"Tornado-S": new long-range missiles of the Russian army. "Smerch" (RSZO): performance characteristics and photos of the multiple launch rocket system

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 1980s by the State Research and Production Enterprise Splav in collaboration with more than 20 other enterprises of the USSR and was adopted by the Soviet Army in 1987. 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.

MLRS 9K58 "Smerch" - video

The 9K58 Smerch MLRS includes a 9A52-2,300-mm rocket launcher, 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 MA3-543M all-terrain vehicle chassis. The layout is classic. The artillery unit is mounted in the rear of the wheeled chassis, in front on the left are the driver's cabin, 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 unwinding the projectiles. Guidance mechanisms, using power drives, guide the package of guides 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 vehicle axis). Hydraulic supports are mounted between the wheels of the third and fourth axles, on which the aft part is hung launcher to increase its stability when shooting.

The rockets developed by SNPP Splav for the Smerch MLRS have a unique design that ensures hit accuracy 2-3 times higher than that of foreign systems. The projectiles are equipped with a flight control system that corrects the trajectory of movement in pitch and yaw. 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 during extension 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 on mixed fuel, they have a length of 7.5 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).

IN Lately The Smerch-M complex was created with a 9A52-2 combat vehicle on the M A3-543-A1 chassis and a 9T234-2 transport-loading vehicle on a similar chassis. Family developed rockets with a range increased to 90 km due to the implementation of a set of measures similar to those adopted when increasing the range of the modernized Grad system to 35-40 km. primarily related to engine improvement.

The newly developed products, according to Jane's Directory, include the following:

9M525 rocket with a cassette warhead equipped with 72 combat elements weighing 1.75 kg each;
9M526 missile with a cassette warhead equipped with five self-aiming combat elements with dual-band infrared coordinators;
9M527 missile with a cluster warhead equipped with 25 anti-tank mines weighing 4.8 kg each;
9M528 missile weighing 815 kg with a monoblock high-explosive warhead equipped with a charge of 95 kg;
9M529 missile with a monoblock thermobaric warhead containing 100 kg of volumetric detonating filler;
9M530 missile with a penetrating high-explosive warhead;
9M531 rocket projectile with a cassette warhead with 646 combat elements with an armor-piercing power of 120 mm.

Along with the use of missiles from the "Smerch" and "Smerch-M" systems as weapons for hitting targets, in the appropriate modification they can be used as a means of delivering disposable unmanned aerial vehicles to a reconnaissance target aircraft R-90, developed at the Kazan Research Center “ENIKO” and repeatedly exhibited at air shows, starting with MAKS-93. The unmanned reconnaissance aircraft is equipped with television equipment, a satellite navigation system, and means of transmitting television information over a range of up to 70 km. The unmanned aerial vehicle is equipped with a pulsating air-breathing engine and tandemly arranged high aspect ratio wings that deploy after separation. Unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying out a program reconnaissance flight lasting up to half an hour at a speed of up to 145 km/h.

The Smerch MLRS can fire single projectiles or 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 with 9K79 Tochka-U missile systems. A salvo of one vehicle covers an area of 672,000 m2. High efficiency combat use MLRS "Smerch" is provided through the use of automated system fire control "Vivarium", developed and produced by the Tomsk production association "Kontur".

This system implements the following principles:

simplicity, compactness and high reliability of the equipment;
autonomy and mobility of system elements;
hardware and software compatibility with existing and developing automated control systems for field artillery fire;
Possibility of operation in any conditions environment and in a wide temperature range (from - 50°C to +40°C).

The Vivarium control system was adopted in the early 90s and became widespread. It is designed for automated and non-automated control of a MLRS brigade armed with the 9K58 Smerch and 9K57 Uragan complexes. Its technical means ensure information exchange with superior, subordinate and interacting control bodies, solve the problems of planning concentrated fire and fire along columns, prepare data for firing, collect and analyze information on the state of artillery units.

The basis of the Vivarium control system is command and staff vehicles (CSVs), which are at the disposal of the commander and chief of staff of the brigade, as well as the commanders of divisions (up to three) and batteries (up to eighteen) subordinate to them. The KShM equipment is located in the K1 van body. 4310, mounted on the chassis of a KamAZ-4310 vehicle. It includes communications equipment, classified data transmission equipment, digital computers, displays and printing devices. The main technical means for solving calculation problems is the on-board digital computer E-715-1.1. Its performance for the combined mode is 500,000 short operations, for the uncombined mode - 250,000. Volume random access memory- 96, permanent memory - 288 KB.

