Cold War Kit. Part 4. British Tracked Rapier, Surface to Air Missile.

by harveyblackauthor on 10/08/201315/07/2018

The first novel in my ‘Cold War’ trilogy, The Red Effect, published by SilverWood Books, is now available. Thoroughly enjoyed writing it, as i do with all my novels. There will be three books in total, covering the hypothetical invasion of West Germany, the Federal Republic of Germany, by the Warsaw Pact in the mid 1980’s. Book 1, ‘The Red Effect’, encompasses part of the intelligence build up leading to the initial Warsaw Pact strike against the NATO forces lined up against them. The purpose of the next few posts is to cover some of the Iconic pieces of equipment that would have played a part, should the Cold War have turned Hot.

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

The Cold War era started very soon after the end of the second world war, when the communist east, led by the Soviet Union, and the Western world, led by the United States and its NATO allies, faced each across what became known as the ‘Iron Curtain’.

The perception of a potential Third World War, was generally one of a nuclear war. It may have come to that. In reality we will never know. But, one scenario is that of a conventional war. The massed forces of the Warsaw Pact against the supposedly technically superior, but weaker, NATO armies, that may well have escalated into a nuclear exchange. But a pure conventional war was just as likely.

Tracked Rapier, a British Cold War surface-to-air missile launcher. It is still in service today.

The Rapier SAM entered service in 1971 and eventually replaced most of the British Army and Royal Air Force SAM systems. The original systems came on wheeled launchers, towed by Land Rovers. There would be two vehicles, the Fire Unit Truck and the Detachment Support Vehicle.

Development started on the Tracked version of the Rapier in 1978, deployed in 1983.

Capable of carrying four surface-to-air missiles on each launcher.

Parabolic antenna for sending guidance commands to the missiles.

The missile has a fragmentation explosive close proximity warhead.

The large cylindrical unit, containing the surveillance radar and Identification friend or foe (IFF) at the top.

Mounted on an M548 chassis.

The chassis is the cargo version of the well known M113 armoured personnel carrier.

The lower part of the cylinder contains the guidance computer and radar transmitter and receiver electronics at bottom.

The solid fuel rocket could power the missile to a speed of Mach 2.5.

The Optical-Tracker would be operated from the left side of the crew cabin.

On the right of the crew cabin you would find the driver and tactical controller.

There were smoke-dischargers on each corner of the vehicle.

The missile had a height ceiling of 3,000m.

In the early 80s, 1 British Corps had 24 x Tracked Rapier and 24 x towed missile systems.

During the Cold War, 1 British Corps and its respective divisions were very weak in respect to air defence.

From movement to firing took only 30 seconds with the tracked Rapier, as opposed to the towed versions firing time of 15 minutes.

Rory, who had just purchased my Novel, The Red Effect, posing in front of my stand at the War & Peace show. He is wearing his Second World War Soviet uniform, carrying the iconic PPS machine gun.

i hope this has given you a further insight into what kit was around during the Cold War in the 80s.

The equipment Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle and Paperback version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War. The Black Effect due out Mid September.

Berlin, The Cold War Years Part 4. A Hot War in reality.

by harveyblackauthor on 07/08/201315/07/2018

Berlin, the Cold War Years – Part 4. A Hot War in reality.

At the end of World War 2, what remained of pre-war Germany was divided into four zones of occupation. Each of the Allied powers; the United Kingdom, United States, France and Russia, controlled one of them.

The capital of Germany, Berlin, was also divided into four Sectors. The consequence being, that the three Western Allied powers now controlled territory deep within the Soviet Union Zone of Germany.

Over time, the tensions between the four Allied powers increased, eventually resulting in the Berlin blockade in 1948, when the Soviets attempted to starve West Berlin into submission and force the other three Allied powers out. This failed and the Soviets eventually relented, but an ever-increasing number of East Germans fled to the West; between 150,000 and 300,000 a year during 1951-1953. As a consequence restrictions were placed on movement between the divided country. From 1961, the border was closed and Berlin completely encircled, first by barbed wire, then bricks and finally a concrete wall, along with the infamous ‘death strip’.

Access was now restricted between Berlin and the West. A wall, 124 mile miles in length, was placed around the three sectors of West Berlin, cutting off the city from the rest of the world.

Remnants of the infamous Berlin Wall – February 2012

Having free, unhindered access to East Berlin and Museum Island was a real treat for me. Below is the Der Deutschen Kunst Museum, the House of Art Museum.

Deutschen Kunst Museum – Berlin – February 2012

Deutschen Kunst Museum, Berlin. Joseph Goebbels visiting – 1937

Bundesarchiv_Bild_183-H02648,_München,_Goebbels_im_Haus_der_Deutschen_Kunst.jpg

Also on the Island, the Berliner Dom, or Berlin Cathedral. In the 1940’s, it suffered considerable damage from bomb blast waves and incendiaries. Over the years it has been slowly restored.

