New multiple rocket launcher. Top five multiple launch rocket systems of domestic and foreign production

34. First foreign partners Employees of the Foreign Department of the Cheka, during operational work abroad, tried not to miss the opportunity to interact “on a personal basis” with local representatives of their profession, if this contributed to the decision of those facing them

Multiple launch rocket systems

Russia's priority in creating multiple launch rocket systems (PC30/MLRS) is beyond doubt among experts. In addition to the Katyusha salvo that stunned the Nazi army near Orsha, there is also an official document confirming this priority. This is a patent issued in 1938 to three designers - Gvai, Kostikov and Kleimenov for a multi-barrel installation for firing rocket charges.

They were the first to achieve a high level of combat effectiveness of unguided rocket weapons for that time, and they did this through their salvo use. In the 40s, single rockets could not compete with cannon artillery shells in terms of accuracy and accuracy of fire. Firing a combat multi-barrel installation (the BM-13 had 16 guides), which fired a salvo in 7-10 seconds, gave quite satisfactory results.

During the war years, the USSR developed a number of rocket-propelled mortars (MLRS as they were called). Among them, in addition to the already mentioned Katyusha (BM-13), there were BM-8-36, BM-8-24, BM-13-N, BM-31-12, BM-13SN. The Guards mortar units armed with them made a huge contribution to achieving victory over Germany.

In the post-war period, work on jet systems continued. In the 50s, two systems were created: BM-14 (caliber 140 mm, range 9.8 km) and BM-24 (caliber 140 mm and range 16.8 km). Their turbojet shells rotated to increase accuracy in flight. It should be noted that at the end of the 50s, most foreign experts were very skeptical about the future prospects of the MLRS. In their opinion, the level of combat effectiveness of the weapon achieved by that time was marginal and could not provide it with a leading place in the system of missile and artillery weapons of the ground forces.

However, in our country, work continued on the creation of MLRS. As a result, in 1963, the Grad MLRS was adopted by the Soviet Army. A number of revolutionary technical solutions, first used on the Grad, have become classics and are one way or another repeated in all systems existing in the world. This primarily applies to the design of the missile itself. Its body is made not by turning from a steel blank, but using technology borrowed from liner production - rolling or drawing from a steel sheet. Secondly, the projectiles have folding tails, and the stabilizers are installed in such a way that they ensure rotation of the projectile in flight. Primary twisting occurs while still moving in the launch tube due to the movement of the guide pin along the groove.

The Grad system was widely introduced into the ground forces. In addition to the 40-barrel installation on the chassis of the Ural-375 vehicle, a number of modifications were developed for various types of combat use: Grad-V: for airborne troops, Grad-M for naval landing ships, Grad -P" - for use by units waging guerrilla warfare. In 1974, to ensure higher maneuverability during joint operations with armored units, the Grad-1 system appeared - a 36-barreled 122-mm installation on a tracked chassis.

The high combat effectiveness demonstrated by the Grad MLRS in a number of local wars and conflicts attracted the attention of military specialists in many countries to it. Currently, in their opinion, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) are an effective means of increasing the firepower of ground forces. Some countries mastered production by purchasing licenses, others purchased the system from the Soviet Union. Someone simply copied it and began not only making it, but also selling it. Thus, at the IDEX-93 exhibition, similar systems were practically demonstrated by a number of countries, including South Africa, China, Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt. The similarity between these “developments” and “Grad” was very noticeable.

In the 60s, a number of changes occurred in military theory and practice, which led to a revision of the requirements for the combat effectiveness of weapons. Due to the increased mobility of troops, the tactical depth at which combat missions are carried out and the areas on which targets are concentrated have increased significantly. "Grad" was no longer able to ensure the possibility of delivering preemptive strikes against the enemy throughout the depth of his tactical formations.

This was only possible with a new weapon born on Tula soil - the 220-mm Uragan army multiple launch rocket system, adopted for service in the early 70s. Its tactical and technical data are impressive even today: at ranges from 10 to 35 km, a salvo of one launcher (16 barrels) covers an area of ​​over 42 hectares. When creating this system, specialists solved a number of scientific problems. Thus, they were the first in the world to design an original cassette warhead, and developed combat elements for it. Many new innovations were introduced into the design of combat and transport-loading vehicles, where the ZIL-135LM chassis is used as a base.

Unlike the Grad, the Hurricane is a more universal system. This is determined not only by the greater firing range, but also by the expanded range of ammunition used. In addition to the usual high-explosive fragmentation warheads, cassette warheads for various purposes have been developed for it. Among them: incendiary, high-explosive fragmentation with above-ground detonation, as well as combat elements for remote mining of areas.

The latest development adopted by the Russian army, the Prima system is a logical development of the Grad system. The new MLRS, compared to the previous one, has a 7-8 times larger affected area and 4-5 times less time spent in a combat position at the same firing range. The increase in combat potential was achieved through the following innovations: increasing the number of launch tubes on a combat vehicle to 50, and much more effective Prima projectiles.

This system can fire all types of Grad projectiles, as well as several types of completely new high-efficiency ammunition. Thus, the Prima high-explosive fragmentation projectile has a detachable warhead, on which a fuse is installed, not of contact action, but of remote-contact action. At the final section of the trajectory, the warhead meets the ground almost vertically. In this design, the Prima MLRS high-explosive fragmentation projectile ensures a circular dispersion of the striking elements and increases the area of ​​continuous damage.

Work to improve the combat capabilities of multiple launch rocket systems in Russia continues. According to domestic military experts, this class of artillery weapons perfectly corresponds to the new military doctrine of Russia, and any other state seeking to create a mobile and effective Armed Forces with a small number of professional military personnel. There are few examples of military equipment, the few crews of which would control such a formidable striking power. When solving combat missions in the immediate operational depth, the MLRS has no competitors.