In the ShKM of all brigade control points, a special mathematical and software, which carries out:

receiving, processing, storing, displaying and generating messages in formalized and informal forms;
transmitting messages to higher command levels about the location and combat readiness of each unit, communicating to subordinate units and subunits commands to prepare strikes;
protection of stored and processed information from unauthorized access by maintenance personnel and officials, as well as from unauthorized use of input/output facilities.

All calculation problems are called for solution by command entered by the operator into a specialized digital computer using the ADC control panel. The exception is the task of calculating control data for a target, which is solved automatically upon receipt of messages to strike, indicating the performer involved in delivering the salvo.

To control the process of solving problems, television-type display devices are installed at the workplaces of the commander and operators of the KShM. Communication means are represented by a set of VHF and HF radio stations, which allow confident radio communication while moving up to 50 km, and when stationary - 350 km. The van body is equipped with antenna devices that ensure reliable operation of radio stations. Radiotelephone communication is carried out both from the driver’s cabin and from the operational compartment through the T-240D equipment. If necessary, it is possible to automatically switch to a backup communication channel in a few seconds, which virtually eliminates the loss of information during transmission. There is no provision for data exchange while in motion.

The communications complex provides interfacing and access to the following channel-forming means: satellite, tropospheric and radio relay communication stations, medium-power HF and VHF stations, hardware communication nodes, wired communication lines. The power supply for all equipment, both on site and in motion, is provided by a portable diesel power station ED2x8-T400-18PS. To provide normal conditions During the work of the commander and operators, the KShM is equipped with air conditioners, FVUA-10OP-24 filter-ventilation units and OV-65G heating units. The machine kit includes DK-4D primary degassing equipment, chemical and radiation reconnaissance devices, as well as spare parts. It should be noted that all command and staff vehicles included in the Vivarium control system have the same type of equipment and if one of them fails, its functions can be assigned to any other. This significantly increases the survivability of the system during combat operations.

The operating procedure can be clearly illustrated using the example of a combat use option. To the command post of the brigade commander from combat reconnaissance vehicles, as well as from higher authorities control receives data about the enemy. The brigade commander and chief of staff's computers solve fire planning problems. At the same time, the capabilities of fire units and the availability of ammunition are assessed, a method of hitting targets is selected, the density of fire is determined, and various options solving the problem. Then, the necessary data and orders are automatically transmitted via communication channels to the command post of one of the divisions selected to solve the fire mission.

At the command post of the division commander, data about the enemy (the nature, type and coordinates of targets) is clarified, topographical assignment problems are solved, and meteorological bulletins are compiled based on data from automated meteorological reconnaissance systems. After this, based on operational information about the location and combat readiness of units subordinate to the division commander, the necessary information is transmitted to their command posts via communication channels. The battery's KShM computing facilities process the received information and form a flight mission for six Smerch MLRS combat vehicles. According to Russian military experts, the Vivarium automated control system significantly increases the combat readiness of units equipped with Smerch systems, the accuracy and efficiency of firing. It is not inferior to the similar American automated control system Takfire, and in a number of ways the most important indicators, in particular, the time of preparation for combat work and delivery of commands, exceeds it several times.

To load the launcher, the 9K58 Smerch MLRS includes a 9T234-2 transport-loading vehicle, developed on the MA3-543A vehicle chassis. This vehicle has crane equipment and carries twelve shells. The launcher loading process is mechanized and is completed within 35 minutes. The chassis used to create the launcher and transport-loading vehicle have almost the same design and are equipped with a V-shaped twelve-cylinder diesel engine D12A-525A with a power of 525 hp. (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 8×8 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 steep slopes of up to 30° and fords 1 meter deep. The fuel range is 850 km. In general, the 9K58 Smerch MLRS has very high combat effectiveness. One salvo of this MLRS ensures the destruction of targets over an area of 67 hectares (670,000 square meters!).

Tactical and technical characteristics of the 9K58 Smerch MLRS

Photo of firing MLRS 9K58 “Smerch”

Jet system volley fire 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 Scientific and Production Enterprise “Splav” in collaboration with more than 20 other enterprises of the USSR and in 1987 it was adopted by the 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 that are presented 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 MLRS "Smerch" have a unique design that ensures hit accuracy 2-3 times higher than that of foreign systems rocket artillery. 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.

The 300-mm Smerch MLRS projectiles are equipped with a solid-propellant 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 centers, 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 highly effective 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.
Recently, in order to destroy engineering fortifications and manpower hidden in them, Splav specialists have developed a warhead equipped with a thermobaric mixture.

