"Smerch" (RSZO): performance characteristics and photo of the multiple launch rocket system. Multiple launch rocket system "Smerch"

Soviet and Russian jet system volley fire caliber 300 mm.

History of creation

The Smerch multiple launch rocket system was created in the USSR by specialists from TulgosNIItochmash (then NPO Splav, and now FSUE State Scientific and Production Enterprise Splav, Tula), as well as related enterprises. Before its development in 1990 by China, the WS-1 was the longest-range system.

The artillery unit is mounted on a modified MAZ-79111 or MAZ-543M truck chassis. For India, a variant of the combat vehicle was developed based on the Tatra 816 6ZVR8T10x10.1 R/41T off-road truck.

Preparing the Smerch for battle after receiving target designation takes three minutes; a full salvo is fired within 38 seconds. After firing, the battery is ready to march in one minute, which allows you to quickly escape from the enemy's retaliatory strike.

Ammunition

-9M55K

300-mm rocket with a 9N139 cassette warhead with 9N235 fragmentation warheads. Contains 72 combat elements (BE), carrying 6912 ready-made heavy fragments designed to destroy unarmored vehicles, and 25920 ready-made light fragments intended to destroy enemy personnel in places where they are concentrated; in total - up to 32832 fragments.

The affected area of the element is 300-1100 m2. Armor penetration at a distance of 10 m is 5-7 mm, at a distance of 100 m - 1-3 mm. 16 shells contain 525,312 finished fragments. Most effective in open areas, steppes and deserts. Serial production of 9M55K (and 9M55K-IN - with BE inert equipment) began in 1987. Delivered to Algeria and India.

-9M55K1

A rocket with a 9N142 cluster warhead (KGCh) with self-aiming combat elements (SPBE). The cassette warhead carries 5 SPBE "Motiv-3M" (9N349), equipped with dual-band infrared coordinators that search for the target at an angle of 30 degrees. Each of them can penetrate at an angle of 30 degrees. from a height of 100 meters, 70 mm armor. Suitable for use in open areas, steppes and deserts; use in forests is almost impossible; operation in the city is difficult. Designed to destroy groups of armored vehicles and tanks from above. Tests completed in 1994 and accepted in 1996. By order of the Minister of Defense No. 372 of October 13, 1996, the 9M55K1 projectile was put into service Russian army. Delivered to Algeria.

A rocket with a KGC 9N539 for anti-tank mining of terrain. Each projectile contains 25 anti-tank mines "PTM-3" with an electronic proximity fuse, in just one salvo of the installation there are 300 anti-tank mines. Designed for operational remote placement of anti-tank minefields in front of enemy military equipment units located at the attack line, or in the area where they are accumulated.

-9M55K5

A rocket with a KGC 9N176 with cumulative fragmentation combat elements (KOBE). The cassette warhead contains 646 combat elements with a length of 118 mm, or 588 elements with a length of 128 mm, weighing 240 g each, and having a cylindrical shape. Elements with a length of 118 mm are capable of normally penetrating up to 120 mm of homogeneous armor, and elements with a length of 128 mm can penetrate up to 160 mm. Maximum effective against motorized infantry on the march, located in armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. A total of 12 shells contain 7752 or 7056 combat elements. Designed to defeat open and covered manpower and lightly armored military equipment.

A rocket with a detachable high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Designed to destroy manpower, unarmored and lightly armored military equipment in places where they are concentrated, to destroy command posts, communication centers and infrastructure facilities. It was adopted by the Russian Army in 1992, and has been in mass production since 1999. Delivered to India.

-9M55S

Missile with thermobaric warhead 9M216 "Excitement". The explosion of one shell creates a thermal field with a diameter of at least 25 m (depending on the terrain). The field temperature is over +1000 degrees C, the lifetime is at least 1.4 s.

Designed to destroy manpower, open and hidden in fortifications open type and objects of unarmored and lightly armored military equipment. It is most effective in the steppe and desert, in a city located on non-hilly terrain. Testing of the ammunition was completed in 2004. By Order of the President of the Russian Federation No. 1288 of October 7, 2004, the 9M55S was adopted by the Russian Army.

-9M528

A rocket with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Contact fuse, instant and delayed action. Designed to destroy manpower, unarmored and lightly armored military equipment in places where they are concentrated, destroying command posts, communication centers and infrastructure facilities.

Experienced missile with small reconnaissance drone aircraft(UAV) type "Tipchak".

Designed to conduct operational reconnaissance of targets within twenty minutes. In the target area, the UAV descends by parachute, scanning the situation and transmitting information on the coordinates of reconnaissance targets to the control complex at a distance of up to 70 km, for quickly making a decision to destroy the reconnaissance object.

Ammunition developments

Minimum range 40 km, maximum range 120 km. Length 7600 mm, total mass 820 kg, warhead weight 150 kg, explosive weight 70 kg, loaded with 500 pieces of finished fragments weighing 50 g.