Each type of missile and artillery weapons of the Ground Forces has its own tasks. The destruction of individual remote objects of special importance (warehouses, control posts, missile launchers and a number of others) is the job of guided missiles. The fight, for example, with tank groups, troops dispersed over large areas, the destruction of front-line runways, and remote mining of terrain is the task of the MLRS.

The Russian press notes that new modifications and samples of these weapons will have a number of new properties that make them even more effective. According to experts, further improvement of rocket systems consists of the following: firstly, the creation of homing and self-aiming submunitions; secondly, pairing MLRS with modern reconnaissance, target designation and combat control systems. In this combination, they will become reconnaissance and strike systems capable of hitting even small targets within their reach. Thirdly, due to the use of more energy-intensive fuel and some new design solutions, in the near future the firing range will be increased to 100 km, without a significant decrease in accuracy and increase in dispersion. Fourthly, reserves for reducing the number of personnel in MLRS units have not been completely exhausted. Automating the operations of loading the launcher and carrying out the necessary preparatory operations at the combat position will not only reduce the number of members of the combat crew, but will also reduce the time for collapsing and deploying the system, which will have a better impact on its survivability. And finally, expanding the range of ammunition used will significantly expand the range of tasks solved by the MLRS.

Currently, about 3 thousand Grad installations are in service with foreign countries. SNPP Splav, together with related enterprises, offers interested foreign customers several options for modernizing this system

The year 1998 was significant for the lead developer of Russian multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) - the State Research and Production Enterprise Splav and OJSC Motovilikha Plants. It is 80 years since the birth of the outstanding MLRS designer Alexander Nikitovich Ganichev and 35 years since the adoption of his brainchild - the Grad system. These anniversary events were widely celebrated in Tula and St. Petersburg. The anniversary gift was the appearance of the improved Grad and Smerch systems. During their creation, a new organizational technology for interaction between enterprises was implemented: SNPP Splav with related enterprises develops weapons and transforms ideas into specific samples, and the State Company Rosvooruzheniye ensures the promotion of these weapons to the foreign market.

On October 15, 1998, at a military training ground near Orenburg, on the initiative of the State Corporation Rosvooruzhenie and the State Scientific and Production Enterprise Splav, demonstration firing of the long-range Grad was held for military attaches from more than 30 countries in Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. At the shooting, SNPP Splav, together with OJSC Motovilikha Plants (Perm) and the Signal Research Institute (Kovrov), presented the modernized BM-21 combat vehicle, as well as long-range projectiles for it, providing a firing range of up to 40 km. The increased combat capabilities of the world's longest-range MLRS Smerch, capable of firing at a range of 90 km, were also demonstrated.

The military attaches were convinced with their own eyes of the exceptional combat capabilities of the new City - the mock enemy was completely destroyed. It should be noted that a number of countries have a license to produce Grad, and statements have been made about the possibility of increasing the firing range to 40 km. But only Russia was able to confirm these characteristics with practical shooting.

In general, the comprehensive modernization of the Grad MLRS

made it possible to significantly increase the automation of the combat work process, the firing range (up to 40 km), hit accuracy (for a 2-fold increased firing range) and the effectiveness of destruction.

Let's consider specific ways of modernization.

1. The nature of modern combat urgently requires a significant reduction in the time for preparation, transmission and reception of target designation, aiming of combat vehicles and opening fire. These requirements were successfully resolved through the introduction of a Kapustnik-B battery fire control post into the system, equipped with high-speed Baget-41 computers, the required number of radio stations, a navigation system and a weather reconnaissance complex. Automated data exchange between the control post and the combat vehicle, as well as deep modernization of the combat vehicle itself, make it possible to reduce the time from the moment of target detection to opening fire to one minute.

The launcher is additionally equipped with equipment and a laptop-type computer, navigation equipment, and radio communications. The listed funds provide:

Guiding a package of BM guides without the combat crew leaving the cockpit and reducing the combat crew to 2 people. The commander can receive target designation on the march;

Guiding a package of BM guides without using aiming points;

Autonomous initial orientation: determination of the current azimuth and coordinates of the vehicle when moving and stationary;

Presentation on the display of graphic information for guiding a package of guides, the route of movement of the BM, indicating its location, destination and direction of movement;

Reducing the preparation time for firing from the moment of receiving the control center to the opening of fire in the battery:

a) in an unprepared position - from 25-35 to 6 minutes;

b) in a prepared position - from 10 to 1 minute;

Increased survivability by reducing the presence of combat vehicles in the firing position;

Increasing autonomy through the use of navigation and topographical aids allows for independent movement to a firing position and collection point;

Improved operator working conditions in bad weather and at night.

2. A significant increase in the firing range (from 20 to 40 km) was achieved by improving the rocket engine (new mixed fuel, reducing the weight of the engine body from 20 to 9 kg) and improving the aerodynamic quality of the projectile.

3. With a twofold increase in flight range, the accuracy characteristics of the new projectile remained within the same limits as those of projectiles with a range of up to 20 km that are in service. This was achieved by improving the design of the projectile, improving alignment, and also using a fundamentally new tail stabilizer.

4. The effectiveness of destruction has increased due to the creation of new types of warheads (CU) and the improvement of existing ones. Thus, for high-explosive fragmentation warheads, their power has been increased and two types of fragments are used, which has increased the type of targets hit. The development of detachable warheads made it possible to increase the fragmentation efficiency by more than 6 times. The development of a warhead with detachable self-aiming subelements, increasing the likelihood of hitting armored targets, and a cluster warhead with 45 separate subelements is nearing completion.

The Grad's arsenal includes rockets that provide the laying of anti-tank and anti-personnel mines, radio interference, smoke screens and illumination of the theater of operations at night.

Currently, about 3 thousand Grad installations are in service with foreign countries. SNPP Splav, together with related enterprises, offers interested foreign customers several options for modernizing this system:

1. Full-size modernization with the supply of a Kapustnik-B fire control post (for placement on any chassis at the customer’s request), modification of the BM-21 combat vehicle on the customer’s territory.