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 with 9K79 Tochka-U missile systems. A salvo of 9M55K missiles with cluster high-explosive fragmentation elements from one vehicle covers an area of 40 hectares.

The high effectiveness of the combat use of the Smerch MLRS is ensured 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 the commanders of divisions (up to three) and batteries (up to eighteen) subordinate to them. 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, the cars reach a maximum speed of 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	???

This term has other meanings, see Tornado (meanings).

9K58 "Smerch" (BM-30) is a multiple launch rocket system from the Katyusha family. The Smerch multiple launch rocket system was developed by the Splav municipal research and production enterprise (Tula).

In terms of power and range, Smerch still has no equal in the world. The missile's deflection does not exceed 10-20 meters, such characteristics are comparable to high-precision missiles. Preparing for a Smerch battle after receiving target designation takes only three minutes. A full salvo is 30 eight seconds. And after just a minute the vehicle is removed from its position, so the system is virtually invulnerable to enemy return fire.

Armament

9M55K rocket with a warhead containing fragmentation warheads. Contains 72 combat elements carrying 6912 ready-made heavy fragments created to effectively destroy enemy light and unarmored vehicles, and 25920 ready-made light fragments created to destroy enemy personnel; a total of 32832 fragments. 16 shells contain 525,312 finished fragments, an average of one fragment per 1.28 m² of affected area, which is 672,000 m²). Designed to defeat manpower and unarmored military equipment in places where they are concentrated, it is very effective in open areas, in the steppe and desert.

9M55K rocket

Weight of the head part (9N139) - 243 kg
Combat element weight (9N235) - 1.75 kg
Number of ready-made damaging fragments - 96 x 4.5 g, 360 x 0.75 g
Self-destruction time of the projectile - 110 s
Short range - 20000 m

9M55K1 rocket with self-aiming combat elements. The 9N142 cassette warhead carries 5 self-aiming Motiv-3M warheads, equipped with dual-band infrared coordinators that seek the target at an angle of 300. Any of them is capable of penetrating 70 mm of armor at an angle of 300, in other words, hitting any existing and promising armored vehicles. Ideal for implementation in open areas, steppes and deserts; implementation in a forest is almost impossible; implementation in a town is difficult. Designed to destroy groups of armored vehicles and tanks from above.

9M55K1 rocket

Missile weight - 800 kg
Missile length - 7600 mm
Weight of the head part (9N152) - 243 kg
Combat element weight (9N235) - 15 kg
Dimensions of the combat element - 284x255x186 mm
Weight of explosives in the combat element - 4.5 kg
Self-destruction time of the combat element - 60 s
Maximum range - 70000 m
Short range - 25000 m

9M55K4 rocket with warhead for anti-tank mining of terrain. Each projectile contains 25 anti-tank mines; in total, one salvo contains 300 anti-tank mines. Designed for operational remote placement of anti-tank minefields both in front of enemy military equipment units located at the attack line and in the area of their concentration.

9M55K4 rocket

Missile weight - 800 kg
Missile length - 7600 mm
Weight of the head part (9N539) - 243 kg
Number of warheads in the warhead (anti-tank mines) - 25
Dimensions of the combat element - 33x84x84
Weight of the combat element (anti-tank mine) - 4.85 kg
Weight of explosives in a combat element (anti-tank mine) - 1.85 kg
Projectile self-destruction time - 16-24 hours
Maximum range - 70000 m
Short range - 20000 m

9M55K5 rocket with a warhead with cumulative fragmentation warheads. The cassette warhead contains 646 warheads weighing 240 g each and having a cylindrical shape (118x43x43 mm). Normally they are capable of penetrating up to 120 mm of homogeneous armor. Very effective against motorized infantry on the march located in armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. In total, 16 shells contain 10,336 warheads. Designed to destroy open and hidden manpower and lightly armored military equipment.

9M55K5 rocket

Missile weight - 800 kg
Missile length - 7600 mm
Weight of the head part (9N176) - 243 kg
Weight of the combat element (9N235) - 240 g
Maximum range - 70000 m
Short range - 20000 m

9M55F rocket with a detachable high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Designed to destroy manpower, unarmored and lightly armored military equipment in places where they are concentrated, destroy command posts, communications centers and military-industrial structures.