Options

The long-range multiple launch rocket system is designed to hit almost any group targets at long range. Due to its range and efficiency, the 9K58 MLRS is close to tactical missile systems. The accuracy of the complex is close to that of artillery pieces. The hit accuracy is 2-3 times higher than analogues. A salvo from a battery of six combat vehicles is quite capable of stopping the advance motorized rifle division.

The firing range increased from 70 to 90 km, the combat crew decreased from four to three people, automation of the system increased, in particular, topographical mapping began to occur in automatic mode via satellite systems. Adopted into service in 1989. The affected area is 67.2 hectares. Preparation time for a salvo is 3 minutes, reloading time is 13 minutes.

It was shown for the first time at the MAKS-2007 aviation and space salon. prototype combat vehicle 9A52-4 with a six-barrel package of guides as part of an artillery unit mounted on the basis of a four-axle all-wheel drive chassis of the KAMAZ family. The use of such a system allows dispersed crews to conduct coordinated fire. Main goal modernization - increase the mobility of the complex by reducing weight and dimensions. It is expected that this will expand export opportunities. A new version of a prototype combat vehicle, as well as a prototype transport-loading vehicle, were shown in 2009 at the REA-2009 arms exhibition in Nizhny Tagil (Sverdlovsk region).

Currently, the Splav enterprise is creating a new generation MLRS - the Tornado. Automation of firing will reach such a level that the installation will be able to leave the position even before the projectile reaches the target. There is no reliable information about it yet, but it is assumed that the Tornado will be able to hit targets both in a salvo and with single high-precision missiles, and in fact, will become a universal tactical missile system.

Combat vehicle options

-9A52

Basic version on MAZ-79111 chassis

-9A52B

Fighting machine automated system 9K58B MLRS formation control

Combat vehicle on the MAZ-543M chassis of the 9K58 MLRS complex

Komandirskaya fighting machine on the MAZ-543M chassis of the modernized 9K58 MLRS complex

Combat vehicle on the Tatra chassis of the modernized 9K58 MLRS complex

-9A52-4

Lightweight MLRS combat vehicle "Kama" on a KamAZ chassis

Transport-charging machines

Transport-loading vehicle BM 9A52 on MAZ-79112 chassis

Transport-loading vehicle BM 9A52-2 on MAZ-543A chassis

Transport-loading vehicle BM 9A52-2T on Tatra chassis

Transport-loading vehicle BM 9A52-4 on a KamAZ chassis

Operating countries

Azerbaijan - 30 units 9A52, as of 2016
-Algeria - 18 9A52 units, as of 2016
-Belarus:
-Ground Forces of the Republic of Belarus - 36 units 9A52, as of 2016
-Collective Defense Troops - 36 9A52 units, as of 2016
-Venezuela - 12 units 9A52, as of 2016
-Georgia - 3 Smerch complexes delivered from Ukraine
-India - 28 units 9A52, as of 2016

Kazakhstan - 6 BM-30 units, as of 2016
-PRC - produces a copy of the MLRS on its own chassis. Information for 2007.
-Kuwait - 27 9A52 units, as of 2016
-UAE - 6 units 9A52, as of 2016
-Peru - according to Motovilikha Plants OJSC, 10 Smerch MLRS were sold. According to other information, 25 MLRS were delivered in 1998 from the Republic of Belarus (possibly re-exported from Russia)
-Russia - 100 units 9A52, as of 2016

Syria - some 9A52, as of 2016
-Turkmenistan - from 6 units 9A52, as of 2016
-Ukraine - 75 units 9A52, as of 2016, a total of 95 Smerch MLRS sold

TTX

Dimensions

Weight without shells and crew, kg: 33,700
-Weight in firing position, kg: 43,700
-Length in stowed position, mm: 12,370 (9A52); 12 100 (9A52-2)
-Width in stowed position, mm: 3050
-Height in stowed position, mm: 3050

Armament

Caliber, mm: 300
-Number of guides: 12
-Minimum firing range, m: 20 thousand.
-Maximum firing range, m: 120 thousand.
-Area affected, m2: 672 thousand.
-Maximum elevation angle, degrees: 55
-Accuracy (dispersion), m: up to 0.3%
- BM calculation, people: 3
-Transfer of the system from traveling to combat position no more than, min.: 3
-Valley time, s no more than: 40
-Time to urgently leave a firing position after a salvo, no more than, min: 2.83

Mobility

Engine type: V-12 diesel D12A-525A
-Engine power, hp: 525
-Maximum speed on the highway, km/h: 60
-Highway range, km: 900
-Wheel formula: 8x8

The Smerch long-range multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is designed to destroy any group targets at distant approaches, the vulnerable elements of which are open and covered manpower, unarmored, lightly armored and armored vehicles of motorized infantry and tank companies, artillery units, tactical missiles, anti-aircraft systems and helicopters in parking lots, destruction of command posts, communications centers and military-industrial structures.