2. Supply of missiles for existing BM-21. Other options are possible.

In general, it can be argued that the improved Grad is a powerful weapon of the 21st century.

GENIUS OF JET SYSTEMS

Today, the Russian MLRS Grad, Uragan and Smerch are known throughout the world no less than the Kalashnikov assault rifle, the T-34 tank, the MiG-29 and Su-27 aircraft. And in 1957, the outstanding designer Ganichev had to work hard to revive and defend the idea of ​​MLRS, in the effectiveness of which few people believed at that time.

In 1998, the State Research and Production Association Splav celebrated two significant anniversaries - the 80th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding designer of modern multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Alexander Nikitovich Ganichev, and the 35th anniversary of the adoption of his brainchild - the most popular in the world MLRS Grad.

Alexander Ganichev was born on August 25, 1918 in the village of Sudakovo, Tula Region, into a peasant family. In 1938 he graduated from the Tula Industrial Institute. He began his career at the Tula Cartridge Plant. During the war, he worked at defense enterprises in Novosibirsk and Zelenodolsk, and from 1945 until the end of his life - at NII-147 (later the famous State Research and Production Enterprise Splav).

Exceptional natural intelligence, organizational skills and determination allowed A.N. In a relatively short period of time, Ganichev went from an ordinary engineer to a chief designer - first deputy general director.

At SNPP Splav Ganichev, work was extensively carried out on the creation of artillery cartridges and on improving the technology of their mass production, and in 1957 work began on a new generation of multiple launch rocket systems and rockets for them.

Analyzing the development paths of MLRS, Ganichev proposed new approaches and original technical solutions in the design of unguided rockets, new technologies for the production of rocket engines and warheads. In particular, for the production of projectile bodies, he used cartridge technology - deep drawing, used drop-down fins, and a rocket engine with a tandem arrangement of checkers.

The result of this work was the adoption in 1963 of the first of the modern MLRS - Grad with a firing range of 20 km, a caliber of 122 mm and 40 guides, which gave a powerful impetus to the intensive development of MLRS throughout the world.

In the Soviet Union, Grad became the base system for interspecific rocket weapons, which in terms of technology level still have no equal in the world. Modifications of the system were created for the Airborne Forces and the Navy.

In 1965, an important government task was completed in three months - a light portable single-barrel MLRS Grad-P with a firing range of 11 km, known as Partizan, was put into mass production. The ideas of unification were most clearly manifested in it, and the 122 mm caliber system was further developed. In 1967, the troops received the Grad-V MLRS with a firing range of more than 20 km and a combat vehicle with 12 guides, and in 1976 - the regimental MLRS Grad-1 with a firing range of 15 km and 36 guides.

Being an outstanding technologist, Ganichev applied the principle of an integrated design and technological approach, which made it possible to reduce the labor intensity of Grad manufacturing tens of times over 15 years of production.

At the turn of the 70s - 90s, Ganichev formulated the concept of developing a high-power multiple launch rocket system, called Prima. Alexander Nikitovich set a seemingly impossible task: to create a system that would be several times more powerful than the Grad, but would be based on technological and production solutions mastered by industry.

In Prima, Ganichev laid down fundamentally new design solutions, primarily related to the projectile. At the desired point in the trajectory, upon command from the electronic fuse, the warhead was separated from the engine and, using a special parachute system, descended and covered the target. In December 1982, factory testing of Prima was successfully completed.

Ganichev's creative thought has always been directed to the future. Back in 1964, when the production of the Grad was just beginning to develop, an engineering note was prepared on the initiative of the designer on the further development of multiple launch rocket systems. It proposed the development of a highly effective 200-mm Hurricane military system with 16 guides. In this system, Alexander Nikitovich for the first time implemented the principle of cluster warheads for MLRS, which made it possible to create weapons with a large area of ​​destruction in one salvo. The system had a range of 35 km and was equipped with new missiles: fragmentation clusters, high-explosive shells, anti-tank mines and others.

Back in the late 60s. Alexander Nikitovich conceived a 300-mm MLRS with a firing range of up to 70 km. Under his leadership, range correction and angular stabilization systems were developed, which increased the efficiency of the entire system several times.

This MLRS was named Smerch. However, Ganichev was not able to complete work on it. On January 2, 1983, the designer passed away. The work on Smerch was carried out by Alexander Nikitovich’s student - chief designer of the MLRS Hero of Socialist Labor Gennady Denezhkin. Today, Smerch has no analogues in the world and is the basic system for future MLRS.

Ganichev had scientific intuition and foresaw that the development path of MLRS lay in the field of creating highly intelligent weapons. In 1980, he demonstrated the first self-aiming warhead. And at one of the scientific and technical councils, the first draft of a homing warhead was considered. Since the 60s, he has successfully developed MLRS technology for civilian use - to combat the hail of Cloud and Sky.

Ganichev, the founder of a new scientific school, trained a galaxy of highly qualified specialists. Many of the current designers, scientists, engineers of Splav and related enterprises are grateful to Alexander Nikitovich for his help in their creative development. Under his leadership, about 10 multiple launch rocket systems and more than 40 ammunition for them were created. Almost 400 copyright certificates have been received for technical solutions proposed by Ganichev personally and in collaboration.

For the 80th anniversary of Alexander Ganichev, the Splav team prepared a worthy gift: as a result of deep modernization, the Grad’s range was increased from 20 to 40 km.

For his outstanding contribution to the development of weapons A.N. Ganichev was awarded the title of Hero of Socialist Labor and twice winner of the State Prize.

Significant anniversaries of the designer and his weapons were solemnly celebrated in Tula and St. Petersburg. The memory of the glorious son, a nugget of the Russian land, a brilliant designer, is immortalized by memorial plaques, MLRS memorials, and scholarships for the best students of Tula University.

Applications

122 mm BM-21 "Grad"

In 1965, production of the 40-barreled BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system was mastered.