9M55K rocket

Missile weight - 810 kg
Missile length - 7600 mm
Number of ready-made damaging fragments - 110 x 50 g
Maximum range - 70000 m
Short range - 25000 m

9M55S rocket with a thermobaric warhead. The explosion of the 1st shell makes the thermal field up to 25 m in diameter (depending on the terrain). The field temperature is above 10000C, the lifetime is more than 1.4 s. Designed to defeat manpower, open and hidden in fortifications open type and objects of unarmored and lightly armored military equipment. Very effective in the steppe and desert, towns located on non-hilly terrain.

9M55S rocket

Missile weight - 800 kg
Missile length - 7600 mm
Head weight (index unknown) - 243 kg
The weight of the explosive in the head part is 100 kg of consistency
Maximum range - 70000 m
Short range - 25000 m

9M528 rocket with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Contact fuse, instant and slow action. Designed to destroy manpower, unarmored and lightly armored military equipment in places where they are concentrated, destroy command posts, communications centers and military-industrial structures.

9M528 rocket

Missile weight - 815 kg
Missile length - 7600 mm
Head weight (index unknown) - 258 kg
Weight of explosives in the head part - 95 kg
Number of ready-made damaging fragments - 880, 50 g each
Short range - 25000 m

A missile carrying an unmanned reconnaissance aerial vehicle (UAV). Designed to conduct reconnaissance for 20 minutes, and is virtually invulnerable, since it is small in size, and goes directly above the target, delivered directly in the rocket.

Missile from UAV

Missile weight - 800 kg
UAV weight - 42 kg
Time of independent flight over the target - 30 minutes
Flight altitude - 200-600 m
Maximum range - 90000 m
Short range - 20000 m

pros

Multifunctionality, maneuverability, highest reliability, precision and power. A salvo from a brigade of 6 Smerchs can stop the advance of an entire division or kill a small town.

Disadvantages

Overhead and difficult to use local conflicts, where the enemy often operates in populated areas, the use of “Smerch” against which would lead to their complete destruction.

Spreading

According to Jane, in 2001, about 300 vehicles (50 brigades of 6 vehicles each) were in service with the Russian Federation, 94 in service with Ukraine, and 48 with Belarus.

Export

The export value of the Smerch MLRS is about $12 million. Smerch systems have been exported to Algeria (1 unit), India, the United Arab Emirates (6 units), and Kuwait (27 units). In 2008, significant exports to India are planned.

Modernization

MLRS "Smerch" - 9A52-2: The firing range increased from 70 to 90 km, the combat crew decreased from 4 to 3 people, the automation of the system increased, namely, topographical reference began to be carried out automatically via satellite systems.

The latest generation MLRS, the Tornado, is currently being created at the Splav enterprise. It will be double-caliber, combining Hurricane and Smerch on one platform. 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. “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.

At the MAKS-2007 aerospace show it is planned to show the latest package-type launcher based on a four-axle KAMAZ all-wheel drive chassis with 6 missile guides instead of 12. The introduction of a special system allows dispersed crews to conduct coordinated fire. The main goal of the modernization is to increase the mobility of the complex by reducing weight and dimensions. It is understood that this will expand export opportunities.

Multiple launch rocket system "Smerch"

“Everything is subject to the tornado.” “67 hectares of destruction”... “And the Russian “Smerch” will embrace everyone... All this is about the Russian multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) “Smerch”.

“Smerch” is a completely new weapon in the field of rocket systems. “Smerch” was created in 1986 and adopted by the Armed Forces in 1989.

MLRS is a combat vehicle (BM) with 12 guides (placed on a MAZ-543M all-terrain vehicle chassis, which provides a travel speed of up to 60 km/h, a fuel range of 850 km); transport-charging machine with a crane and charging device; rocket projectiles (RS) of high-explosive fragmentation, cluster with fragmentation submunitions, cluster with self-aiming submunitions of the highest efficiency, allowing effective fight With modern tanks and other armored vehicles. RS launches are provided from the BM cabin or using a remote control.

MLRS provides combat and operational properties at any time of day and year in the range of surface temperatures from +50 to -50? C.

“Smerch” is a weapon of a new high-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 stunning area of destruction - 67 hectares (672 thousand sq. . m) with a salvo range of 20 to 70 km, in the near future - up to 100. At the same time, the Smerch burns everything, even armored vehicles.

Preparing for MLRS combat after receiving target designation takes only 3 minutes, a full salvo takes 38 seconds. “Tornado” is invulnerable - it hits, and it instantly disappears.

The 12-barreled Smerch fires 300 mm shells. For the first time, the rocket has a control system unit on board. Unlike in the past, an additional engine is located behind the missile warhead, with the help of which its short flight to the target is adjusted in altitude and course. As a result, dispersion is reduced threefold compared to an unguided projectile, and firing accuracy is doubled.