Berliner Dom – February 2012

With my passion for military history, I naturally wanted to see this building below, Wilhelmstrasse 81-85. Luftwaffe Historians would know that in 1933, the newly formed Reich Aviation Ministry, headed by Hermann Goering, occupied it. The complex was demolished in 1935 and was re-built. The building you see today, with over 2,000 rooms.

Wilhelmstrasse 81-85, Berlin – February 2012

The Bebelplatz is known as the site of the infamous Nazi book burning ceremony held on the evening of the 10th May, 1933. Today, a memorial by Micha Ullman, consisting of a glass plate set into the cobblestones, shows empty book cases below.

Bebelplatz, Berlin – February 2012

At the end of the day the GDR, and East Berlin, were occupied by the Soviet Union and their military were ever present.

Russian T-62 driving passed a Kindergarten – East Berlin 1983

There were ‘Restricted Areas’ where the Soviets preferred us not to go. We naturally ignored them. I got this one to take home as a souvenir.

Russian helicopter taking an interest in us. Hip (Mi-8) – East Berlin 1983

This one is a deadly Hind-D (Mi-24). The worlds first Attack Helicopter. East Berlin – 1983

Below are some photographs of the Treptow Soviet Memorial. Although the GDR was part of the Warsaw Pact, the Soviets were still very much an occupying power. The memorial below, to the Soviet soldiers killed in WW2, is of a significant size.

Main entrance. The people give you an indication of its size. East Berlin – February 2012

View from the main entrance. Note the vertical slabs either side – East Berlin, February 2012

Each slab was carved with a scene depicting elements of WW2 – February 2012

Treptow Park Memorial – East Berlin, February 2012

The view looking back towards the entrance. East Berlin, February 2012.

For an interlude, I will share a few shots of my very first parachute jump. I did my jumps between my first tour in Northern Ireland and coming to Berlin. I completed my jumps with the Dutch Commandos, my first one landing on my feet, arse and head. Not quite the perfect roll I had anticipated.

Gulp, I’m ready. 1981

Yes that is me. My chute did open.

Yes you do have to carry your own chute back!

One key event that occurred every year, was the military parade to celebrate the formation of the GDR. This was naturally a key concern for the western allies. A country we didn’t officially recognise, holding a military parade on our doorstep. It was also an opportunity to disguise the movement of troops for a potential attack.

Troops start to flood in on the outskirts of East Berlin – 1984

First one is a FROG (Free Rocket Over Ground) 7 resupply, the second a FROG 7 TEL (Transporter, Erector, Launcher). FROG 7’s played a key part in the missile attacks on Israel during the Yom Kippur War.

Ural 375 – East Berlin 1984

Troops also arrived by rail – East Berlin – 1984

BRDM at the front and two ACRV’s, Armoured Command and Reconnaissance Vehicle. East Berlin 1984

Many of the troops were camped out at various parks and car parks on the outskirts. East Berlin 1984

Night time operations were a regular part of our life, often staying out for days at a time. East Berlin 1984

Posing shot… – East Berlin 1984

Then the fun and games begin….

Can you spot him? East Berlin 1983

See him now?

And another.

The VOPO were never far away. East Berlin 1984

The more troops and equipment that arrived, the more reinforcements to make life difficult for us. East Berlin 1984

Underside photographs were a key goal. This one showing a mine plough attachment. Weld thickness would also help in determining the thickness of a tanks armour. East Berlin 1984.

This is of a BMP-2, moving at the time. East Berlin 1984.

The tensions steadily got worse. Don’t forget, we didn’t recognise the GDR government, let a alone the Police. West Berlin police had no authority over us either, as we were also an occupying power in West Berlin. East Berlin 1984.

The glasses were fashionable at the time!

BMP-2, the latest MICV, Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle, in the GDR and Soviet arsenal. An AT-5, Spandrel anti-tank missile sits on top of the turret. East Berlin 1984.

BMP 1. A close up of the AT-3, Sagger, anti-tank missile. The wire guided missile devastated

the Israeli tanks during the Yom Kippur War – East Berlin 1984

SA-13 Gopher, Surface to Air Missil carrier. – East Berlin 1984

SA 8 Gecko, Surface to Air Missile carrier – East Berlin 1984

T-72 tank, the latest in the GDR Army, the NVA, National Volksarmee. East Berlin 1984.

During the parade preparations they didn’t like us being around. A bit difficult when one of your team is six foot eight

and built like a brick wall. – East Berlin 1984

SA 9 Gaskin, Surface to Air Missile, mounted on a BRDM 2. East Berlin 1984

SA 4 Ganef. Surface to Air Missile, resupply vehicle. Big! Flew at Mach 4 and could reach a height of 20 miles.

Now I know why I didn’t join the RAF (Best air force in the world). East Berlin 1984

FROG 7 TEL, East Berlin 1984.

