Motovilikha 9A52 Smerch
Notes:
The 9A52 (BM-30) Smerch (Tornado) is a heavy Russian artillery rocket
system on a MAZ-543A heavy truck chassis, a chassis normally used as a TEL for
SSMs. Design work began in the early-1980s and it entered service in 1989.
The Smerch is designed for use at the Front level of the Russian Army for
heavy shelling of strongpoints and large enemy concentrations of troops, or for
counterbattery fire against heavy artillery and rocket and missile systems.
Other priority targets for the Smerch include high-level enemy command complexes
and ammunition and fuel depots. It
is in the process of being replaced in the Russian Army by the 9A52-4 version of
the Smerch. First combat use of the
Smerch was during the current Syrian Civil War against a large formation of
rebel fighters. They are also now
being used by “pro-Russian” (c’mon guys, we all know they are actual Russian
forces) in the Ukrainian War. Russian forces have also used the BM-30 in Syria;
it is rumored that at one point US forces have been on the receiving end of a
Smerch shelling. The Smerch is also
used by Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China (locally produced as the
PHL03), India (locally-produced 9A52-2T under license and using a different
chassis), Kazakhstan (left behind by departing Russian forces after the collapse
of the Soviet Union), Kuwait, Morocco (actually Chinese PHL03 versions), Syria,
Turkmenistan. Ukraine (locally-produced NOT under license – they hold the
original facilities for production of the 9A52 series), UAE, and Venezuela.
Former users include Iraq before OIF.
9A52 Smerch (BM-30)
The original
Smerch, the 9A52, is essentially a stock rocket launcher, with no special fire
control equipment and dependent on an FDC for accurate fire. The system consists
of a battery FDC on a Kamaz-4310 truck, a MAZ-543A (called the TZM 9T234-2 in
this role) resupply vehicle, and a command and staff vehicle based on another
version of the Kamaz-4310.
Other support vehicles include a PM-2-70 MTO-V maintenance vehicle, and
9F819, 9F827, and 9F840 vehicles used in training. This system is relatively
rare, since it was employed at the Front level and used only to attack artillery
and missile concentrations and stubborn enemy resistance points. Assuming the
correct equipment, reloading a pack takes 20 minutes. A 20-round ripple takes 38
seconds to fire.
The MAZ-543M
chassis uses a V-12 turbocharged diesel which which is an uprating of the T-72’s
engine. It develops 518 horsepower,
has an automatic transmission, power steering, and power/antilock brakes, as
well as central tire pressure regulation, and puncture-resistant/run-flat tires.
9A52-2 Smerch-M
This is a
comprehensive update of the 9A52, with GPS/Inertial Navigation, a land
navigation and mapping system, a self-surveying system, automatic rocket pack
laying, ability to ready and fire a salvo in 3 minutes and leave in 2 minutes to
avoid counterbattery fire and respond quickly to tactical situations, ability to
fire during inclement weather conditions, and reduction of the combat crew
necessary. The cab also has air
conditioning, heating, and NBC Overpressure.
Some 9A52-2s are still mounted on MAZ-543Ms, but they are being switched
over to MAZ-79111s in the Russian Army.
The 9A52-2 does not need an FDC for accurate firing, but the use of an
FDC to sharpen coordinates and handle information from the FIST halves the
scatter distance. The 9A52-2 has
extra long-range radios for communication with FIST teams on the ground and
aircraft. The launching vehicle (either one) has stabilizing legs which lower on
either side of the chassis, between the last two wheels on either side.
On the 9M79111
chassis, the 9A52-2 has a somewhat larger chassis with a 650 horsepower engine
with a larger fuel tank, but otherwise equipped as the MAZ-543M.
9A52-2T Smerch-T
This is
essentially a 9A52-2 launcher and fire control system built for export.
The primary difference is that it has the chassis of a Tatra 816 10x10
truck. The chassis is quite a bit
larger than the MAZ trucks used by the 9A52 and 9A52-2, but does have a
reasonably-powerful Deutz BF8M 543-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine. Part
of the extra weight includes an armored cab and launcher tubes (which can also
be loaded onto other 9A52 vehicles, but are designed to appeal to export
customers).
9A52-2TM Smerch-T
This is the
Indian version of the Smerch; it is the same launcher and the same systems as
the 9A52-2 on a 10x10 Ashok-Leyland Super Stallion locally produced heavy truck
with a turbocharged diesel developing 450 horsepower, and having the same
automotive system as the 9A52-2, The chassis, composed primarily of aluminum
alloy, is much lighter than most of the 9A52 series. The other Russian-based
vehicles are replaced by their Indian-built equivalents.
The fire control system also uses components which are locally-produced
versions of their Russian counterparts; however, these components are a little
better than their Russian equivalents, especially in the computer department.
Unlike the clusters of three smoke grenade launchers on other 9A52
models, the 9A52TM has clusters of four launchers on each front bumper, and
these may be electrically-fired from the cab or automatically fired in response
to a laser designation, IR beam, or radio beam (this system is essentially just
short of a Passive AD system). The
9A52TM has a BMS and vehicle state
system. It has GPS integrated with
a mapping system, and is capable of firing without an FDC.
If it uses the services of an FDC, scatter is halved.