It is also typical for the Smerch adjustable projectile that out of its 800 kg combat unit is 280 - this is an ideal ratio between the main engine and the striking 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 an ordinary projectile - from 30 to 60 degrees, but due to a special device it is strictly vertical - 90 degrees. The cones of such “meteors” simply make holes in turrets, the top covering of armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, self-propelled guns, where the armor is not very thick, and the covers of tank transmissions. "Smerch" is terrible!

Experienced exercises in the Russian army, shootings carried out in December 1995 in Kuwait (in the eyes of all intelligence services and military experts in the world), confirm this, as well as other properties of the Smerch.

Rocket artillery, presented today by the Tornado MLRS, is a completely different type of military. New powerful weapon, created by Russian designers and engineers, radically changes the idea of the massive use of rocket artillery in the front line. The rocket launcher can now fire not just at areas, but is precision weapons, capable of causing irreparable damage to the enemy in a matter of seconds.

Looking back to history

Even during the Second World War, it became known what destructive capabilities rocket artillery had. On the Soviet-German front, BM-13 multiple launch rocket launchers mounted on the chassis of a ZIS-6 truck appeared in the summer of 1941. Fire test of a new missile artillery system happened on July 14, 1941, during stubborn battles with advancing German troops in the area of the city of Orsha. As a result of combat use, it turned out that the new soviet weapons produced a colossal psychological effect. There was no need to talk about the high efficiency of rocket mortars, since the rockets fired from conventional metal guides did not provide the required hit accuracy. Despite obvious shortcomings in the design of the installation, rocket artillery made its contribution to achieving victory over the enemy.

Only after the war, when completely different technologies appeared, did the USSR manage to create powerful multiple launch rocket systems capable of inflicting serious damage on the enemy, both in manpower and in logistical terms. The first success came in missile system salvo fire BM-21 "Grad", which for the first time showed its firepower during the Soviet-Chinese armed conflict on Far East, near Damansky Island. Having received excellent results from the work of Soviet rocket artillery, the Soviet Union decided to create more powerful multiple launch rocket systems. The power could be increased by increasing the caliber of the rockets and increasing the accuracy when firing. Following the Grad MLRS into service Soviet army Hurricane and Smerch rocket systems were adopted.

All three multiple launch rocket systems, which appeared during the Soviet Union, continue to be in service with the current Russian army. However, even such successful and successful developments have their own technical and technological resource limits. The main drawback that all of the listed reactive systems suffered from - low accuracy - has now been overcome. The new Tornado MLRS today has the best tactical and technical characteristics for rocket artillery. This system can easily be called a weapon of the 21st century, formidable, powerful and high-tech.

Today, when it is already 2017, the new missile launcher has passed State tests. There is no official information yet about the adoption of the new missile system. However, according to data from various sources new system continues to be published in limited quantities. Today, across the entire armed forces of the Russian Federation, there are only 30-40 new rocket systems, which can be included in individual missile and artillery divisions. It was assumed that the new multiple launch rocket system would be able to completely replace the Grad, Uragan and Smerch MLRS in the troops by 2020, which in most cases have exhausted their technological resource.

The future of new weapons

When creating a new multiple launch rocket system, the designers decided to follow the path of unifying the main systems of the new weapon. It was planned to create two modifications at once:

MLRS 9K51M “Tornado-G” to replace the “Grad” artillery missile systems;
complex 9K515 “Tornado-S”, to replace the Smerch combat missile systems.

In the first case we're talking about about rocket artillery equipped with 122 mm rockets. The second option involved the creation of a rocket launcher capable of firing 300 mm caliber rockets.

Information that there is also a third version of the Uragan-U MLRS has not been confirmed. Probably, the confusion arose due to the similarity of the name with the Ural car brand, a modification of which was called “Tornado”.

The main innovation that distinguishes the new weapon from its old counterparts is the presence of an automated fire control system (AFCS) “Kapustnik-BM”. Besides missile system received a more advanced transport base. The installation is equipped with new unguided rocket projectiles of 112 and 300 mm caliber.

The maximum flight range of 300 mm caliber rockets is 120 km. This is significantly more than the data possessed by the Smerch missiles. New unguided missiles can be equipped with high-explosive fragmentation or cluster warheads. Modernization allowed rocket engines rockets, which will increase the flight range to 200 km. During a full salvo, all 40 fired Tornado-G MLRS shells can cover an area of 65 hectares. A missile and artillery division can accordingly cover an area 3-4 times larger.

