Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapon

An anti-aircraft vehicle, also known as a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) or self-propelled air defense system (SPAD), is a mobile vehicle with a dedicated anti-aircraft capability.

Specific weapon systems used include machine guns, autocannons, larger guns, or surface-to-air missiles, and some mount both guns and longer-ranged missiles (e.g. the Pantsir missile system). Platforms used include both trucks and heavier combat vehicles such as armoured personnel carriers and tanks, which add protection from aircraft, artillery, and small arms fire for front line deployment.

Anti-aircraft guns are usually mounted in a quickly-traversing turret with a high rate of elevation, for tracking fast-moving aircraft. They are often in dual or quadruple mounts, allowing a high rate of fire. In addition, most anti-aircraft guns can be used in a direct-fire role against surface targets. Today, surface-to-air missiles (generally mounted on similar turrets) have largely supplanted anti-aircraft guns.

Examples

Some examples of modern SPAAG:

See also

• 4M (artillery)
• Assault gun
• Flakpanzer, a collective term for German anti-aircraft tanks, particularly those used in World War II.
• List of anti-aircraft guns
• Man-portable air-defense system
• Self-propelled artillery
• Tank destroyer

Footnotes