MPR-15 (“Bell Bash”) and MRP-16 (“Bell Thump”) ESM

(USSR)

Notes: Although these separate systems can be installed independently and do not need each other to operate, they are described together here as they are of similar style and design and perform a similar role.

The radomes of the two systems appear extremely similar, especially from a distance. “Bell Bash” has a slightly larger base and slightly smaller dielectric dome; “Bell Thump” vice-versa. “Bell Bash” is circled red above, “Bell Thump” blue.

“Bell Bash” is the successor system to MRP-11 “Bell Clout” and is installed on larger warships (battlecruisers, cruisers, aircraft carriers). It has a quite wide frequency range and can perform independent ESM but is quite often the passive element associated with an active jammer, either “Side Globe” or “Wine Glass”.

“Bell Thump” is the successor system to MRP-12 “Bell Slam” and is suitable for ships frigate-sized and larger; it was installed new-build on some classes and was retrofitted to the “Kashin” and “Mod-Kashin” destroyers. It is a general-purpose ESM system which uses the intermittent radar ducting method. It’s accuracy is considered sufficient to generate a passive-only firing solution for shorter-range anti-ship missiles such as the SS-N-2 “Styx” or SS-N-25 “Switchblade”.