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.

 

Vehicle

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

 

NII 303 BU32 (BM-14)

     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

 

Splav BM-21 Grad

     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.

Price

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