The Smerch MLRS entered service in 1987 and is still rated as the most powerful in the world. The system was developed in the early 80s by the State Research and Production Enterprise "Splav" (Tula) in collaboration with more than 20 other enterprises of the USSR. The design began under the leadership of the general designer of the State Research and Production Enterprise "Splav" - A.N. Ganichev, and ended under the leadership of G.A. Denezhkin.

A number of fundamentally new technical solutions, embodied in the design of this system and the missile, allows us to classify it as a completely new generation of this kind. Having created the MLRS MLRS, the Americans came to the conclusion that a firing range of 30-40 km is the maximum for the MLRS. Its further increase leads to too much dispersion of the projectiles. Developed for the Smerch MLRS rockets have a unique design that ensures hit accuracy 2-3 times higher than that of foreign systems rocket artillery.

MLRS 9K58 "Smerch" due to long range firing and target destruction efficiency is close to tactical missile systems, therefore, along with them, it was tested and put into service in military unit 42202.
In 1989, a modernized model of the 9A52-2 MLRS was released.
Currently, the Smerch MLRS is in service with the armies of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kuwait and the United United Arab Emirates. Representatives of India and China have shown interest in purchasing this system.
The Smerch MLRS includes the following combat weapons:
Combat vehicle (BM) 9K58;
Transport-loading vehicle 9T234-2;
Missiles;
Educational and training means 9F827;
Set of special arsenal equipment and tools 9F819;
Automated fire control system (KSAUO) 9С729М1 "Slepok-1";
Vehicle for topographic survey 1T12-2M;
Radio direction-finding meteorological complex 1B44.

The launcher consists of an artillery unit and a four-axle chassis of a MAZ-543 all-terrain vehicle. The artillery unit is mounted in the rear of the wheeled chassis, and in front there is a driver's cabin (on the left in the direction of travel), an engine and transmission compartment and a crew cabin, which houses radio communications and fire control system equipment.
The MLRS provides combat and operational characteristics at any time of the day and year in the range of surface temperatures from +50 to -50C.

"Smerch" is a weapon of a new quality level; it has no analogues in terms of range and effectiveness of fire, area of destruction of manpower and armored vehicles. If "Grad" covers an area of 4 hectares at a distance of 20 km, "Hurricane" - 29 hectares at a distance of 35 km, MLRS - 33 hectares at a distance of 30 km, then "Smerch" has a fantastic affected area - 67 hectares (672 thousand sq. . m) with a salvo range from 20 to 70 km, in the near future - up to one hundred. Moreover, “Smerch” burns everything, even armored vehicles.

The 300-mm Smerch MLRS projectiles have a classic aerodynamic design and are equipped with an efficient solid fuel engine running on mixed fuel. Distinctive feature projectiles is the presence of a flight control system that corrects the trajectory of movement in pitch and yaw. Due to the use of this system, the hit accuracy of the Smerch was increased by 2 times (does not exceed 0.21% of the salvo range, that is, about 150 m, which brings its accuracy closer to artillery guns.), and the accuracy of fire - by 3 times. Correction is carried out by gas-dynamic rudders driven by gas high pressure from the onboard gas generator. In addition, stabilization of the projectile in flight occurs due to its rotation around the longitudinal axis, provided by preliminary spinning while moving along a tubular guide and supported in flight by installing the blades of the drop-down stabilizer at a certain angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile.

The ammunition includes the following types of shells:
9M55F projectile with a detachable monoblock high-explosive fragmentation warhead;
9M55K projectile with a cassette warhead containing 72 fragmentation-type combat elements;
9M55K1 projectile with a cluster warhead containing five self-aiming ammunition;
9M55K4 projectile with cassette warhead for anti-tank mining of terrain;
9M55K5 projectile with a cassette warhead with cumulative fragmentation warheads;
9M55S projectile with thermobaric warhead;
9M528 projectile with high-explosive fragmentation warhead.

Firing can be carried out with single shells or in a salvo. A full salvo of a combat vehicle is fired in 38 seconds. Projectiles are launched from the cockpit of the combat vehicle or using a remote control. The power of a salvo of three Smerch MLRS installations is equal in effectiveness to the “work” of two brigades armed missile systems 9K79 "Tochka-U". A salvo of one vehicle covers an area of 672 thousand square meters. square meters. A salvo of 12 9M55K missiles with cluster high-explosive fragmentation elements covers an area of 400,000 square meters. m.
It is also characteristic of the Smerch adjustable projectile that out of its 800 kg combat unit is 280 - this is the ideal ratio between the main engine and the destructive elements. The cassette contains 72 rounds of ammunition weighing 2 kg. The angle of their meeting with the target (with the ground, trenches, enemy military equipment) is not like that of a conventional projectile - from 30 to 60 degrees, but due to a special device it is strictly vertical - 90 degrees. The cones of such “meteorites” easily make holes in turrets, the top covering of armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, self-propelled guns where the armor is not very thick, and even the covers of tank transmissions.

