Kornet - Definition and Overview

The Kornet is a Russian anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). Its NATO reporting name is AT-14. The industrial designation of the missile is 9M133.

History

The KPB Instrument Design Bureau unveilled the Kornet in October 1994, it is believed the missile entered service in the Russian army on the same year. It is a heavy ATGM intended to replace earlier 9K111 Fagot (NATO: AT-4 Spigot) and 9K113 Konkurs (NATO: AT-5 Spandrel) wire-guided ATGMs in both vehicle and tripod mounts. The missile is also capable of engaging helicopters. A variant with thermobaric warhead is also available for use against soft-skinned vehicles, exposed personnel and fortifications.

During the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Kornet was initially rumoured to have been used by Iraqi forces to destroy American M1 Abrams tanks, but later studies revealed that the tanks had been hit by either friendly fire and Iraqi RPGs. No evidence of use or presence of any Kornet missiles in Iraq has been found.

Characteristics

• Primary Function: anti-tank missile
• Contractor: KPB Instrument Design Bureau
• Power Plant: solid-fuel rocket

• Length: 120 cm
• Diameter: 15.2 cm
• Wing Span: ?
• Weight:
  • of launcher: 19 kg
  • of missile in container: 27 kg

• Speed: ?
• Warhead: shaped-charge HEAT tandem warhead, with armour penetration of about 1200 mm of RHA, or 980mm behind explosive reactive armour. Thermobaric anti-personnel/anti-material warhead is also available.
• Range: 0.1 - 5.5 km
• Flight time to maximum range: 22 seconds
• Fuzes: ?
• Guidance: SACLOS laser beam riding

• Unit Cost: ?
• Date depolyed: 1994
• Users: Russia, Syria, and an unnamed second export customer, most likely Greece