The system can fire in one volley or in single shots, which indicates the versatility of the system.

Design Features

Like its predecessors, the new MLRS has tubular guides assembled into a single unit. On the new Tornado-G vehicle, the number of guides was 30 pieces, two blocks of 12 launch tubes each. For the Tornado-S system, the number of guides is 12 pieces, six pipes in two blocks. Significant changes have also occurred in terms of maintenance of the missile system. The crew of the Tornado MLRS was reduced to 2 people. Full automation process reduced the control time allotted for deployment, even taking into account the poorly prepared position. It should be noted that the launcher received a new loading mechanism. Previously, loading of launch tubes was carried out using a crane, one rocket into each tube. The entire loading process could take 15-20 minutes.

In a modern installation, the loading process by the crew is carried out in a matter of minutes. Reload speed is key for this weapon system. The shorter the time interval between salvoes, the higher the probability of fire hitting targets. Delay in reloading can lead to vulnerability rocket launcher before retaliating.

The missile system is installed on the Ural automobile chassis and on MAZ-543M and Kamaz tractors, which have increased cross-country ability. Both variants have completely new remote control guidance systems, thanks to which projectiles are aimed at the target inside the launcher cabin. Manual mode pickups can only be applied in exceptional cases. The operator's main job is to control the position of the missile system in relation to the location of the target. The GLONASS navigation satellite system is a mandatory attribute of the new missile and artillery complex. Thanks to its presence, the accuracy of a missile salvo has increased.

Our own satellite navigation system GLONASS, the development of which began back in 1982, can significantly improve guidance accuracy modern systems weapons. Today, more than two dozen satellites deployed in orbit, together with relay satellites, provide high accuracy in determining coordinates. Modern rocket weapon is equipped with receivers that provide control over compliance with target designations.

Operating principle

The artillery missile system operates on the following principle. After obtaining the exact parameters of the target, it is linked to the coordinate system. The collection of such data is carried out by aerial and space reconnaissance, which has optical and radio engineering means of data collection. Under current conditions, it is being carried out combat work on training personnel in the methodology of collecting data on targets on our own, without the involvement of funds and components of the Military Space Forces of the Russian Federation.

The emphasis is on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for these purposes. By making a preliminary launch of a drone into the target area, the combat crew will be able to receive necessary information about the target and coordinates. After receiving target data, the necessary parameters are transmitted to each launcher, which has already taken its pre-launch position.

Further fire control is carried out using the combat control and communications hardware complex, which replaced the conventional radio station, guidance and fire control systems. Both the first and second systems have a single computer information base, which is used to integrate all computational processes regarding the ballistics of a flying missile.

In other words, new modern electronic equipment allows you to accurately aim a missile at a target in a matter of minutes, prepare it for launch and control the flight of the missile during autonomous flight.

The electronics and navigation system adjust the control surfaces taking into account meteorological factors. As a result, the missile during flight retains all target designation parameters specified before launch.

Possessing similar characteristics, the Russian new-generation Tornado multiple launch rocket system is significantly superior to its outdated Soviet counterparts, the BM-21 Grad and the Smerch MLRS. The domestic missile and artillery system is not inferior to foreign analogues, which also have an automated loading mechanism and satellite control over the flight of combat projectiles.

In the current conditions, work is underway to improve the warhead of the MLRS. It is planned to equip the missiles with radio-electronic filling, used for reconnaissance purposes as a target designator. According to some reports, a missile system capable of firing cruise missiles can be deployed on the basis of the Tornado-S MLRS.

MLRS "Smerch" designed to destroy any concentrations of troops, including infantry, armored vehicles, fortifications and any stationary objects. The installation was adopted in 1987 and to this day it is considered the most devastating in its class.

“Smerch” was designed in the first half of the 1980s by the State Research and Production Enterprise “Splav” in Tula, which interacted with 20 enterprises throughout the country. The development of the system started under the supervision of general engineer SNPP Ganichev A.N., and ended under the control of designer G.A. Denezhkin.

Thanks to the use of completely unique technologies in the design of the projectiles and the system itself, “Smerch” is considered one of the most promising developments of the Soviet military-industrial complex. For example, the American MLRS has a fire range of up to 40 km (the Americans considered longer distances inappropriate), while the domestic jet system salvo fire firing distance exceeds 80 km with proper accuracy.

Based on the impressive range of fire, the 9K58 “Smerch” was included in the ranks of military unit 42202. By 1989, an improved version, 9A52-2, entered service.