Modernization of the BM 9A52-2 in terms of the introduction of combat control and communications equipment (ABUS) and an automated guidance and fire control system (ASUNO) made it possible to additionally provide:
automated high-speed reception (transmission) of information and its protection from unauthorized access, visual display of information on the board and its storage;
autonomous topographical reference and orientation of the vehicle on the ground with display on an electronic map;
automated calculation of firing settings and flight mission data;
aimless guidance of a package of guides without the crew leaving the cockpit.

An important contribution to increasing the combat effectiveness of the Smerch MLRS was made by the Vivarium automated fire control system, developed and produced by the Tomsk production association "Kontur". This system combines several command and staff vehicles at the disposal of the commander and chief of staff of the MLRS brigade, as well as the commanders of divisions (up to three) and batteries (up to eighteen) subordinate to them. Each of these machines, based on the KamAZ-4310 vehicle, has a digital computer E-715-1.1, displays, printing devices, communications equipment and classified communications equipment. The vehicles have autonomous power supply systems in position and in motion.

The equipment of command and staff vehicles of the Vivarium system ensures information exchange with higher, subordinate and interacting control bodies, solves the problems of planning concentrated fire and fire along columns, prepares data for firing, collects and analyzes information on the state of artillery units.

Whose multiple launch rocket systems are better?

On November 19, 1987, the Smerch multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) was put into service. She became the heir to the famous “Katyusha”, which terrified the enemy during the war. Modern installations in terms of firing range and effectiveness of hitting targets are approaching tactical missile weapons.

Glorious past

In the post-war years, work on the creation of multiple rocket launchers was concentrated in the Tula Research Institute of Precision Engineering, now called NPO Splav. A huge breakthrough in this field was made in 1960, when the well-known BM-21 Grad system began to enter service. It turned out to be so successful that the number of systems produced approached 9 thousand.

Installed on the Ural vehicle, it had a firing range from forty guides from 5 km to 40 km with a coverage area of 145 thousand square meters. m. "Grad", which is still in operation, has several types of 122-mm unguided rockets, among whom there are even smoke screen directors.

Over the 28 years of production of the Grad MLRS, several modifications of it were produced, differing both in firing power and in the chassis on which it is installed. The distribution of the system is unique; it is or has been in service with 70 armies around the world. And not only the former Soviet republics, countries of the socialist camp and countries that fought for independence with the active help of the USSR. “Grads” are, for example, in the USA, where they were sold from Romania and Ukraine.

The best in the world

In 1987, Tula residents released the 9K58 Smerch MLRS, thanks to which the idea of the capabilities of multiple rocket launch artillery changed. A salvo from a battery of six such combat vehicles is capable of stopping the advance of a motorized rifle division.

Until 1990, Smerch, capable of hitting targets at a distance of 100 km, was the world's longest-range system. Then the Chinese took the lead, bringing this figure to a fantastic 180 km.

However, the effectiveness of the MLRS consists of many parameters, and in terms of the totality of its advantages, this development of the Tula “Splav” is the best in the world.

Long range is a double-edged sword. The Americans, when creating their own similar systems, during research work established that at a range of over 40 km, the dispersion of projectiles would be too great. But the shells developed for Smerch have a unique design that ensures hit accuracy 2-3 times higher than that of foreign rocket artillery systems.

“Smerch” is not only a device that sends merciless projectiles beyond the horizon. The system includes:

Combat vehicle (BM) 9K58;

Transport-loading vehicle 9T234-2;

Missiles;

Educational and training means 9F827;

Set of special arsenal equipment and tools 9F819;

Automated fire control system (KSAUO) 9S729M1 “Slepok-1”;

Vehicle for topographic survey 1T12-2M;

Radio direction-finding meteorological complex 1B44.

Export modifications of Smerch cost $12.5 million.

The BM has 12 guides that provide salvo fire with 300-mm rockets. One salvo covers an area of 672 thousand square meters. m., i.e. 67 hectares.

In this case, the dispersion does not exceed 0.3% of the range. This is achieved through the operation of the flight control system, which corrects the trajectory in pitch and yaw. Thanks to this, the accuracy of Smerch's hits was increased by 2 times. The deviation does not exceed 150 m, which brings the system closer to artillery guns in terms of accuracy. And the accuracy of fire was increased 3 times. The correction is carried out by gas-dynamic rudders driven by high-pressure gas from the on-board gas generator. Stabilization of the projectile in flight occurs due to its rotation around the longitudinal axis, provided by preliminary rotation while moving along a tubular guide and supported in flight by installing the blades of the drop-down stabilizer at a certain angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile.

Another advantage of projectiles is that they hit the target at right angles to the surface.

The Smerch ammunition includes 7 types of 800-kilogram shells:

9M55K – cluster projectile containing 72 combat elements carrying 6912 heavy and 25920 light fragments;

9M55K1 has 5 self-aiming armor-piercing combat elements equipped with dual-band infrared coordinators;

9M55K4 contains 25 anti-tank mines with an electronic proximity fuse. In one salvo, 300 mines are laid in front of enemy military equipment units located at the attack line;

9M55K5 contains 588 cumulative fragmentation combat elements weighing 240 g and length 128 mm, capable of penetrating 160 mm armor;

9M55F and 9M528 - rockets with a detachable high-explosive fragmentation warhead;

When 9M55S explodes, it creates a thermal field with a diameter of at least 25 m (depending on the terrain) with a temperature of over 1000 degrees for 1.5 seconds.