At that time, a new aerodynamic stabilization system was created - the projectile stabilizers, being in the closed position, open and are rigidly fixed when exiting the guide tube. This made it possible to create a compact guide package. The multi-charge nature of rocket systems, which have small-sized and simple-designed launchers, determines the possibility of simultaneously hitting targets over large areas, and salvo fire ensures surprise and a high impact on the enemy. They are highly mobile, capable of opening fire within minutes of arriving at a position and immediately leaving it, avoiding return fire. More than 2,000 BM-21 MLRS were supplied by Motovilikha Plants OJSC for service in various countries around the world.

The Grad installation is designed to destroy manpower and unarmored vehicles in the nearest tactical depth.

Main characteristics

Caliber, mm122

Firing range, km:

Maximum20.38

Minimum5

Salvo time, s20 Number of guides, pcs. 40 Main rocket mass, kg 66.6 BM mass, t 13.7 Crew, people 6 Reloading time, min. 7

220 mm MLRS "Uragan"

In 1975, production of the 220-mm Uragan MLRS was mastered.

Compound:

Combat vehicle (BM) 9P140

Transport-loading machine (TZM) 9T452

Missiles (RS)

Educational and training aids.

The combat vehicle is designed to fire rockets to destroy enemy personnel and equipment in areas of concentration, on the march and in battle formations, helicopters and aircraft at airfields, command posts, fuel depots and other targets. The BM allows projectiles to be transported in guides and is equipped with an electric guidance drive, communications equipment and a night vision device. Firing is possible both from the BM and from the cockpit. The Uragan MLRS has the ability to be transported by rail, water, and air. Operation of the complex is possible at any time of the year and day, in various climatic conditions and in contaminated areas.

Main characteristics

Caliber, mm220

Firing range, km:

Maximum34

Minimum 8.5

Salvo time, s20 Number of guides, pcs. 16 Main RS mass, kg 280 BM mass, t 20.2 Crew, people 4 Reloading time, min. 15 Number of RS transportable on TZM, pcs. 16

300-mm MLRS "SMERCH"

In 1987, production of the 300-mm Smerch MLRS was mastered. According to many experts, the Russian Smerch MLRS is considered the best rocket artillery system in the world. A number of fundamentally new technical solutions embodied in the design of the missile allow it to be classified as a completely new generation of weapons of this kind. First of all, this applies to the system for correcting the flight of a rotating rocket, created for the first time in the world. Flight correction in pitch and yaw angles, carried out according to signals from the control system, is carried out by a gas-dynamic executive body, the design of which has no analogues in world practice.

Composition of the MLRS "Smerch":

Combat vehicle (BM) 9A52-2

Transport-loading machine (TZM) 9T234-2

Missiles

Educational and training aids

Arsenal equipment

Main characteristics

Caliber, mm 300

Number of launch tubes, pcs. 12

Firing range, km:

Maximum 70

Minimum 20

Damage area with one salvo, ha67.2

Full salvo time, from 40

Cruising range of the combat vehicle, km900

Calculation, people 4

On November 19, 1942, a strategic offensive operation of Soviet troops under the code name “Uranus” began near Stalingrad. One of the key roles in the battle for Stalingrad was played by cannon and rocket artillery. In memory of the merits of this type of troops in one of the decisive battles of the Great Patriotic War, November 19 began to be celebrated as the Day of Missile Forces and Artillery (RFA).

The Red Army's offensive began with a massive artillery bombardment. Of the entire range of artillery weapons used in the Battle of Stalingrad, it is worth mentioning the BM-13 field multiple launch rocket system, nicknamed “Katyusha”.

"Katyusha" marked the beginning of the development of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) in the country.

• Soviet Katyusha multiple launch rocket systems, 1942
• RIA News
• Georgy Zelma

Today, MLRS is part of the Russian Military Army along with self-propelled and towed cannon artillery, mortars and tactical missile systems. The MLRS consists of a combat vehicle with a launcher based on a tractor or tank chassis, a transport-loading vehicle, a control vehicle and rockets.

Child of the Cold War

During the Cold War, options for a full-scale clash between the USSR and the NATO bloc were seriously considered. It was assumed that a colossal amount of manpower and equipment would be used in the conflict, as well as weapons of mass destruction would be used.

To repel the threat in the form of large concentrations of enemy forces, a weapon with area destruction was required, capable of stopping the offensive at distant approaches. MLRS were most suitable for such purposes.

During the years of the Cold War, the USSR accumulated a powerful combat potential in the field of missile weapons. The systems were constantly developed and modernized.

In particular, the ammunition load of the MLRS was improved - by increasing the characteristics of the range and flight accuracy of rockets, increasing the caliber of missiles, expanding the range of types of ammunition used, as well as a gradual movement towards adjustable rockets.

The chassis of the tractors was also modified, which should provide the vehicle with sufficient maneuverability and speed. Fire control and navigation systems were improved, and progress was made towards increasing the automation of MLRS operation.

According to the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), by 1991 the USSR had 8,000 units of rocket artillery (including reserves) versus 426 units in the United States. At the same time, Soviet MLRS were superior to their foreign counterparts in many respects.

Made in USSR

The development of a new MLRS began in 1959 at Research Institute No. 147 (now JSC NPO Splav, part of the Rostec corporation). In 1963, the 9k51 Grad was put into service; in the same year, serial production of the MLRS began at the Perm plant named after. Lenin.

"Grad" uses 122 mm unguided rockets launched from 40 guides. The Ural and ZIL-131 tractors were used as chassis.

A number of modifications have been created on the basis of the Grad MLRS, in particular the airborne launchers Grad-V and Grad-VD, 9k59 Prima with 50 guides. The BM-21PD Damba was developed for the Navy to combat naval saboteurs and submarines, as well as Grad-M for installation on ships.

"Grad" uses a wide range of unguided projectiles: high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, smoke, illumination, training, cassette, cumulative, mine-laying. The minimum firing range of the Grad MLRS is 5 km, the maximum is 20 km.

