Stormer HVM: military spoke about operational efficiency of the British air defense system
9 June, 2023 Stormer HVM air defense system in Ukraine, 2023. Photo credits: ArmyInform The British Stormer HVM self-propelled air defense systems entered service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the summer of last year.
Since then, they have been serving in various areas of the front, protecting Ukrainian forces and destroying enemy aircraft. The military who operated the Stormer HVM told ArmiyaInform that they were able to shoot down multiple air targets with its help. "This is a very light, mobile and fast vehicle.
Moreover, it is passive in its work, that is, it does not emit signals and cannot be seen by enemy radar equipment. We can find a target, quickly hit it and instantly leave the firing range," says the commander of the Stormer air defense system, whose name is Ihor.
Stormer HVM air defense system in Ukraine, 2023. Photo credits: ArmyInform
The task of the Stormer HVM is to destroy aircraft, helicopters or UAVs at low altitudes.
The system can work both during the day and at night.
Workplace of the Stormer HVM air defense system operator in Ukraine, 2023. Photo credits: ArmyInform
"We are given target orientation. We depart, activate the equipment, and start the search.
The machine has a dome that searches for targets within a specified radius. If such a target appears, we detect it, carry out the launch, then confirm the downing by radio communication, and leave the position. Once the plane is tracked by a missile, it can no longer escape.
The speed of the missile is about 1 kilometer per second. In 90% of cases, the target will be hit," says the operator Yaroslav of the Stormer air defense system.
The Stormer HVM air defense system is in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 2023. Photo credits: ArmyInform
The Ukrainian military says that the entire vehicle is computerized.
However, there are no problems with the service. All the crews of these vehicles underwent several months of training courses in the UK. "The English instructors were impressed with our experience in technical training.
We were able to quickly master all the nuances of operating this model of equipment. During training, I had to hit about 1,000 fake air targets," said the air defense system operator.
The British Stormer HVM air defense system in service with the Armed Forces, 2023. Photo credits: ArmyInform
He also added that after returning from training, his crew was sent to the area of military operations.
At that time, the military was able to shoot down many enemy air targets. Lately, the air defense system has mostly worked on Russian UAVs. In particular, according to Yaroslav, his crew has recently shot down an enemy reconnaissance drone of the Orlan-10 type.
Destruction of the Russian Orlan-10 UAV with the Stormer HVM air defense system, 2023. Photo credits: ArmyInform
According to the driver-mechanic Oleksandr, the Stormer HVM air defense system is easy to operate.
Also, two-way communication was established between the Ukrainian military and representatives of the British side regarding the operation of the vehicles. As part of this cooperation, various issues are resolved -- from minor maintenance to engine replacement.
Stormer HVM
The Stormer HVM air defense system is in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 2023. Photo credits: ArmyInform
The Stormer HVM (High-Velocity Missile) is a short-range air defense system.
It is an armored track platform with a Starstreak or Martlet LMM rocket launcher which has 8 containers mounted on it. In addition to the eight ready-to-fire missiles on the launcher, the vehicle can carry 12 additional missiles for reloading.
Panoramic sight of the Stormer HVM air defense system. Photo credits: ArmyInform
The vehicle has a roof-mounted panoramic weapon sight and an air defense alerting device for target recognition and prioritization.
The declared maximum range of the Starstreak missile is 7 km. A panoramic sight and an air threat warning system are installed on top of the vehicle to recognize targets and prioritize them. The SAM crew includes three people.
Stormer can develop a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
The maximum range is 600 km.