To date, the following countries have adopted a unique system: United United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, India. China has copied and is producing its A100 MLRS on a domestic basis.

The combat complex of the Smerch multiple launch rocket system includes:

2. Missiles;

3. Fighting machine(BM) 9K58;

4. Set of special arsenal equipment and tools 9F819;

5. Machine for topographic survey 1T12-2M;

6. Radio direction-finding meteorological system 1B44;

7. Complex of automated fire control equipment (KSAUO) 9С729М1 “Slepok-1″;

8. Educational and training equipment 9F827;

The launcher includes a MAZ-543 with a 4-axle chassis, as well as artillery elements. Artillery is installed at the rear of the platform, and at the front there is a control cabin, control system and communications.

The artillery unit includes 12 guide tubes, sighting devices, rotating, balancing and lifting systems, additional devices and an electric drive. The missiles are placed in U-shaped twisted guide tubes. The rotating mechanisms allow the artillery unit to move horizontally by 30 degrees to the left and right of the vehicle axis, and the vertical elevation angle is 55 degrees.

Stabilization of the system during shooting is carried out using hydraulic supports, which are located on both sides of the vehicle between the 3rd and 4th wheels.

MLRS "Smerch"

Both the 9T234-2 machine and MLRS "Smerch" made on a similar chassis, the chassis of which is made according to the 8x8 wheel arrangement. The vehicles have a V-shaped 12-cylinder diesel engine D12A-525A with a power of 525 hp. With. (2000 rpm), hydromechanical transmission. It is characterized by an independent torsion bar suspension with 2 pairs of front drive wheels and a central tire pressure regulation system. The maximum speed on the highway is 60 km/h, the car feels great on rough terrain, covering 30-degree ascents and 1-meter descents. The total range without refueling is 850 km.

Missiles "Smerch" systems have a caliber of 300 mm, they move due to the combustion of the solid fuel mixture of the engine. Characteristic feature ammunition given is the ability to control them in flight. At the same time, accuracy has more than doubled (0.21% of the firing distance), and accuracy has tripled. Maneuvering occurs with the help of gas-dynamic rudders, activated by high-pressure gases flowing from the gas generator. A large contribution to the stability of the projectile is made by its rotation.

Guides "Smerch" systems

The system's ammunition includes a variety of projectile options:

1. 9M55K1 with a cluster warhead containing five self-aiming ammunition; The 9N142 cassette warhead includes 5 self-aiming combat modules "Motiv-3M", equipped with 2-band IR coordinators that fix the enemy at an angle of 30 degrees. The self-aiming element is capable of piercing 70 mm of armor at an angle of 30 degrees, that is, destroying any armored vehicle. Very convenient when used in open areas, but effectiveness decreases if the enemy is located in the forest. Designed to destroy concentrations of armored vehicles and tanks. Weight - 800 kg; length - 7600 mm; head mass - 243 kg; head length - 2049 mm; number of combat elements - 5 pcs; combat element mass (ME) - 15 kg; explosive mass BE - 4.5 kg; firing range 70 km (minimum 20 km); weight of a container with two projectiles -
1934 kg.

2. 9M528 with high-explosive fragmentation warhead; Designed for the purpose of destroying manpower, unarmored and lightly armored military equipment in areas where they are concentrated, destruction command posts, communication centers and military-industrial structures. Weight - 815kg; length - 7600 mm; head mass - 243 kg; mass of explosive mixture - 95 kg; mass of the finished damaging element - 50 g; firing range - 90 km (minimum 25 km). Designed for the purpose of destroying manpower, unarmored and lightly armored in places where they are concentrated, destroying command posts, communications centers and military-industrial structures.

3. 9M55F with a detachable monoblock high-explosive fragmentation warhead; Designed for the purpose of destroying manpower, unarmored and lightly armored military equipment in areas where they are concentrated, destroying command posts, communications centers and military-industrial structures. Weight - 810 kg; length - 7600 mm; head mass - 258 kg; explosive mass - 95 kg; mass of the damaging element - 50 g; firing range - 70 km (minimum 25 km); the weight of the container with two shells is 1954 kg.

Each ammunition holds 25 anti-tank mines, for a total of 300 mines in one salvo of the system. It was created for rapid remote mining both in the area of enemy concentration and in front of armored vehicles units localized at the attack line. Weight - 800 kg; length - 7600 mm; head mass - 243 kg; head length - 2049 mm; number of combat elements - 5 pcs; number of anti-tank mines - 25 pcs; mine weight - 4.85 kg; overall dimensions of the mine - 330x84x84 mm; explosive mass - 1.85 kg; self-destruction time min - 16-24 hours; firing range 70 km (minimum 20 km); the weight of the container with two shells is 1934 kg.