The high intensity of fire, coupled with a large affected area, allows the Grad to be effectively used against enemy personnel and armored vehicles. After delivering a missile salvo, the installation can quickly leave the firing point, avoiding return fire.

Following the Grad, NPO Splav created an MLRS with improved characteristics - Uragan. In 1975, the 9k57 Uragan (caliber 220 mm) with 16 guides was adopted for service. For the first time in the world, a projectile with a cassette warhead with fragmentation warheads was developed for the Hurricane.

The Uragan MLRS additionally includes a topographic survey vehicle and a direction-finding meteorological complex.

A salvo of one combat vehicle covers an area of ​​more than 42 hectares. Fire can be fired at a distance of 8 to 35 km, either singly or in salvoes. "Hurricane" uses a wide range of unguided projectiles: high-explosive fragmentation, mine-laying, cassette, thermobaric, incendiary.

The crowning achievement of the heavy rocket artillery of the USSR was the creation of the 9k58 Smerch MLRS (caliber 300 mm) with 12 guides.

The development of Smerch was carried out by NPO Splav, and in 1987 the system was put into service.

The Smerch MLRS additionally includes a topographic survey vehicle and a direction-finding meteorological complex.

For Smerch, adjustable rockets with an inertial control system were developed, which made it possible to reduce the dispersion of projectiles by three times compared to an unguided rocket, while doubling the accuracy of fire. The fire range of the Smerch is from 20 to 90 km, the area of ​​the affected area can reach 70 hectares.

In 2017, a bicaliber version of the Uragan, Uragan-1M (calibers 220 and 300 mm), was put into service. Unlike previous generation systems, Uragan-1M is charged by completely replacing the package with guides.

According to IISS, at the beginning of 2017, the Russian army had 550 Grads, 200 Uragans and 100 Smerchs in service.

This Russian trio of MLRS is in great demand abroad and is exported to dozens of countries.

The Tornado is Coming

Today in Russia there is an active renewal of the missile forces due to the commissioning of a new family of MLRS "Tornado" based on the BAZ-6950 chassis.

"Tornado" has two modifications: "Tornado-G" - a modernization of the "Grad" - and "Tornado-S" - a modernization of the "Smerch".

• 122-mm multiple launch rocket system 9K51M "Tornado-G" ("G" - "Grad") - a modernized version of the MLRS 9K51 "Grad"
• RIA News

The new missile systems take into account all the shortcomings characteristic of similar equipment of the previous generation. Features of the new family of MLRS are the presence of an automated guidance and fire control system, integration of weapons into the GLONASS satellite system, improved electronics and on-board equipment, as well as the ability to fire special long-range projectiles.

“Tornado” has increased accuracy and can also operate as part of a team under the guidance of a single control center.

At the moment, new types of projectiles are being developed for both modifications of the MLRS. Among the unusual ones, one can note a 300 mm caliber projectile with an unmanned aerial vehicle in the warhead, capable of carrying out reconnaissance after being launched from a rocket.

The Tornado-G MLRS entered service in 2012, and the Tornado-S in 2016. The systems are now being supplied to the Russian army.

Change of generations

Russian MLRS are superior to their foreign counterparts in many respects, experts are sure. Their renewal will allow Russia to maintain leadership in this type of weapons in the future. Military expert Viktor Murakhovsky told RT about the role of MLRS in the Russian armed forces system and the prospects for the development of missile forces.

According to him, the MLRS in the Russian army is one of the most advanced means of fire destruction. Recently, the previous generation MLRS has been intensively replaced by the Tornado family. Purchases of Tornado-S and Tornado-G are included in the new state weapons program.

“Now we are actively developing and adopting new ammunition for these systems. It is especially worth noting the creation of guided missile ammunition, which should eliminate the main disadvantage of MLRS - low accuracy. New-generation adjustable projectiles with an individual guidance system will make it possible to classify the MLRS as a high-precision weapon,” noted Murakhovsky.

The expert emphasized that MLRS are included in the general reconnaissance and combat contour of the Russian army.

“According to the organizational structure, Grads operate as part of rocket artillery divisions of tank and motorized rifle brigades and regiments, Hurricanes correspond to the army kit, and Smerchs belong to the district subordination. MLRS are extremely effective defensive and offensive weapons, significantly increasing the combat potential of the formations they are part of,” concluded Murakhovsky.

Despite the development of aviation and the emergence of increasingly advanced guided munitions, work on which is being carried out in many countries around the world, the importance of cannon and rocket artillery does not become less. Moreover, the experience of local conflicts in recent decades shows the high efficiency of using multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). More and more countries are striving to acquire their own types of such weapons. One of the most powerful multiple launch rocket systems today is the Smerch MLRS, developed back in the USSR.

The Smerch can send 300 mm caliber rockets over a distance of up to 90 km and combines the firepower of the legendary Katyusha with the striking range of tactical missiles. In one gulp, the installation covers an area almost equal to 70 hectares.

The Smerch MLRS belongs to the third generation of multiple launch rocket systems. The installation was put into service in 1987, it is currently in operation in the Russian army, and is also used by the armed forces of fifteen other countries.

One of the main disadvantages of the Smerch MLRS is its high cost. One rocket costs 2 million rubles (as of 2005), the price of the complex is 22 million dollars.

History of creation

The first generation of Soviet multiple launch rocket systems includes the famous BM-13 “Katyusha” and a number of post-war vehicles (BM-20, BM-24, BM-14-16), which were developed taking into account the experience of the recent war. All of the above samples had one significant drawback - a short firing range, that is, they were, in fact, battlefield vehicles. This fact did not suit the military at all, so developments in this direction did not stop.

In 1963, the world's first second-generation MLRS was put into service - the famous BM-21 Grad combat vehicle, which is still used today by the Russian and many other armies of the world. To say that the BM-21 turned out well is to say nothing. In terms of simplicity, efficiency and manufacturability, this MLRS has no analogues today.