The cab has NBC Overpressure with backup vehicle integrated NBC
protection. The hatch on top of the
cab is in the center of the cab and can be easily accessed by the driver and
commander (the gunner is in the seat behind him, with his equipment.
The cab is large enough to contain a front seat with driver and
commander, with a rear seat facing to the right with his launching equipment
board in front of him. A space in
the back has a 30-liter chilled water tank and space for the crew’s personal
equipment and rations, or a single cot with less space equipment.
(There is also a little space beside the seats if the crew wants to
stumble a little when getting out.
The cab has air conditioning and heating.
9A52-4 Smerch-G
This is
basically an update to the 9A52-2’s chassis, subsystems, and reloading equipment
and capabilities. Using the right
vehicle (a variant of the KamAZ-63501 that the 9A52-4 uses as a base chassis)
and equipment, the 9A52-4 can be fully reloaded in only 8 minutes.
The 9A52-4 can also use 122mm and 220mm rocket pods, The firing systems
are similar to that of the 9A52-4, but improved a bit.
The 9A52-4 uses,
as stated above, the KaMAZ 63501 chassis, The Model 63501 is a heavy-payload
version of the Model 6350, and has an 8x8 chassis that otherwise has the same
automotive features as the MAZ-43M above, though of course in an updated form.
As the KaMAZ-63501 is a much lighter chassis, it needs a much less
powerful engine; this has not prevented many arms analysts from saying that the
9A52-4 is underpowered. The
Russians counter that in its role, the 9A52-4 and components does not need to
travel at high speed off road, and that it’s road speed is respectable. The cab
has air conditioning, heating, and NBC Overpressure, though the vehicle is
mostly made of light aluminum alloy.
The crew does not need to leave the cab to aim or fire the launcher, and
if the appropriate resupply vehicles are available, does not need to leave the
cab to reload the 9A52-4. (For that
matter, the crew of the resupply vehicle does not need to leave the vehicle,
either.)
The 9A52-4 has a
BMS and Vehicle State System.
Arctic Smerch
The Russians are believed to be
testing an arctic version, mounted on a DT-30PM tracked vehicle.
Excep6t for the chassis, this would otherwise be a 9A52-4 on a different
chassis, and with some components having component warmers, and the changes
necessary to a tracked vehicle. The
DT-30PM is designed for deep know, mud and swampy terrain, as well as
conventional terrain. The
construction is largely of aluminum alloy, and is a long and slender vehicle
with a front section carrying the missile crew and electronics needed for the
crew, as well as a large turbocharged diesel engine developing 710 horsepower It
is a lightly-armored chassis, and has the systems used on the 9A52-4.
In the center of the front is a hatch with a machinegun, and in the
center of the crew compartment was another.
The chassis is articulating, and the rear section has the launcher.
Both sections have a pair of tracks.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
9A52 |
$814,729 |
D, AvG, A |
1.14 tons |
43.7 tons |
4 |
42 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
9A52-2 (MAZ-543M Chassis) |
|
D, AvG, A |
1.14 tons |
43.98 tons |
3 |
42 |
(Thermal Imaging (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
9A52-2 (MAZ-79111 Chassis) |
$865,439 |
D, A |
1.1 tons |
45.39 tons |
3 |
42 |
(Thermal Imaging (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Enclosed |
9A52-2T |
$867,646 |
D, A |
1.17 tons |
47.7 tons |
3 |
41 |
(Thermal Imaging (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Shielded |
9A52-2TM |
$981,186 |
D, A |
1.19 tons |
39.7 tons |
3 |
39 |
2nd Gen Thermal Imaging (G), 2nd Gen Image Intensification
(G) |
Shielded |
9A52-4 |
$961,454 |
D, A |
1.18 tons |
24.65 tons |
3 |
25 |
2nd Gen Thermal Imaging (G, C), 2nd Gen Image Intensification
(G, C), 2nd Gen Day/Night CCD Camera (G, C), Backup Camera
(D) |
Shielded |
Arctic Smerch |
$980,211 |
D, A |
1.42 tons |
39.7 tons |
3 |
30 |
2nd Gen Thermal Imaging (G, C), 2nd Gen Image Intensification
(G, C), 2nd Gen Day/Night CCD Camera (G, C), Backup Camera
(D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
9A52 |
108/54 |
30/15 |
550 |
186 |
Trtd |
W(5) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF1
HS1 HR1 |
9A52-2 (MAZ-543M Chassis) |
108/54 |
30/15 |
550 |
186 |
Trtd |
W(5) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF1
HS1 HR1 |
9A52-2 (MAZ-79111 Chassis) |
121/61 |
33/17 |
550 |
242 |
Trtd |
W(5) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF1
HS1 HR1 |
9A52-2T |
105/53 |
29/14 |
460 |
210 |
Trtd |
W(5) |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF2
HS2 HR2 |
9A52-2TM |
104/53 |
29/14 |
350 |
166 |
Trtd |
W(5) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF1
HS1 HR1 |
9A52-4 |
123/62 |
34/18 |
540 |
132 |
Trtd |
W(6) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Arctic Smerch |
130/91 |
36/25 |
530 |
256 |
Trtd |
T10 |
TF2 TS2
TR2 HF3
HS3 HR3 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
9A52 |
None |
None
|
12-round 300mm Smerch Rocket Launcher |
12x300mm Smerch Rockets |
9A52-2/2T |
+1 |
None |
12-round 300mm Smerch Rocket Launcher |
12x300mm Smerch Rockets |
9A52-2TM |
+4 |
None |
12-round 300mm Smerch Rocket Launcher, M2HB (C) |
12x300mm Smerch Rockets, 1000x.50 |
9A52-4 |
+3 |
None |
12-round 300mm Smerch Rocket Launcher or 2x20-Round 122mm Rocket
Launcher or 16-Round 220mm Rocket Launcher |
12x300mm Rockets or 40x122mm Rockets or 16x220mm Rockets |
Arctic Smerch |
+3 |
None |
12-round 300mm Smerch Rocket Launcher or 2x20-Round 122mm Rocket
Launcher or 16-Round 220mm Rocket Launcher, Kord (C), Pechneg (AG) |
12x300mm Rockets or 40x122mm Rockets or 16x220mm Rockets, 1000x12.7,
1500x7.62mm |
Splav 9P140 Uragan
Notes:
The Uragan (NATO reporting designation BM-27 – often incorrectly referred
to as BM-22) was originally designed to replace the BM-21 122mm MRL, but was
later reverted to a Division-level
asset to attack artillery and artillery rocket concentrations, strongpoints, a
particularly-stubborn points of enemy resistance. Some 20 countries have been
sold the Uragan, though it is probable that any in Afghanistan are no longer
operable, and Georgian models are probably in storage due to lack of rockets.