The most important role is played by parameters such as the time spent on various types of actions by a crew consisting of three people. Which is especially important in conditions of rapid enemy reaction. The system is transferred from traveling to combat position in 3 minutes. A salvo is fired in 38 seconds. And after one minute, the combat vehicle is able to change its location, which allows it to evade the enemy’s return salvo.

In the 90s, units armed with the Smerch systems began to be equipped with the Vivarium automated fire control system, developed by Tomsk PA Kontur. The system combines several command and staff vehicles at the disposal of the commander and chief of staff of the MLRS brigade, as well as the commanders of divisions (up to three) and batteries (up to eighteen) subordinate to them. The equipment of command and staff vehicles of the Vivarium system ensures information exchange with higher, subordinate and interacting control bodies, solves the problems of planning concentrated fire and fire along columns, prepares data for firing, collects and analyzes information on the state of artillery units.

“Smerch” is not the latest Russian MLRS. At the moment, the armament of artillery units has begun with the first Tornado systems developed at NPO Splav. It fires forty 122mm rockets in one salvo and has the same range as the Smerch. At the same time, this is a deep modernization of the Grad MLRS. The main advantage of the Tornado is its increased maneuverability and rate of fire. It takes 30 seconds to prepare to fire, 20 seconds to fire a salvo, and 30 seconds to leave a position.

Ranged fire-breathing dragon

China now ranks second in terms of MLRS sophistication. This country is armed with almost a dozen systems, created both independently and copied from samples purchased from Russia. In particular, the Chinese A-100 resembles our Smerch. But there is a noticeable difference. For example, the firing range is shorter. And it takes almost 3 times more time to prepare for shooting, to fire a salvo, and to leave a position.

Chinese MLRS A-100

The Chinese are much better at producing their own systems, which are produced by an aerospace corporation in Sichuan. Its parameters latest system WS-3, created in 2010, is impressive. In one salvo, it fires six 400-mm shells at a distance of 70 km to 200 km. At the same time, their trajectory is corrected using GPS, so the deviation from the target does not exceed 50 m.

However, the fascination with range had a bad effect on the lethality of missiles. Due to the installation of a powerful engine and a large volume of fuel, the warhead did not have much mass. If the 300-mm Smerch missiles have 280-kg warheads, then the WS-3 has 200 kg. And there are only 6 of them in a salvo, not 12. The disadvantages of this MLRS include small quantity There are three types of missiles: high-explosive, cluster and volumetric explosion.

On Damansky Island, during the conflict with the Chinese invaders, it was tested for the first time new system multiple rocket launcher "Grad", the use of which served as the beginning of peace negotiations. A salvo of this weapon completely destroyed enemy troops in a square of 7 x 10 kilometers.

This formidable weapon, which is the prototype of the legendary Katyushas, is called a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). It includes several types, the most powerful of which is the Smerch rocket launcher, the characteristics of which make NATO hawks think twice about an attack on Russia.

It has no analogues in the world, and has become the crown of evolution of this formidable weapon.

History of the creation of the Smerch multiple launch rocket system

The use of gunpowder for flight has a long history. In the Middle Ages, the Chinese used rocket arrows. At first they were launched from a bow. Later they used the device - a prototype launcher.

The creation of jet technology in Russia arose at the beginning of the 19th century. A rocket technology laboratory was created in Moscow, one of the first developments of which was an illumination rocket, adopted for service in 1717. A lighting element was placed in the upper part. In flight, he scattered luminous stars to the sides.

The first combat missiles appeared in the 20s of the 19th century. The head section contained either an incendiary mixture or an explosive grenade. Wooden “tails” were used to stabilize the flight. They were intended for shelling siege fortresses.

The firing range of such a missile was up to 2700 m. This option was used during the war with Turkey in 1828, during the siege of the fortress.

The Russian scientist Konstantinov created missiles with a flight distance of over 4000 m, the use of which was planned for submarines of that time. The launchers were attached to the sides of the boat.

In the 2nd half of the 19th century, the development of rocket artillery stopped due to the spread of rifled weapons and cannon systems, which were superior in accuracy and range.

With the advent of pyroxylin powder, which was superior in properties to smoke, rocket artillery received a new round of development.

In 1919 the year scientist N.I. Tikhomirov proposed a project for a torpedo missile;
In 1928 the first Soviet rocket using pyroxylin gunpowder was tested;
In 1933 The Scientific Research Institute of Jet Technology was formed, which began the era of rocket science.

The first missiles that were put into production and adopted into aviation were the RS-82 and RS-132. The numbers indicate the diameter of the projectile in mm.

Testing of the shells continued until 1933. In 1938 they were put into service. Since 1938, one of the main directions has been the creation of field multiple launch rocket artillery.