However, the Soviet military wanted a more powerful system that could destroy targets at considerable distances.

Back in the late 60s, the designers of SNPP Splav (Tulgosniitochmash) began work on creating a 300 mm MLRS that could hit the enemy at a range of up to 70 km. In 1976, a resolution of the USSR Council of Ministers appeared on the start of work on the creation of the Smerch multiple launch rocket system. About 20 enterprises of the USSR took part in this project.

The biggest problem in creating long-range MLRS is the significant spread of rockets. When the Americans were working on creating their MLRS MLRS, they came to the conclusion that there was no point in making a system with a firing range of more than 40 kilometers, because it simply would not be able to hit its targets.

It should be noted that the United States paid little attention to the development of multiple launch rocket systems, considering them exclusively battlefield weapons that should directly support their troops in attack or defense. "Smerch" in its characteristics is closer to tactical missile systems and a salvo of six launchers is quite capable of stopping a division or destroying a small populated area. We can safely say that the Smerch MLRS is the most destructive weapon of the ground forces, not counting the nuclear one. Sometimes the power of this complex is called excessive.

Soviet designers solved the problem of missile scattering: they made adjustable ammunition for the Smerch. This solution increased the accuracy of the complex by 2-3 times.

It is the rockets that are the main highlight of the Smerch. Each rocket has a control system that directs its flight along its active trajectory.

The Smerch MLRS was put into service in 1987. During its operation, the vehicle underwent modernization several times, which significantly improved its performance characteristics (TTX). Until 1990 (this year the Chinese WS-1 MLRS appeared), the Smerch was the most powerful combat vehicle of its class. Today it remains the longest-range multiple launch rocket system in the world.

In 1989, a modification of the Smerch MLRS appeared with a 9A52-2 combat vehicle and a new transport-loading vehicle.

Since 1993, the Smerch MLRS has been actively promoting itself on the global arms market and it must be said that there is always an increased interest in this technology. These complexes are in service with many countries, including China and India.

Description

The Smerch multiple launch rocket system is designed to destroy almost any group targets at distances from 20 to 90 km. This could be the enemy's armored and unarmored equipment, his manpower, communication centers, tactical missile batteries, command posts, and enemy airfields. The target engagement range allows firing from distances that make the Smerch invulnerable to enemy artillery.

The missile's deviation is only 0.21% of its flight range, which gives an error of 150 meters at a distance of 70 km. This is very high accuracy for such a weapon; it is achieved due to the high speed of rotation of the rocket in flight, as well as thanks to its control system.

MLRS consists of the following elements:

• combat vehicle;
• 300 mm caliber rockets;
• transport-charging machine;
• radio direction finding meteorological complex;
• car for topographic survey;
• a set of special equipment.

The combat vehicle consists of an all-terrain vehicle: MAZ-79111, MAZ-543M, Tatra 816 (India) and an artillery component, which is located in the rear of the vehicle. In front is the driver's cabin, engine compartment and crew cabin, which houses the fire control system and communications equipment.

The loading vehicle is equipped with crane equipment and is capable of carrying 12 missiles.

The artillery unit consists of twelve tubular guides, a rotating base, lifting and turning mechanisms, as well as sighting and electrical equipment.

Each of the tubular guides is equipped with a U-shaped groove, which is needed to impart rotational motion to the missile. The lifting and rotating mechanism provides aiming in the vertical plane from 0 to 55° and a horizontal aiming sector of 60° (30° to the right and left of the longitudinal axis of the combat vehicle).

The combat vehicle is equipped with hydraulic supports on which the rear of the vehicle hangs during firing. This improves its accuracy.

Both the launcher and the loading machine are almost identical. They are equipped with a twelve-cylinder diesel engine with a power of 525 hp. With. The wheel formula is 8x8, the first two pairs of wheels are rotary. On the highway, these cars can move at a speed of 60 km/h, they have high maneuverability and can use any type of road, overcome fords with a depth of one meter. The power reserve is 850 km.

The Smerch MLRS missiles are manufactured according to a classic aerodynamic design with a detachable warhead. This design solution significantly reduces the missile's visibility on radar screens, making them even deadlier.

Each missile is equipped with an inertial control system, which corrects its flight in yaw and pitch during the active part of the trajectory. Correction is carried out using gas-dynamic rudders located in the front part of the rocket. To ensure their operation, a gas generator is installed on the rocket. In addition, the rocket is stabilized due to its rotation, as well as stabilizers, which open immediately after the shot and are located at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the rocket.

The rocket engine is solid fuel and runs on mixed fuel. The head part can be monoblock or with separable parts. Fire can be carried out either in single shots or in a volley. Each rocket is 7.5 meters long and weighs 800 kg, of which 280 kg is the warhead.

The warhead can contain up to 72 combat elements, which, due to a special mechanism, hit targets at an angle of 90°, which significantly increases their effectiveness.

The Smerch multiple launch rocket system fires one salvo in 38 seconds. The launch is carried out from the cockpit or using a remote control. Preparation for a salvo after receiving the target coordinates takes three minutes. Within a minute, the installation can leave the combat position, which makes it even less vulnerable to enemy return fire.

The process of loading the complex is extremely mechanized and takes about twenty minutes.

"Smerch" can use a wide variety of ammunition: high-explosive fragmentation, cluster, thermobaric. The MLRS is capable of remotely mining an area with both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. There is an experimental munition with the Tipchak reconnaissance unmanned vehicle, which scans the area and transmits information over a distance of 70 km.

Ammunition with a flight range of 70 and 90 km has been developed for this complex. Several years ago, information appeared about the creation of a new high-explosive fragmentation ammunition with a flight range of 120 km and a warhead mass of 150 kg.

The modernization of the MLRS (the creation of 9A52-2 combat vehicles) consisted of the installation of more advanced fire control and communications equipment. This made it possible to ensure high speed of data reception and transmission, protection from unauthorized access and more convenient display of information for crew members. This equipment also links the combat vehicle to the terrain, calculates firing settings and flight missions.