The German Navy was always in attendance. East Berlin 1984.

Tatra 813 towing and M1974 artillery piece. East Berlin 1984.

T-72 East Berlin 1984

BMP -1, MICV with troops. One draw back was thin armour and fuel tanks in the back doors. East Berlin 1984

Silkworm TEL, Surface to Ship Missile. East Berlin 1984.

Silkworm missile resupply. East Berlin 1984.

T-72. East Berlin 1984.

T-72. East Berlin 1984

The military were pretty high tech, not so the cars. The famous Trabant.

One Trabant hit us and didn’t leave a mark, but the cars front end fell off. Berlin 2012.

The VOPO, Volkspolitzei’s main mode of transport in the 80’s. Berlin February 2012.

I shall finish off with an old photo of the ICC, the International Congress Centre. West Berlin 1982.

My intention is not to portray a particular message, but just share some of my photographs and experiences with you.

Photographs are copyrighted to Harvey Black

Cold War Kit. Part 3. Soviet BMP-1 Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle.

by harveyblackauthor on 22/07/201315/07/2018

Cold War Kit. Part 3. Soviet BMP-1 Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle.

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

Soviet BMP.

The BMP is an amphibious mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle. The track, using the hydrodynamic fairings, would be used to propel the BMP through the water at about 5 miles per hour.

A top road speed of about 45mph.

This model is without the standard 73mm gun and Sagger missile.

Over 20,000 BMPs were built.

Suspension was individual torsion bar with hydraulic shock absorbers on the 1st and 6th road wheel.

It weighed 13 tons and carried a crew of three plus eight motor-rifle troops.

There are two airtight doors at the rear. They also contain fuel tanks.

There are two vision blocks at the rear and one firing-port.

The hydrodynamic fairings can clearly be seen on the upper rear of the track covers.

Along each side of the troop compartment, there are four firing ports.

The two firing-ports to the front, would be used by say a PKM, a light machine gun. The other six would be for the soldiers AK-47/74s.

There would be a combination fume extractor and cartridge deflector available at each firing port. This could be clipped on to an individual’s weapon.

Each firing-port had a vision-block above it.

A padded bench seat on the left-hand side.

Space was very tight.

There were four D-shaped hatches in the roof of the troop compartment that could be opened from the inside.

Padded bench on the right-hand side, looking towards the gunner’s position.

Vision-blocks on the right-hand side.

Vision-blocks and overhead hatches on the left-hand side.

A D-shaped hatch near the turret.

This BMP has had its 73mm gun removed. Now looks very similar to that of a BRDM-2 reconnaissance vehicle.

Looking down at the driver’s station, front, left-hand side.

Driver’s position and steering yoke in front of the commander.

Drivers controls and vision-block.

Looking towards the Commander’s area.

Commander’s area.

The driver has two periscope vision-blocks and a binocular vision device.

Looking back from the commander’s position.

Commander’s position

Driver’s binocular vision device.

Driver’s hatch.

The four D-shaped hatches can be seen open to the rear.

BMP-1 showing the standard configuration of a 73mm gun and a Sagger anti-tank missile mounted on a rail above it..

Rory, who had just purchased my Novel, The Red Effect, posing in front of my stand at the War & Peace show. He is wearing his Second World War Soviet uniform, carrying the iconic PPS machine gun.

i hope this has given you a further insight into what kit was around during the Cold War in the 80s.

The equipment Photographs and Blog are copyrighted to Harvey Black.

‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Kindle version out now! The Cold War that became a Hot War. Paperback edition imminent.

Cold War Kit, Part 2. BTR-60PA.

by harveyblackauthor on 14/07/201315/07/2018

Cold War Kit, Part 2. BTR-60PA.

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‘The Red Effect’ by Harvey Black – Available now. The Cold War that became a Hot War.

BTR-60, a wheeled Amphibious Armoured Personnel Carrier

The BTR-60 is fully amphibious, propelled in the water by a jet centrally mounted in the rear of the hull. The covers move sideways exposing the water jet.

It was a revolutionary design in its time. Crew compartment in the front, troop compartment in the middle and the engine compartment at the rear.

The power pack is 2 x Gaz-40P 6-cylinder gasoline engine. 90 hp each.

Weighing 10 tons, it had a crew of 2 and could carry ten Infantry.

Three firing ports on each side of the upper hull.

Vents are open for cooling the two engines.

In the roofed BTR-60PA version, the troops had to dismount through the roof hatches. This would expose the soldiers to enemy fire. The three steps in-between the wheels on either side were there to help the infantry mount and dismount.

Before entering the water, the trim vane at the front of the hull would have to be lowered. This prevented water from flooding over the bow.

In the travelling position, it provided additional armour.

It had a top speed of 50mph on the road and 6mph in the water.

The welded steel hull would provide protection against small arms fire and shrapnel. But, a 7,62mm round could penetrate the sides if as close as 100m.