Initially, the designers proposed an individual anti-aircraft launcher.

However, the starting systems were finally decided to be installed in rows on the vehicle.

As a result, the analogue of this option - the well-known Katyusha rocket mortar - finally got a start in life.

The launcher structure was placed on a ZIS-6 truck. In 1941, it was put into service and immediately used on the war fronts. The index system received BM-13.

BM-13 Katyusha system

During World War 2, new look artillery loudly announced itself. She became an integral part of the troops. During the Battle of Berlin, 219 Katyusha divisions, or over 2,500 multiple launch rocket systems, were used.

However, a number of additionally developed post-war modifications had a significant drawback - a short firing range. The task was to create more powerful systems with a larger range. The task was completed. The firing range of Smerch is above 120 km.

In the early 50s, the Grad system was developed. Today it is the most widespread installation in the world, in service in many countries. In terms of efficiency, ease of manufacture, parameters and low price, it still has no equal. Price MLRS Smerch more expensive than the BM-21, but the damage to the enemy caused by the new generation rocket launcher is much higher than previous systems.

In the 70s of the last century, the third generation system 9K57 “Hurricane” (Grad-3), 220 mm caliber, was created. Production of the modification began in 1975.

The Smerch combat systems replaced the existing Grad and Hurricane systems. They were developed in the early 80s at the Tula enterprise "Splav". For comparison, 2 Smerch installations hit an area that would require an entire regiment of the legendary Katyushas.

Initially, the Smerch system was created as a weapon that was in the reserve of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. His task is to engage in battle only at the most decisive moments of the battle.

Having received the target coordinates from the satellite to the on-board computer, the system delivers a high-precision strike, covering an area of 70 hectares in one salvo. Before the enemy discovers where the salvo was fired from, the crew changes its location.

Tactical and technical characteristics (performance characteristics of the MLRS Smerch)

Thanks to the designers, the Smerch complex has superior characteristics for destroying manpower known species similar foreign and domestic weapons.

TTX multiple launch rocket system Smerch

Rocket launcher design

Main elements of the system

Ammunition device

The most important element of the complex is the projectile.

Structurally, it can be divided into 2 parts:

combat;
motor part, with a stabilization device.

The engine housing contains powder charge to create jet thrust. The head part contains a projectile with a contact fuse, a detonator and an explosive.

A special feature of modern military rockets is their detonation system. Each Smerch missile is equipped with an emitter, which, when approaching a target, determines the distance, and at a certain distance (5-20 m) an electronic fuse detonates the warhead.

The force of the explosion and the fragments are directed downward, which makes it possible to “cover” most of the area and guarantee the destruction of enemy personnel in the trenches.

When launched, the projectile spins along guides in the launch barrel. Then the stabilizers open, which have a curved appearance to maintain rotation in flight, which increases stability and accuracy of hits.

Types and description of missiles

A general drawing of the ammunition is shown in the figure.

The complex includes the following types ammunition.

Projectile type	Brief description	Performance characteristics of the projectile
	Cassette warhead (MC) of a projectile. Fragmentation combat elements 9N235	Number of combat elements - 72; Defeat of manpower: Shards: 96 pcs. 4.5 g/360 pcs. 0.75 g each;
	Self-aiming combat elements 9N142	Number of combat elements - 5 Defeat of armored vehicles: Armor penetration 70 mm; Firing radius, max/min (km) - 70/20
	Cassette warhead of the projectile. Combat elements anti-tank mines	Projectile/warhead mass (kg) - 800/243 Number of combat elements - 25 Anti-tank mining: Firing radius, max/min (km) - 70/20
	Cassette warhead of the projectile. Cumulative-fragmentation combat elements	Projectile/warhead mass (kg) - 800/243; Number of combat elements - 646 (588) Defeat of armored infantry: Armor penetration: 120 (160) mm; Firing radius, max/min (km) - 70/20
	High-explosive, detachable head of the projectile.	Projectile/warhead mass (kg) - 810/258 Shards: 1100 pcs. 50 g each; Firing radius, max/min (km) - 70/20
	Thermobaric warhead of the projectile.	Projectile/warhead mass (kg) - 800/243 Damage to manpower by temperature: Diameter with T>+1000 °C: 25 m; Duration: 1.44 s; Firing radius, max/min (km) - 70/20
	High-explosive fragmentation head of the projectile.	Projectile/warhead mass (kg) - 815/258 Destruction of infrastructure and equipment: Shards: 800 pcs. 50 g each;
	Projectile with small reconnaissance aircraft	Projectile/warhead mass (kg) - 815/243; UAV viewing area - up to 25 sq. km; Information transmission range - 70 km; Firing radius, max/min (km) - 90/25
	Cassette / High-explosive fragmentation warhead.	Projectile/warhead mass (kg) - 820/150; Destruction of infrastructure and equipment; Defeat of manpower; Firing radius, max/min (km) - 120/40

Development of new missiles

Today, at the SPLAV enterprise in Tula, work continues to modernize combat systems in the areas of accuracy and firing range. The accuracy of missile guidance is achieved by installing a control unit that uses a satellite guidance system.