It is known to be used in hostilities in Syria and Ukraine, as well as
between several African nations.
The original Uragan served from 1979 until recently, and it took some 40 years
for the vehicle to be given an upgrade.
9P140 Uragan
The 9P140 is
mounted on a modified Zil-135 chassis (similar to that used for the FROG-7
launcher), and the system includes a battery FDC based on a BTR-80 command
vehicle chassis, and a resupply vehicle based on a Zil-135 chassis, with a crane
and special racks for the rocket packs.
The FDC vehicle has a fire direction computer that takes into account
position, elevation, target location, wind, and weather, and automatically
relays that information to the firing vehicle.
Fire is normally very accurate when used with this FDC.
The cab is greatly extended and contains 6 crewmembers, The modified
Zil-135 has two engines of 130 horsepower; one crewmember is the master driver,
one keeps the engines working together, two are gunners, and the last is the
commander, who has a seat and stand behind the assistant driver and has a
roof-mounted machinegun. The cab is not armored, but does have NBC Overpressure
and air conditioning and heating.
Through the drive is 8x8, steering is only on the first and last pair of wheels;
in addition, the right engine drives the right wheels, and the left engine the
left wheels (which is why keeping the engines in synch is so important.
The 9A140’s best
work is considered it’s ability at minelaying.
They are able to quickly respond to fire requests and drop large
minefields quickly, often cutting off retreating troops.
Similarly, it is capable of quickly-responding to ICM requests, and large
amounts of FASCAM and ICM reloads are kept on hand. The launcher is designed to
quickly enter action after a stop and just as quickly go out of action and be on
its way.
9P140M Uragen-1M
The Uragen-1M is
a quantum upgrade of the base 9P140,
Reloading is no longer manual, but done by changing rocket packs instead
individual rockets. This change
also enables the Uragen-1M to be loaded with half-packs, and the Uragen-1 can be
loaded with whole or half-pocks of 300mm Smerch packs. All processes are
automated, and the crew does not need to leave the cab to aim, fire, or reload
the vehicle, as it has GPS, mapping, and self-surveying capability.
This system was not seen in Russian
units until 2017. The Uragen-1M’s chassis is the 8x8 Belarussian MZKT-7950 with
a 500-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, automatic transmission, and
power-boosted controls. It has central tire pressure regulation and
puncture/run-flat tires, and a locking differential.
9A53 Uragen-U
This is
essentially a 9P140M with a new modular launcher.
This launcher can take two 15-round 220mm packs, one Smerch rocket pack,
or two BM-21 Grad 122mm rocket packs.
It also uses an 8x8 MZKT-7930 as a base chassis. The vehicle has a BMS
with Vehicle State system, as well as a GLONASS system with a mapping computer.
Antilock braking has been added to the drive train. Night vision for the
gunner is improved, along with weather instruments and radar. A long-range laser
rangefinder, which may also be used as a designator, is mounted on the roof of
the cab on a rotating mount.
Bastion-03
The Bastion is a
Ukrainian-built version of the 9P140M mounted on a lighter KrAZ-63221RA 6x6
chassis. Its fire control is also somewhat improved over its Russian
counterpart.. Another improvement
is a cab-roof-mounted laser which is used as a long-range laser designator and
rangefinder, or can also be used to zap and destroy or detonate IEDs and mines.
The vehicle has GPS, a mapping computer, and a vehicle state computer,
but does not have a BMS.