5. 9M55K5 with a cassette warhead with cumulative fragmentation warheads; Created to destroy open and hidden infantry and lightly armored military equipment. Weight - 800 kg; length - 7600 mm; head mass - 243 kg; number of combat elements - 646 pcs; combat element mass (ME) - 0.24 kg; firing range 70 km (minimum 25 km); self-destruction time of BE - 130..260 sec; the thickness of the penetrated homogeneous armor is 120 mm.

Includes 72 combat modules containing 25,920 ready-made light fragments needed to destroy infantry and 6,912 ready-made heavy fragments needed to destroy armored vehicles; a total of 32832 fragments. The 16 missiles contain 525,312 fragments, an average of one fragment per 1.28 m² of affected area, which is 672,000 m²). Weight - 800 kg; length - 7600 mm; head mass - 243 kg; head length - 2049 mm; number of combat elements - 72 pcs; combat element mass (ME) - 1.75 kg; number of ready-made destructive fragments of a combat element, pcs: with a mass of 4.5 g - 96 and with a mass of 0.75 g - 360; BE self-destruction time is 110 s; firing range 70 km (minimum 20 km); the weight of the container with two shells is 1934 kg.

7. 9M55S with thermobaric warhead; The length of this guided missile is 760 cm, weight 800 kg (warhead 243 kg); mass of explosive mixture - 100 kg; self-destruction time of the warhead - 110..160 s.

The figure shows a sectional view of the 9M55S warhead (explosives in the center).

The maximum flight range of a thermobaric projectile does not exceed 70 km. The type of warhead used is monoblock thermobaric. When firing, dispersion does not exceed 0.21%. 9M55S projectiles are fired either in single shots or after certain periods of time, ensuring the detonation of the previous ammunition before another projectile arrives at the explosion zone. When the 9M55S approaches a location on the descending part of the trajectory, the combat, head and propulsion elements are separated. At an altitude of 60-70 meters, the braking parachute opens and the radio altimeter is activated.

Fire, as mentioned above, can be fired in one gulp or in single launches. The launch of all projectiles, which begins after receiving a command from a remote control panel or from the control cabin, takes 38 seconds.

One salvo of 12 9M55K missiles "Smerch" systems capable of covering an area of 400,000 square meters. m.

The improvement of the 9A52-2 vehicle, primarily related to the introduction of new communication equipment and ASUNO (automated guidance and fire control system), made it possible to:

1. Additionally increase the protection of flight information, its recording and storage;

2. Indication of the system location on the map;

3. Calculation of the rate of fire and information about the flight path in automatic mode;

4. Aiming of the guides, preventing the crew from leaving the cockpit.

The implementation of the automated control system “Vivariy”, developed by the Tomsk production association “Kontur”, made it possible to more fully reveal the capabilities
long-range multiple launch rocket system "Smerch". With the help of this control system, data is exchanged between vehicles and the command, and fire coordination of all systems is ensured.

Volley MLRS "Smerch"

Smerch systems merge into combat systems, under the control of the brigade chief of staff and commander, subordinate division commanders (up to 3) and batteries (up to 18).

One combat unit equipped with communication equipment, encoding devices, digital display of the E-715-1.1 computer. In addition, there is an autonomous power supply unit in motion and in place.

Tactical and technical characteristics of the 300-mm 9M55 “Smerch” MLRS
Caliber, mm	300
Projectile length, mm	7600
Projectile weight, kg	800-815
Warhead weight, kg	280
Firing range - minimum, km	20
Firing range - maximum, km	90
Damage area in one salvo, hectares	67,2
Full salvo time, sec	38
Year of adoption	1987
Climatic operating conditions
Temperature range for combat use of RS, °C	-50..+50
Surface wind, m/s	up to 20
Relative air humidity at 35°C, %	up to 98
Rain intensity, mm/min	up to 2.7
Dust content of ground air, g/m3	up to 2
Altitude above sea level, m	up to 3000
Combat vehicle 9K58
Base	MAZ-543M (8x8)
BM weight, t	43,7
Maximum speed, km/h	69
Cruising range, km	850
Number of launch tubes	12
Time to prepare the BM for firing from the moment the settings are received for firing before opening fire, min	1,5-3
Time to urgently abandon a firing position after a salvo, min	1
Reload time, min	16-20
Combat vehicle crew, persons.	4
Calculation of TPM, pers.	2