The automated control system "Vivarium" combines several command and staff vehicles, which are at the disposal of the brigade commander, its chief of staff, as well as division commanders. Each of these machines is equipped with computing equipment, communications and data encryption. Such headquarters vehicles can collect information, process it, and exchange data with other control units for planning and carrying out combat missions.

Another modification of this complex can be called the Kama MLRS, which was demonstrated to the general public in 2007. "Kama" has only six guides for 300-mm missiles, which are installed on a four-axle KamAZ truck. The Kama MLRS combat and loading vehicle was demonstrated in 2009.

Experts say the main goal of creating the Kama is to increase the mobility of the complex by reducing its size and weight. There are also opinions that the new MLRS have good commercial prospects.

Currently, Splav specialists are working on the creation of the next generation multiple launch rocket system - Tornado. There is very little information about its characteristics, but, probably, this MLRS will be even closer in accuracy to tactical missile systems. Most likely, the Tornado MLRS will be two-caliber, that is, it will be able to solve the tasks that the Uragan and Smerch perform today. Automation of Tornado firing will reach such a level that combat vehicles will be able to leave positions even before the missiles hit the target.

Characteristics

Video about MLRS

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Much has changed since the days of the famous Katyushas. Battle tactics, weapons, state borders... But Russia's multiple launch rocket systems are still extremely important on the battlefield to this day. With their help, you can throw shells of enormous destructive power over tens of kilometers, destroying and disabling fortified areas, enemy armored vehicles and manpower.

Our country occupies a leading position in the development of MLRS: old developments are constantly being improved and new models of these weapons are appearing. Today we will look at what Russian multiple launch rocket systems are in service with the army today.

"Grad"

MLRS 122 mm caliber. Designed to destroy enemy personnel, remotely lay minefields, and destroy enemy fortified positions. Can fight light and medium armored vehicles. When creating the vehicle, the Ural-4320 chassis was used, on which guides for 122 mm caliber shells are placed. You can transport ammunition to the Grad using any vehicle that has suitable dimensions.

The number of guides for projectiles is 40 pieces, arranged in four rows of ten pieces each. Fire can be fired either in single shots or in a one-shot salvo, which takes less than a minute (no more than 20 seconds). The maximum firing range is up to 20.5 kilometers. The affected area is four hectares. "Grad" can be successfully operated in a wide range of temperatures: from -50 to +50 degrees Celsius.

Fire control is possible both from the cockpit and outside it, and in the latter case, the crew uses a remote wired remote control (range of action - up to 50 meters). Since the designers provided for the sequential deflection of the projectiles from the guides, the combat vehicle sways relatively weakly during firing. It takes no more than three to four minutes to bring the installation into firing position. The chassis can overcome fords up to one and a half meters deep.

Combat use

Where were these Russian multiple launch rocket systems used? Firstly, their baptism of fire took place in Afghanistan. As the Mujahideen who survived the shelling (and there were very few of them) recall: “There was real hell all around, clods of earth were rising to the skies. We thought it was the end of the world." The installation was widely used during both Chechen campaigns, during the “war of three eights”, when forcing Georgia to peace.

However, the first experience of using these, then still secret, installations was obtained long before the events described. This happened during the incident on the Damansky Peninsula, which was later given to China. When the second wave of Chinese troops was able to break into its territory and gain a foothold there, the order was given to use Grads. At first, the Soviet Union generally wanted to use atomic weapons, but there were fears about the reaction from the international community. Be that as it may, this was enough for the PLA: a directed salvo of dozens of Grads simply plowed up this piece of disputed territory.

It is probably impossible to know how many Chinese died there. Soviet military leaders believed that at least three thousand people crossed into the peninsula. In any case, there were definitely no survivors.

Current state of affairs

Today it is believed that the Grads are morally and technically outdated. Many of these vehicles that are in service with our army today have almost completely exhausted their service life. In addition, the troops are now being rearmed and equipped with Tornado MLRS. But for the “old guys” it’s still a long way off. The fact is that the Ministry of Defense still wants to leave in the ranks of the army a proven, cheap and effective machine.

In this regard, a special project was created to modernize them and bring them to a modern look and efficiency. In particular, a normal satellite navigation system was finally installed on the old model, as well as a Baguette computer that controls the process of launching projectiles. According to the military, the relatively simple update procedure benefited the Grads, as their combat potential increased several times at once.

This technique is used by all parties to the conflict on Ukrainian territory. Warlike Africans who received MLRS from the USSR also love these weapons. In short, the installation’s geographical distribution is enormous. This is what characterizes the Grad multiple launch rocket system. The “tornado”, which we will describe below, is many times more powerful and has terrible destructive power.

"Tornado"

A truly terrifying weapon. In comparison, the “Grad” is really similar in effectiveness to the one of the same name. Judge for yourself: the Americans believe that the “Smerch” is a multiple rocket launcher, the characteristics of which would be more suitable for a compact complex with nuclear weapons.

And they are absolutely right. This installation, in just one salvo, “covers” an unrealistic 629 hectares of area with a firing range of up to 70 kilometers. And that's not it. Today, new types of projectiles are being developed that will fly a hundred kilometers. In the area covered by these Russian multiple launch rocket systems, everything is burning, including heavy armored vehicles. Like the previous MLRS, Smerch can be operated in the widest temperature range.

Designed for large-scale processing of enemy positions before an offensive, destruction of particularly strong bunkers and bunkers, destruction of large concentrations of enemy manpower and enemy equipment.

Chassis, guides for launching projectiles

The chassis is based on the MAZ-543 all-terrain vehicle. Unlike the Grad, this installation is much more dangerous for the enemy due to the fact that the battery includes the Vivarium fire control system, which allows achieving the highest efficiency, which is more typical for cannon artillery systems.