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
|
9P140 |
$467,899 |
G, A |
909 kg |
20 tons |
5 |
17 |
Thermal Imaging (G), Image Intensification (G) |
Shielded |
9P140M |
$525,067 |
D, A |
967 kg |
27.9 tons |
4 |
25 |
Thermal Imaging (G), Image Intensification (G), Backup Camera (D) |
Shielded |
9A53 |
$735,069 |
D, A |
982 kg |
27.9 tons |
3 |
29 |
2nd Gen Thermal Imaging (G, C), 2nd Gen Image
Intensification (G, C), Day/Night CCD Camera (C), Backup Camera (D) |
Shielded |
Bastion-03 |
$1,202,426 |
D, A |
847 kg |
18 tons |
3 |
16 |
2nd Gen Thermal Imaging (G, C), 2nd Gen Image
Intensification (G, C), Day/Night CCD Camera (C), Backup Camera (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
9P140 |
144/73 |
40/20 |
768 |
159 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF1
HS1 HR1 |
9P140M/9A53 |
144/73 |
40/20 |
597 |
147 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Bastion-03 |
148/74 |
41/21 |
494 |
122 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF1
HS1 HR1 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
9P140 |
+1 |
None |
16-round 220mm Rocket Launcher, PKM (C) |
16x220mm Rockets, 1000x7.62mm |
9P140M |
+2 |
None |
16-round 220mm Urugan Rocket Launcher, or 12-round 300-round Smerch
launcher |
16x220mm Uragan Rockets or 12x300mm Smerch rockets |
9A53 |
+3 |
None |
2x15-round 220mm Uragan Launchers, or 2x20-round 122mm Grad Rocket
Launcher, or 12-round 300mm Smerch rocket launcher, or mix of the 220mm
and 122mm Rocket Launchers. |
30x220mm Urugan Rockets or 40x122mm Grad Rockets or 12x300mm Smerch
rockets |
Bastion-03 |
+4 |
None |
16-round 220mm Rocket Launcher, PKM (C) |
16x220mm Rockets, 1000x7.62mm |
Notes: This
multiple rocket launcher was first placed in service in 1954.
By today, it is in limited use by Russian and Pact Airborne forces, but
its primary use is in the armies of a variety of Russian client and
former-client states. The BM-14 was
the predecessor of the BM-21 Grad and succeeded the various Katusha MRL’s of
World War 2 and the early Cold War. Some eight countries still use the BM-14,
and about 15 used them at some point in the past.
They are no longer used by Russia, former Russian Republics, or any
members of the former Warsaw Pact.
The Chinese use a version of the BM-14 which fires more advanced 130mm rockets;
this is called the Type 93. The Polish unit of the 6th Pomeranian
Airborne Division used a towed version of the BM-14, (called the RPU-16) but
this version only had 8 tubes. It
went out of service in the late 1970s.
Most BM-14s were
mounted on a ZiS-151 medium-truck chassis, with the load sides and rear removed
and the MRL mounted, where it took up almost all of the cargo bed. Simple
indirect fire and telescopic sights were mounted on the launcher; the launcher
crew must physically move and fine-tune the elevation and deflection of the
launcher tube cluster, outside the vehicle.
Ripples may be fired at the rate of 2 rounds per second. A control box
attached to the vehicle by a 20-meter cable gives the launch commands.
The fins on the BM-14 series are generally thought of as too small, and
this is borne out in its accuracy – scatter distances are double.
During the
Syrian Civil War, a few years ago, debris from an MRL-launched chemical weapon
attack was identified as the lower motor section and fins from a BM-14. Chemical
weapon BM-14 rockets only exist with Sarin as a warhead.
8U32 (BM-14-16)
The initial
BM-14 was a simple 16-round launcher on the ZiS-151 chassis.
It is also known in the West as the BM-14-16. The rockets have fins that
snap out and cause the rocket to rotate for stability; this is supplemented by
10 vent-holes that do the same purpose.
The 2B2 is essentially the same launcher, but mounted on a ZiL-157
chassis. The last variant of the
BM-14-16, the 2B2R, is also essentially the same, but mounted on a ZiL-131
chassis. Three crewmembers sit in the cab as the firing crew; the other four,
the loading crew, sat in the rear of the truck.
8U35 (BM-14-17)
By 1959, the
Russians decided to develop another version of the BM-14.
This was the 8U35,and had the number of tubes increased to 17 while
having the chassis replaced by a light GAZ-63 chassis.
(This launcher was also used on ships and boats as small as the Project
1204 Patrol Boats.) The 8U35M
(B-14-17M) is the same launcher, but mounted on a mechanically more reliable
GAZ-66. In these variants, the
loading crew is not carried on the launcher vehicle and are instead carried on
the resupply truck with the reload rockets.
8U38 (RPU-14)
This is a
portable BM-14 mounted on a D-44 85mm gun chassis and used primarily by Soviet
Airborne Forces. It used shorter
tubes than the standard BM-14. It
will not be covered in this section.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
8U32 |
$109,272 |
G, A |
463 kg |
6.43 tons |
7 |
7 |
Headlights |
Open |
2B2 |
$109,286 |
G, A |
464 kg |
6.74 tons |
7 |
7 |
Headlights |
Open |
2B2R |
$109,578 |
G, A |
481 kg |
7.59 tons |
7 |
9 |
Headlights |
Open |
8U35 |
$114,484 |
G, A |
434 kg |
4.43 tons |
3 |
7 |
Headlights |
Open |
8U35M |
$115,169 |
G, A |
478 kg |
5 tons |
3 |
7 |
Headlights |
Open |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
8U32 |
121/62 |
33/17 |
300 |
40 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
2B2 |
129/65 |
36/18 |
300 |
49 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
2B2R |
155/78 |
43/22 |
90 |
66 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
8U35 |
132/66 |
37/18 |
90 |
21 |
Trtd |
W(2) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
8U35M |
180/90 |
51/25 |
210 |
52 |
Trtd |
W(2) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
8U32/2B2/2B2R |
None |
None |
16-round 8U32
140mm Rocket Launcher |
16x8U35 140mm
Rockets |
8U35/8U35M |
None |
None |
17-Round 8U35
140mm Rocket Launcher |
17x8U35 140mm
Rockets |
Notes:
This vehicle is one of dozens of 122mm multiple rocket launcher vehicles,
perhaps the most common of those in service.