Also, in parallel, work is underway to increase the maneuverability of the projectile with the help of aerodynamic rudders, which make it possible to adjust the flight and direction to the target under the control of the ProNav computer. The implementation of this project will increase accuracy to 10 m.

In order to increase the flight radius, work is being done to reduce weight and use a fundamentally new type of engine with a different aerodynamic design. It consists of a solid propellant booster, separated during flight, and a ramjet engine (ramjet engine).

Modifications of missile systems

The Smerch family of combat systems includes three main types of modifications:

9K58 based on MAZ-543M. This is a classic 12-barrel version of the system;
MLRS "Kama" 9K58 based on a KAMAZ vehicle. This is a 6-barrel version. Designed to be lighter, smaller and more portable;
9K515 "Tornado-S". The complex represents a deep modernization of the Smerch system. It embodies all the ideas for increasing range and upgrading the engine described above. The range has been increased to 120 km, with the prospect of increasing to 200 km. The projectile's flight is equipped with a satellite guidance system with flight correction. Rolling time - 1 minute, crew - 3 people.

Combat chassis options

Type	Description of the complex
9A52B	Combat vehicle of the structure for automated control of MLRS parts 9K58B
9A52-2	9K58 MLRS complex based on MAZ-543M
9A52-2T	Combat complex Smerch on the Tatra chassis of the 9K58 MLRS system
9A52-4	Lightweight version of the Kama MLRS system based on KamAZ
9A52-2K	9K58 MLRS complex based on MAZ-543M, modernized command version
9A52	Basic version based on the MAZ-79111 vehicle
9A53	Complex "Uragan-1M", MLRS 9K512
9A54	New system 9K515 "Tornado-S"

Transport-charging machines

To store, equip launchers and transport ammunition of the Smerch system, special auxiliary equipment is used.

List of charging equipment:

View	Chassis type	TZM type
9T234	MAZ-79112	BM 9A52
9Т234-2	MAZ-543A	BM 9A52-2
9T234-2T	Tatra	BM 9A52-2
9T234-4	KamAZ	BM 9A52-4
9T255		BM 9A54

Military equipment Smerch in service with different countries

Country	Quantity
Russia	100
Armenia	A certain amount
Algeria	18
Azerbaijan	30
Venezuela	12
Belarus	72
Kazakhstan	6
Georgia	3
India	28
Kuwait	27
China	Produces a copy
UAE	6
Syria	A certain amount
Peru	10
Ukraine	75
Turkmenistan	6

Photos of combat shooting

Firing of Smerch launchers

Documentary video about MLRS

Multiple launch rocket system MLRS 9K58 "Smerch" The "Smerch" system is rated as the most powerful MLRS in the world. Its purpose is to destroy manpower, military equipment, fortifications and command and control posts at ranges from 20 to 70 km. The system was developed in the early 80s by the State Research and Production Enterprise "Splav" in collaboration with more than 20 other enterprises of the USSR and put into service in 1987 Soviet Army. Currently, the Smerch MLRS is in service with the armies of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Representatives of India and China have shown interest in purchasing this system.

The emergence of the Smerch system was due to new requirements imposed in modern conditions conducting combat operations to systems of this type. Unlike its predecessors "Grad" and "Uragan", the "Smerch" system allows for three times more accurate strikes at a distance of up to 70 km. For comparison, “Grad” can strike at a distance of up to 20 km, while “Hurricane”, although it covers significantly large area has a maximum range of 35 km. The use of a number of innovative technical solutions in the design of the new missile and the launcher itself made it possible to make the system one of the best in the world.
The 9K58 Smerch MLRS includes a 9A52-2 launcher, 300-mm rockets, a fire control system, a 9T234-2 transport-loading vehicle, training facilities and a set of arsenal equipment.

The launcher consists of an artillery unit and a four-axle chassis of the MAZ-543M all-terrain vehicle. The layout is classic. The artillery unit is mounted in the rear of the wheeled chassis, and in front are the driver's cabin (to the left in the direction of travel), the engine and transmission compartment and the crew cabin, in which radio communications and fire control system equipment are mounted.

The artillery unit includes a package of 12 tubular guides, a rotating base, lifting, rotating and balancing mechanisms, sighting devices, an electric drive and auxiliary equipment.

The guides are smooth-walled pipes equipped with a screw U-shaped groove for spinning up rockets. With the help of power-driven guidance mechanisms, the guide package can be aimed in the vertical plane in the angle range from 0° to +55°. The horizontal firing angle is 60° (30° to the left and to the right of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle).

Hydraulic supports are mounted between the wheels of the third and fourth axles, on which the rear part of the launcher is hung to increase its stability when firing.