These multiple rocket launchers have 12 tubular projectile guides. Each of them weighs 80 kilograms, and 280 of them are accounted for by a powerful charge. Weapons experts believe that this ratio is ideal for unguided projectiles, as it allows the ammunition to combine powerful propulsion engines and enormous destructive potential.

And one more feature of Smerch shells. The designers worked on this for a long time, but they achieved that the angle of their fall to the ground was equal to 90 degrees. Such a “meteorite” will easily penetrate through any MBT of a probable enemy, and concrete structures are unlikely to withstand such power. At present, there are no plans to produce new Smerchs (most likely), since they will be replaced at the combat post by new Tornados.

However, there is some probability that the old complexes will still be modernized. It is absolutely certain that their ammunition can include new types of active-guided missiles, so the combat capabilities of the complex are far from being exhausted today.

What other multiple rocket launchers do we have?

"Hurricane"

Adopted into service in the 70s of the last century. In terms of combat effectiveness, it occupies an intermediate position between the Grad and Smerch. Thus, the maximum firing range is 35 kilometers. In general, the “Hurricane” is a multiple rocket launcher, the design of which laid down many principles that still guide the developers of this type of weapon in our country. It was created by the famous designer Yuri Nikolaevich Kalachnikov.

By the way, “Uragan” is a multiple rocket launcher, which at one time the Soviet Union supplied in considerable quantities to Yemen, where military operations are now beginning to take place intensively. Surely we will soon find out how effective the old Soviet technology was in battle. At the same time as the Grad, the Russian armed forces also used the Uragan during the war in Afghanistan.

The installation was also widely used in Chechnya, and then in Georgia. There is information that with the help of Hurricanes, a column of advancing Georgian tanks was once completely destroyed (according to other sources, these were Grads).

Composition of the complex

There are 16 tubular guides mounted on the chassis of the ZIL-135LM all-terrain vehicle (initially it was planned that there would be 20 of them). The Ukrainians at one time modernized the vehicles they inherited, placing them on the chassis of their own. The fighting compartment of these installations includes the following components:

The 9P140 machine itself.

Transport for transporting and loading 9T452 shells.

Ammunition kit.

Fire control vehicle based on the 1V126 "Kapustnik-B" installation.

Tools for teaching and training calculations.

Topographic reconnaissance station 1T12-2M.

Direction finding and meteorology complex 1B44.

A complete set of equipment and tools 9F381, designed for repair and maintenance of machines from the complex.

What else characterizes the Russian Uragan multiple launch rocket systems? The artillery part is made on a rotating mechanism base for balancing, and is also equipped with hydraulic and electromechanical drives. The massive package of guides can be aimed from 5 to 55 degrees.

Horizontal aiming can be carried out at an angle of 30 degrees to the right and left of the central axis of the combat vehicle. To prevent the risk of the heavy chassis collapsing during a massive salvo, two powerful combat lugs are provided at the rear of the chassis. The complex is also equipped with night vision devices, and therefore can be operated in the dark.

Currently, about one and a half hundred of these machines are still in use in the Russian Armed Forces. Most likely, they will not be modernized, but will be written off immediately after their combat life is fully exhausted. This is due to the fact that a new MLRS was adopted for service, which includes all the advantages of the old models.

"Tornado"

This is Russia's new multiple launch rocket system. Its development began due to the fact that the old Grads, which had been in service for more than forty years, urgently needed replacement. As a result of intense design work, this machine appeared.

Unlike its predecessors, Russia's Tornado multiple launch rocket systems are much more advanced in the field of guidance and firing accuracy, as they can use topographic data transmitted from satellites. But this is not the only thing that makes the newly created MLRS unique.

The fact is that previously, for each task, Soviet industry created a separate installation: in fact, this is exactly how the meteorological “zoo” appeared in the form of “Grad”, “Smerch” and “Hurricane”. But modern Russian multiple launch rocket systems (“Tornado”) will be produced in three versions at once, using shells from all three vehicles described above. It is assumed that the designers will provide the ability to quickly replace the artillery unit, so that one chassis can be used in different capacities.

New shells

In addition, all previous systems had one big drawback associated with the uncontrollability of ammunition. Simply put, it was impossible to correct the course of already fired shells. All this was quite suitable for wars of past decades, but in current conditions it is no longer acceptable. To solve this problem, new types of projectiles with active optical and laser guidance were created for the Tornado. From now on, MLRS have become a fundamentally new, extremely dangerous type of weapon.

Thus, modern Russian multiple launch rocket systems can now be compared in effectiveness with the most advanced examples of cannon artillery, hitting a target tens of kilometers away. Unlike the most advanced “Smerch” in this regard, the firing range of the “Tornado” is already up to 100 kilometers (when using the appropriate projectiles).

Meeting new and old

As we already wrote at the very beginning of the article, work is also currently underway to improve the old Grads, of which there are still many left in service. And then the designers thought: “What if we use a simple, technologically advanced chassis from the Grad, installing a new combat module from the Tornado of the appropriate caliber?” The plan was quickly brought to life.

This is how a completely new car, the Tornado-G, was born. It was officially put into service in 2013, and deliveries to the troops began at the same time. At the Tank Biathlon 2014, the new MLRS was demonstrated to everyone.

Unlike both predecessors of this technology, the design includes the Kapustnik-BM control system, which increases the combat capabilities of the complex several times. In addition, the process of aiming and live firing has been significantly simplified: now the crew does not need to go outside at all, since all the necessary topographical data is displayed in real time on monitors installed inside the cabin. From there you can set a target and launch projectiles.

Such upgrades not only modernized the old complex, but also significantly protected the crew. Now the vehicle can quickly fire a salvo from a closed position and leave it, spending no more than a minute and a half. This sharply reduces the risk of detection and destruction of the complex by an enemy retaliatory strike. In addition, through the use of new projectiles with a detachable warhead, it is now possible to significantly expand the range of possible combat modules.

Here are the multiple launch rocket systems in Russia today. Photos of them are given in the article, so you can get a rough idea of ​​their power.