Though it is not related to the Katyushas of World War 2 fame, these
launchers (and their towed counterparts) were often referred to by that name by
the press and by some Western military personnel; the Russian name is the Grad
(Hailstorm). The original name of
the system is in fact BM-21, but after the standardization of Soviet (and later
Russian) designations, the system was given the base designation of 9P138. It
first saw combat use in 1969 in the seemingly never-ending Sino-Soviet
hostilities of the 1960s and 1970s, and has found employment in virtually every
other war since then, in one form or another.
The Grad or variants of it are known to be used by at least 50 countries.
BM-21 Grad
The system
consists of 40 tubes for 122mm rockets mounted on a modified Ural-375D truck
chassis. (The Ural-375 is one of
the standard Soviet trucks of the period.) The Ural-375 is basically a larger
version of the GAZ-66 and ZiL-131.
The cab has room for three, including the gunner, driver, and commander; the
gunner has simple firing controls in the cab, though the rocket launcher can
also be fired via controls on a 20-meter cable.
The additional three crewmembers are loaders who sit in between the MRL
and cab in a small sheltered space.
Most crew equipment and vehicle tools are also kept here. The engine is a simple
130-horsepower gasoline engine.
It should be
noted here that the original BM-21s did not have exceptional accuracy.
Rockets which miss have triple scatter distances when fired from these
early launchers.
The BM-21-1 is
simply the same vehicle mounted on a superior (though an older design) Ural 4320
truck chassis. The chassis
is similar to that of the Ural-375, but is somewhat larger and has a
180-horsepower engine.
2B17
Though sometimes
(confusingly) called the BM-21-1, this is in fact more of an improved BM-21-1,
and is mounted on the same Ural-4320 truck, though with an extended cab to hold
all crewmembers and their belongings, some rations, some ammunition, etc. The
big improvement is the addition of the NAP SNS satellite navigation system,
which also has a mapping module. It may shoot without an FDC’s assistance, but
scatter distances are doubled. This
version entered service in 2004.
9P148 Grad-1
This is the
version where the BM-21 series acquired it’s appellation of “Grad.”
The Grad-1 uses a smaller rocket pack and is lighter than the 2B17, using
a 36-round rocket pack mounted in six rows on a 6x6 Zil-131.
Like the previous versions, the Grad-1 can only use short-range Grad
rockets – those with a range of 15000 meters or less. Previously, it was known
in the West as the BM-21b or M1976; 1976 is when it was first spotted by Western
observers. The engine is a
gasoline-fueled 150-horsepower engine, along with a manual transmission,
non-boosted brakes and steering, but central tire pressure regulation.
BM-21V Grad-V
This variant was
developed for Soviet airborne troops; it has a lighter GAZ-66B chassis using a
4x4 gasoline-driven engine with a capacity of 120 horsepower.
9A51 Prima
This is
basically an overgrown 2B17, with a 50-tound launcher (five rows of four on each
of the rocket packs). It was specifically designed for 9M52F rocket, but can
fire other rockets with a range of 15 kilometers or less.
However, the 9A51 was produced only on a limited basis, never left LRIP,
and only a small number were produced.
BM-21PD Damba
The Damba is a
special version of the BM-21 that has the normal number of barrels and is
mounted on ships, inside underwater naval bases, or bases in enclosed structures
or caves, or a situation where defense against combat swimmers is necessary. The
Damba is similar to the BM-21-1, but uses a more up-to-date launcher and sights,
and almost exclusively fires a special concussion round called the PRS-60, which
has enhanced blast effects and virtually no minimum range and a very short
range. It uses a Ural-4320 tuck chassis and as stated above, uses a 40-round
launcher with a ballistic computer and laser sight.
A-215 Grad-M
This variant is
normally employed by smaller ships or boats, and is essentially a lightened
version of the BM-21-1 without a chassis, but mounted directly on the deck. The
A-215 has no chassis or movement factors, but can be rotated an amount depending
on the ship. The A-215 uses a fire control panel and equipment which the ship on
which it is mounted; the stats below are for an average shipboard installation.
9K215 Grad-G
This is the new
Russian version of the Grad, introduced in the late 2000s. It is an advanced
version, equipped with a long-range laser rangefinder for direct-fire missions,
an advanced ballistic computer, extra radios to take coordinates from FIST teams
and aircraft, a GLONASS system including a mapping module, and a self-surveying
system. The Grad-G has an automatic aiming system; the gunner inputs coordinates
using the mapping system and the fire control computer lays the correct
elevation and deflection, and the right dope on the fuzes of certain rounds that
require certain fuze setting on a given round.
