzerland with the collaboration of Ericsson of Sweden. It was designed to control the Oerlikon Contraves GDF cannon series of twin 35 mm GDF cannon series towed and anti-aircraft guns.
Combat Use

The Samavat 35mm is primarily deployed for short-range defense of key strategic sites. With a maximum range of fire extending to 8,500 meters and an effective range of 4,000 meters, the system is particularly effective against low-altitude targets such as cruise missiles, helicopters, and UAVs. The system’s high rate of fire, at 1,100 rounds per minute, ensures that it can engage multiple threats in rapid succession, making it particularly effective in point defense roles.

Samavat batteries are typically deployed in an "A"-shaped configuration, with the SkyGuard radar positioned centrally behind two gun emplacements. The gun positions are raised on ramps, ensuring they have an unobstructed field of fire. The radar is tasked with providing real-time target tracking, while the guns automatically engage threats based on the data provided. The site is typically surrounded by protective barriers such as bunkers, tents, and ammunition storage, ensuring operational security and continuity. This setup allows for quick deployment and efficient engagement of multiple targets, providing a robust air defense solution for high-value assets.