S-60 Variants
The S-60, the self-propelled ZSU-57-2 and the Type-59 (itself a Chinese-produced version of the Soviet S-60), was exported to Vietnam in great numbers during the Vietnam War. These were used as ground support weapons to protect high profile targets such airfields, bridges and military bases. Hundreds of S-60's became the backbone of the low-altitude air defense system across the North and covered some 460 meters (1,500ft) and 1,500 meters (5,000 ft) of air space. The S-60 was developed into a navalized form for use on Soviet surface vessels as the AK-725. The ZIF-72 existed as a similar naval vessel but housed within a metal structure. China also made use of the ZSU-57-2 as the Type 80. Poland made a license-production version all their own under the Tarnow Metal Works banner.
Soviet Models
The Soviet anti-aircraft organization deployed its S-60 groups numbering 24 guns. A regimental AA battery network consisted of six guns, and a fire control radar director. New German-designed fire control system (the SON-9) was installed in the S-60. The new system brought with it an improved distance measuring calculator along with a modern radar called the "RPK-1 Vaza". However, some older S-60 models still maintained their original flap wheel as the radar fire control system.
The World Over
The S-60 and its variants were used in wars all over the globe to aid Communist military goals. The S-60 was used against the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in the Six-Day War as well as in Yom Kippur. The S-60 protected Soviet air fields during the Afghanistan War and was used extensively during the Vietnam Conflict. Both sides of the Iran-Iraq War used the S-60 and Iraq, once again, put these systems to good use in the 1991 Gulf War. Some fifty years of total active service has since proved the German-Soviet design's worth.
Technologically superior Soviet/Russian Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) systems have replaced the outdated towed S-60 gun and its variants within the Russian inventory.
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