The Grad-G has the Russian equivalent of a BMS, along with a vehicle
state computer, displaying to the appropriate information to a given crewmember
on LCD screens. A stabilizer is generally deployed just ahead of the rear wheels
on each side. If set for reloading, the launcher may be set to tilt to an
optimal angle and lowers itself for
hand-reloading, or the Grad-G may be rearmed by a special reloading vehicle that
uses a crane to remove the expended pack, then mount a new pack.
Neither the MRL crew nor the reloading vehicle crew need to leave the cab
to perform a reloading operation. The cab is lightly armored with aluminum on
the outside and Kevlar panels on the inside.
The Grad-G is mounted on a KamAZ-5350 medium truck chassis which is
lighter than most Russian trucks.
The base chassis has a 360-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine, with an
automatic transmission, power/antilock brakes, and power steering.
The drive is 6x6 and the tires are run-flat and puncture resistant, and
the vehicle has central tire pressure regulation.
An unusual feature of the cab is a sleeping berth at the rear of the cab,
with a space for crew equipment in front of that.
The Russians are
considering replacing/upgrading their entire 122mm rocket inventory with
INS/GPS-guided missiles. It is
generally regarded by arms experts, however, that they will never manage to do
so because of cost. The 9K215 would
be the launcher for these missiles.
Twilight 2000
Notes: The BM-21 was in use by some 50 countries during the Twilight War,
perhaps being the most common artillery piece of the war.
Merc 2000 Notes:
Plentiful and cheap, the Grad could be found almost everywhere in the world.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological* |
BM-21 |
$172,103 |
G, A |
557 kg |
13.71 tons |
6 |
13 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
BM-21-1 |
$172,130 |
G, A |
559 kg |
14.9 tons |
6 |
25 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
2B17 |
$189,271 |
G, A |
484 kg |
14.78 tons |
5 |
16 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
9P148 |
$155,749 |
G, A |
398 kg |
13.91 tons |
3 |
15 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
BM-21V |
$61,317 |
G, A |
250 kg |
5.44 tons |
2 |
7 |
Headlights |
Open |
9A51 |
$222,468 |
G, A |
527 kg |
17.59 tons |
5 |
15 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
BM-21PD |
$189,271 |
G, A |
484 kg |
14.78 tons |
5 |
15 |
Headlights |
Enclosed |
A-215 |
$112,812 |
NA |
NA |
5.9 tons |
3 |
7 |
NA |
Special** |
9K215 |
$399,501 |
D, A |
493 kg |
11.58 tons |
3 |
13 |
2nd
Gen Thermal Imaging (G), 2nd Gen Image Intensification (G),
Long-Range Day/Night CCD Camera (G, C), Backup Camera (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr
Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
BM-21 |
92/46 |
26/13 |
360 |
57 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
BM-21-1 |
108/54 |
30/15 |
320 |
79 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
2B17 |
109/54 |
30/15 |
320 |
79 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
9P148 |
100/50 |
28/14 |
90 |
66 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
BM-21V |
169/87 |
47/24 |
210 |
53 |
Trtd |
W(2) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
9A51 |
97/49 |
27/14 |
320 |
79 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
BM-21PD |
109/54 |
30/15 |
320 |
79 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF1 HS1
HR1 |
A-215 |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
NA |
TF1
TS1 TR1 |
9K215 |
226/114 |
63/32 |
400 |
133 |
Trtd |
W(3) |
TF1
TS1 TR1
HF3 HS3
HR3* |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
BM-21 |
None |
None |
40-Round 122mm
Grad Rocket Launcher |
40x122mm Grad
Rockets |
BM-21-1 |
None |
None |
40-Round 122mm
Grad Rocket Launcher |
40x122mm Grad
Rockets |
2B17 |
+1 |
None |
40-Round 122mm
Grad Rocket Launcher |
40x122mm Grad
Rockets |
9P148 |
None |
None |
36-Round 122mm
Grad Rocket Launcher |
36x122mm Grad
Rockets |
BM-21V |
None |
None |
12-Round 122mm
Grad Rocket Launcher |
12x122mm Grad
Rockets |
9A51 |
+1 |
None |
50-Round 122mm
Grad Rocket Launcher |
50x122mm Grad
Rockets |
BM-21PD |
+2 |
None |
40-round 122mm
DP-62 Rocket Launcher |
40xGrad DP-62
Rockets |
A-215 |
+3 |
None |
22-Round 122mm
Grad Rocket Launcher |
22x122mm Grad
Rockets |
9K215 |
+4 |
None |
40-Round 122mm
Grad Rocket Launcher |
40x122mm Grad
Rockets |
9K52 Luna-M (FROG-7)
Notes:
Known in the West as the FROG (Free Rocket Over Ground-7, or FROG-7b),
this is a large artillery rocket that looks more like a small missile, but is in
fact an unguided rocket. Accuracy
is very poor with these weapons (-2 to skill rolls).
Though this weapon was largely replaced in Russia by the SS-21 tactical
missile, it is still used by Afghanistan, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cuba,
Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Iraq, North Korea, Libya, Poland, Romania, Syria, Yemen,
and Yugoslavia. The Luna is still
being used in combat, most recently in the Syrian Civil War in just the last few
months. The Iraqis used them by the
dozens in the Iran-Iraq war, and it is possible that 3ID’s TOC was the recipient
of a Luna warhead. Again, dozens
were fired by Serb forces into Croatia and Bosnia during the Yugoslavian Civil
War. Syrian forces also used them against Israeli airfields and settlements
during the Yom Kippur War. Six of
an earlier form of the Luna-M were part of the Soviet contingent on Cuba during
the Cuban Missile crisis, and these were tipped with 150kt nuclear warheads. The
Soviets distributed them liberally through satellite states, and these were
later sold even more liberally throughout the world. The Luna first entered
service in Russia in 1964.