The rockets developed by SNPP Splav for the Smerch MLRS have a unique design that ensures a hit accuracy that is 2-3 times higher than that of foreign rocket artillery systems. For this purpose, the projectiles are equipped with a flight control system that corrects the trajectory of movement in pitch and yaw. The correction is carried out by gas-dynamic rudders driven by high-pressure gas from the on-board gas generator. In addition, stabilization of the projectile in flight occurs due to its rotation around the longitudinal axis, provided by preliminary spinning while moving along a tubular guide and supported in flight by installing the blades of the drop-down stabilizer at a certain angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. When firing in one gulp, the dispersion of projectiles of this design does not exceed 0.21% of the firing range.

300-mm Smerch MLRS shells are equipped with solid fuel jet engine running on mixed fuel, they have a length of 7.6 m and a weight of 800 kg. The weight of the head part is 280 kg. It can be monoblock or cassette. The following types of projectiles are available:
high-explosive fragmentation projectile 9M55F with a monoblock warhead (the weight of the explosive is 92.5 kg; the projectile is used to destroy fortifications, command and control posts, missile launching positions, etc.);
9M55K projectile with a cassette warhead containing 72 fragmentation-type combat elements weighing 2 kg each (the main purpose of the projectile is to defeat enemy personnel; 10-16 such projectiles are enough to guarantee the destruction of a motorized infantry company);
9M55K1 projectile with a cassette warhead containing five high-performance self-aiming ammunition "Motiv" (a salvo of four vehicles firing such projectiles hits a tank company in the concentration area).

There are also projectiles with a monoblock warhead containing a volume-detonating mixture and with a cassette warhead containing incendiary warheads, anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, as well as some other destructive elements.
IN lately To destroy engineering fortifications and manpower hidden in them, Splav specialists developed a warhead equipped with a thermobaric mixture.

High efficiency combat use The Smerch MLRS is provided through the use of the Vivarium automated fire control system, developed and produced by the Tomsk production association "Kontur". This system combines several command and staff vehicles at the disposal of the commander and chief of staff of the MLRS brigade, as well as subordinate commanders of divisions (up to three) and batteries (up to eighteen). Each of these vehicles, developed on the basis of the KamAZ-4310 vehicle, has a digital computer, displays, printing devices, communications and security equipment. The vehicles have autonomous power supply systems in position and in motion. The equipment of command and staff vehicles of the Vivarium system ensures information exchange with higher, subordinate and interacting control bodies, solves the problems of planning concentrated fire and fire along columns, prepares data for firing, collects and analyzes information on the state of artillery units. It is believed that the Vivarium system is not inferior in its effectiveness to similar American system"Takfire".

To load the launcher, the 9K58 Smerch MLRS includes a 9T234-2 transport-loading vehicle, developed on the chassis of the MAZ-543A vehicle. This vehicle has crane equipment and carries twelve shells. The loading process of the launcher is mechanized and is completed within 36 minutes.
The chassis used to create the launcher and transport-loading vehicle have almost the same design and are equipped with a Y-shaped twelve-cylinder diesel engine D12A-525A with a power of 525 hp. With. (at 2000 rpm). The transmission is hydromechanical, with a torque converter and a planetary three-speed gearbox with automatic shifting.

The chassis is made according to the 8x8 wheel arrangement. The two front pairs of wheels are steerable. The suspension of all wheels is independent, torsion bar. The wheels are equipped with wide-profile tires, the air pressure of which is regulated by a centralized system (with air supply through axles and hubs).
When driving on a highway, cars develop maximum speed 60 km/h, they can move on and off roads of all categories, overcoming inclines of up to 30° and fords 1 meter deep. The fuel range is 850 km.

Main performance characteristics of the Smerch MLRS

Weight of combat vehicle - without shells and crew - with shells and crew	33.7t. 43.7t.
Combat crew	4 people
Dimensions: - body length -width -height	12.4m. 3.1m. 3.1m.
Basic car	MAZ-543M
Wheel formula	8x8
Clearance	410mm.
Base	2200+3300+2200mm.
Track	2375mm.
Average specific ground pressure	?kgf/cm2
Caliber	300mm.
Vertical pointing angles	from 0° to +55°
Horizontal pointing angles	60° (30° to the left and right from the longitudinal axis of the machine)
Projectile length	7600mm.
Projectile weight	800kg.
Weight of warhead (head)	280kg.
Number of guide pipes	12pcs.
Firing range - minimum - maximum	20km. 70km.
Damage area in one salvo	672 hectares.
Salvo duration	38sec.
Reload time	36min.
Aiming devices	PG-1M (panoramic sight) K-1 (collimator)
Engine type and brand	D-12A-525A V-shaped liquid-cooled diesel engine
Maximum power	525hp (386)kW.
Transmission	hydromechanical, consisting of a torque converter and a three-stage planetary gearbox; two-speed transfer case, with lockable symmetrical differential
Maximum speed	60km/hour
Power reserve	650km.
Fuel reserve	550l.
Obstacles to be overcome: - max. angle of ascent - max. roll angle - ditch - ford	30 degrees to?grad. ?m. 1m.
Booking	No
Radio station	???
Navigation equipment	???
Countermeasures systems	???