The Luna
is capable of carrying nuclear warheads, but these will not be dealt with here
or in the Artillery Rockets section, and the HE, HE-FRAG, CHEM, and DPICM
warheads are much more common. Several user countries have developed improved or
otherwise modified versions of the Luna; most of these sacrifice warhead weight
for increased weight of fuel. When
on the launcher, the Luna can be depressed to +10 degrees, elevated almost
straight up, but has traverse of only 4 degrees in either direction.
The rocket is
carried on a Zil-135 heavy truck chassis modified as a TEL, with the Luna almost
completely filling the cargo area, and with the end extending over the cab.
The vehicle is deliberately underpowered, as transportation of the Luna
is not supposed to be a fast-moving affair. However, the engine is a diesel
engine instead of a gas engine, and the Zil-135 in this role has only one
engine. A resupply vehicle exists, based on the same Zil-135 chassis; this
vehicle has cranes for transferring the rockets, and carries 3 rockets in
special racks. In both cases, the
crews do not need to leave the cab to accomplish the reloading procedure.
Reloading can take up to 30 minutes depending on the situation.
The launch vehicle is open on top, though it does have front, side, and
rear armor for the cab; it has no NBC protection.
The gunners normally set the rocket for a proper launch before they leave
the vehicle, then retreat with a launcher box on a 50-meter cable.
The launch is so violent that the TEL vehicle is only good for 45
launches, and is considered too damaged to serve as a TEL aster that time.
The Luna TEL is
generally followed by 1-3 reloading vehicles, an FDC based on a GAZ-66, and a
vehicle with a D-Band RMS long-range meteorological radar known to the West as
END TRAY.
Twilight 2000
Notes: Some of these missiles were also used during the Twilight War by Category
3 and Mobilization-Only units.
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
|
$1,863,146 |
G, A |
600 kg |
23 tons |
4 |
18 |
Headlights |
Open |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
57/29 |
16/8 |
768 |
31 |
Trtd |
W(4) |
TF1 TS1
TR1 HF2
HS2 HR2* |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
None |
None |
550mm Luna-M Launcher |
1xLuna-M Rocket |
*The top of the cab has no roof and has AV0.
TOS-1 Sointsepyok
Notes: The TOS-1 Sointsepyok (Blazing Sun or sometimes Sunheat) consists of an
armored launch structure mounted on a highly modified T-72 tank chassis.
The Russians refer to the TOS-1 and TOS-1A as “assault tanks.” The
vehicle was designed to provide a well-protected fire support capability to
highly mobile tank and motorized infantry divisions. Unlike most MRLs, the TOS-1
is designed primarily for direct or short-range fire.
Current users include Algeria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iraq, Kazakhstan,
Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Syria, In addition, one is known to be used by the
pro-Russian insurgents (who everybody knows are actually Russian Army) forces.
Most of these are the improved TOS1A; the TOS-1 was not produced in great
numbers and has a short service life.
They were first combat-tested in Afghanistan after the Russian invasion
in the 1980s; they have also been used in Chechnya and Syria. The Iraqi Army
also used them in the recapture Jurf Al Sakhar from ISIS forces in 2014, and
again near Mosul in 2017. Russian troops have nicknamed the TOS-1 the
“Buratino,” referring Pinocchio’s nose and the forward-extended turret of the
TOS-1.
TOS-1 and 1A
troops are also equipped with personal weapons: Three AK-74s, one RPKS-74, three
RPG-26 rocket launchers or one RPG-7 and three reloads, and ten F-1 hand
grenades.
TOS-1
The TOS-1 is
intended for the direct support of advancing friendly forces to cripple enemy
vehicles and strongpoints, and kill infantry in the open.
The rockets normally fired by the TOS-1 are thermobaric-warhead rockets,
but there are also WP rockets for the TOS-1.
A salvo by a TOS-1 is capable of causing an incredible amount of damage
to all but heavily-armored targets.
The rockets have a short range; with standard ammunition, only 3500 meters.
Rockets may be fired singly, doubly, or in any other combination.
A full salvo may be set to fire in 7.5 or 15 seconds.
Reloading is done with a TOS-1-specific reloading vehicle, the TZM, which
looks very much like the TOS-1 but has different equipment.
Fire control is modern, with a sophisticated fire control computer and a
laser rangefinder. Rockets are
220mm. and fairly long, but most of the length is warhead.
Most targets of the TOS-1 are within sight of the vehicle and therefore
direct-fire or direct-lay targets.
The TOS-1 can be depressed to zero degrees or up to 70 degrees, and can be
rotated up to 90 degrees from front in either direction.
The TOS-1 is
mounted on a modified T-72 chassis, which has mostly the same specifications but
is equipped with a wider turret opening, a different basket, and a different
setup for its crew. It has the same 840-horsepower engine, and the TOS-1’s
weight is about the same as the T-72, so performance is similar.
The T-72 chassis retains the armor of a T-72 and the self-entrenching
blade. The driver is in the front
center, the commander is to the left of him, and the gunner in the modified
turret basket under the launcher. He has special downlinked sights to gather
fire control information, and the commander has a special sight to allow him to
observe the vehicle’s fire day or night which are better than simple vision
blocks and do not require the commander to put his head outside of the launcher.
The commander is also seated in a rotating cupola, which is
manually-rotating and sights rotate with him.
The driver also has a night vision device.
The TOS-1 has NBC Overpressure and air conditioning/heating. The TOS-1 is
equipped with inertial navigation.
That said, the
TOS-1 was never produced in quantity and is out of service in Russia, replaced
by the improved TOS-1A,
TOS-1A
This improved
version of the TOS-1 entered Russian service in 2001, and is also in the
inventories of Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
(The Saudis are locally-producing the TOS-1A under license.)
One has also been observed among Russian “separatists” in Eastern
Ukraine, though it’s actual use is only rumored.
The TOS-1A uses different, longer rockets than the TOS-1, and the
thermobaric version of these rockets are said to have a greater punch against
armored vehicles than those of the TOS-1.
The TOS-1A can, however, fire the rockets of the TOS-1, and some of this
kind of use has been seen in Chechnya and Syria to expend old stocks of TOS-1
rockets. (The TOS-1, however,
cannot fire TOS-1A rockets.) The minimum range of TOS-1A rockets is greater, but
the maximum range is also extended. The TOS-1A can fire rockets singly, in pair,
or groups like the TOS-1, or a full devastating salvo of 24 in six seconds.
The thermobaric rockets fired from a TOS-1A are said by Popular
Mechanics are said to be able to “incinerate eight city blocks.” A new
thermobaric round further increases the maximum range by 40%, decreasing the
TOS-1A’s vulnerability to ATGM. (Unfortunately, the new round also has an a
greatly-increased minimum range.)
Despite the fact
that the number of launcher tubes has been reduced to 24 (from 30), the TOS-1A’s
weight is greater than that of the TOS-1, due to the use of a T-72A chassis and
better armor on the launcher.
The TOS-1A is
accompanied by a group of associated vehicles. Similar to those of the TOS-1,
but the TZM reload vehicle has been replaced by the TZM-T reload vehicle,
modified from the TZM specifically for reloading the TOS-1A.
A KamAZ-6350-based truck-mounted reload system has also been devised to
reload the TOS-1A, though I have not been able to find out any details on this
truck-mounted reloader.
The TOS-1A is
equipped with GLONASS, inertial navigation, a mapping computer, a
Russian-compatible BMS, and a vehicle state computer, with this information
being fed to the appropriate crewmembers via LCD panels.
The vehicle has air conditioning, a heater, and NBC Overpressure.
Though the prime
chassis for the TOS-1A appears to be the T-72A chassis, at least one prototype
used the T-80U chassis, and I have statted this below.
Twilight 2000
Notes: This new Russian multiple rocket launcher was first spotted by US Army
Ranger reconnaissance teams operating in central Iran in 1997.
Subsequent sightings were made in Poland, Latvia, the Ukraine,
Czechoslovakia, and Romania in subsequent months and years.
These were the TOS-1 version for the most part (in the Twilight 2000
v2.2 timeline, the TOS-1 went into LRIP), but a very few (no more than five)
TOS-1As have also been seen on the battlefields of Europe and the Sino-Russian
border.
Merc 2000 Notes:
These vehicles were a favorite of dictators throughout the Russian sphere of
influence.
Vehicle |
Price |
Fuel Type |
Load |
Veh Wt |
Crew |
Mnt |
Night Vision |
Radiological |
TOS-1 |
$517,382 |
D, A |
288 kg |
42 tons |
3 |
21 |
Passive IR (D), Image Intensification (G, C), Thermal Imaging (G) |
Shielded |
TOS-1A |
$762,312 |
D, A |
237 kg |
44.43 tons |
3 |
29 |
Image Intensification (D, G, C), Thermal Imaging (G), Backup Camera (D) |
Shielded |
TOS-1A (T-80U Chassis) |
$793,986 |
D, A |
235 kg |
46 tons |
3 |
30 |
Image Intensification (D, G, C), Thermal Imaging (G), Backup Camera (D) |
Shielded |
Vehicle |
Tr Mov |
Com Mov |
Fuel Cap |
Fuel Cons |
Config |
Susp |
Armor |
TOS-1 |
142/100 |
39/28 |
1000+400 |
311 |
Trtd |
T6 |
TF8 TS10
TR8
HF130Cp
HS20Sp HR12 |
TOS-1A |
136/95 |
38/26 |
1000+400 |
311 |
Trtd |
T6 |
TS12
TF14 TS12
HF140Cp HS22Sp
HR12** |
TOS-1A (T-80U Chassis) |
183/128 |
51/36 |
1100+740 |
557 |
Trtd |
T6 |
TS12
TF14 TS12
HF138Cp HS21Sp
HR14 |
Vehicle |
Fire Control |
Stabilization |
Armament |
Ammunition |
TOS-1 |
+2 |
None |
30-round 220mm TOS-1 Rocket Launcher |
30x220mm TOS-1 Rockets |
TOS-1A |
+4 |
None |
24-Round 220mm TOS-1A Rocket Launcher |
24x220mm TOS-1 or TOS-1A Rockets |