Every year, more and more armies of the world are trying to acquire large-caliber multiple launch rocket systems. The most important weapon of war - artillery - has always been one of the most important, now there is a further growth in tendencies for its development and acquisition, even despite the fact that the 21st century has spawned a huge number of various aviation assets and even controlled ones, which not so long ago was just the limit dreams, missiles for various purposes. This trend does not come to naught due to the fact that there is a constant multidirectional improvement, development, refinement of artillery systems. To date, the most powerful are large-caliber multiple launch rocket systems, they are also MLRS. The development of these systems has led to the fact that the most powerful of them are capable of wiping out army units and entire formations from the face of the Earth. Previously, only the Soviet Union was proud of 300 mm MLRS, and now more and more countries of the world are acquiring such complexes for service, some of them have begun producing their own MLRS.
Large caliber firstborns
It is noteworthy that Japan was the first to enter the privileged club of countries-developers and owners of their own large-caliber multiple launch rocket systems, but at the same time she had to agree with some rules and reservations. In 1968, Japan armed its own Self-Defense Forces with a 307 mm Type 67 complex. In theory, this complex fell under the definition of MLRS. It included combat vehicles with a launcher, which was installed on the chassis of a HINO vehicle, which could reach speeds of up to 78 km / h. The combat vehicle had two guides for firing Type 68 missiles. Their length was 4.5 meters, and their mass reached 573 kg. The Japanese large-caliber MLRS was produced at the rocket and space division of the Nissan Motor Co. and the firing range of such installations reached 28 kilometers. To date, this large-caliber multiple launch rocket system has already been discontinued. the Japanese military now prefers to purchase weapons such as MLRS from their American partners. The Japanese "Type 67" was considered a MLRS, but in today's understanding, a BM for two missiles is no longer an MLRS.
The next country that has always tried to develop various models of military and military equipment itself is Israel. This country managed to apply the experience accumulated over many years to create an MLRS. State company "IMI" in 1965 began work on a 290 mm multiple launch rocket system of the MAR-290 type. This system was adopted by the national armed forces in the late 1960s. To date, MAR-290 still serves the defense of Israel, according to some estimates, the country has 20 units of this technique. After its creation, this system has undergone a number of modifications. The first changes consisted in the fact that the MLRS of this type was placed on the chassis of the Sherman tank. The operating experience was not entirely successful, so the developers decided to put the MAR-290 on the chassis that belonged to the main battle tank of Britain, the Centurion. PU consists of four 6-meter guide pipes. The installation makes a full volley in 10 seconds. The mass of the combat vehicle is 50 tons, and the reserve of walking at the same time is 204 kilometers, the combat crew is 4 people. The firing range of 600-kilogram PCs is from 5, 45 meters to 25 kilometers. The mass of the RS warhead is 320 kilograms. This missile system is characterized by the guidance angles of the guide block in elevation from 0 (+ -) to 60 (+ -), in azimuth values 360 (+ -). Recharging PU lasts about 10 minutes.
To date, foreign media specializing in military topics report that an improved type of MLRS is being developed. He has already been assigned the designation MAR-350, the caliber of this installation is 350 millimeters. According to official data, the characteristics of this system will be as follows: from the guides, two two-rocket units have been selected, which have a curb weight of 2 thousand kilograms each, the unit will have a 6, 2-meter length and 0, 97-meter width; the height will be 0.45 meters, and the duration of a salvo of four missiles is about 30 seconds.
Great-grandson of Katyusha
The very first and real large-caliber MLRS was the 300-mm MLRS released in the USSR called "Smerch". It was developed by an association headed by the Tula state research and production enterprise "Splav". It happened in the early 1980s.
Having created the "Smerch", the team of its developers was able to unwaveringly prove in practice that an increase in the effective firing range of MLRS is possible. This rocket artillery could effectively fire 70 or even 90 kilometers. The creation of Smerch was a shocking shock for the West. American specialists, after long-term research and development, created MLRS MLRS, the effective firing range of which was 30-40 kilometers. At the same time, American scientists were absolutely sure that this firing range is maximum for any MLRS. It was believed that further increase in the firing range would lead to too much dispersion of shells, which is unacceptable. How did our specialists solve this problem? They managed to create shells with a unique design. What was unique about them? They had an independent pitch and yaw trajectory correction system. It was this that ensured the accuracy of the hit, which was two or even three times higher than the performance of foreign MLRS. According to some calculations, this figure was no more than 0.21% of the launch range. The Soviet specialists managed to increase the firing accuracy three times. Correction of the trajectory of the missile projectile was carried out by gas-dynamic rudders. They were powered by high pressure gas that came from an onboard gas generator. The projectile was also stabilized in flight. It was achieved due to its rotation in flight around the longitudinal axis. The rotation itself was provided by the preliminary untwisting of the rocket projectile even when it was moving along the tubular guide; in flight, it was supported due to the fact that the blades of the drop-down stabilizer were installed, which opened at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile.
But this is not all the outstanding features of the Smerch MLRS. The next feature is that a whole arsenal of ammunition was developed for the "tornado", the firing range of which reached 70 kilometers. These were missiles of the 9M55 family. A firing range of 90 kilometers was also achieved with the help of missile shells of the 9M52 and 9M53 families. They were equipped with completely different types of warheads. These included: cluster, which had fragmentation-type combat elements; cluster with penetrating fragmentation warheads; monoblock high-explosive fragmentation; cluster with non-contact detonation fragmentation submunitions; cluster with cumulative fragmentation submunitions; high-explosive, which was a penetrating type warhead; cassette with anti-tank or anti-personnel; thermobaric head part; cluster, with standard self-aiming or small-sized self-aiming submunitions, as well as cluster with anti-personnel or even anti-tank mines.
Today, the Russian army uses an improved type of multiple launch rocket system 9A52-2. A number of foreign countries also use this rocket system as a weapon. For example, such countries as Ukraine, using 94 MLRS, Belarus with 40 copies, in Peru using 10 systems, Algeria has 18, as well as Kuwait, using 27 installations. It is worth noting that it was with Kuwait that the first export contract for the Smerch MLRS was drawn up and implemented: in 1995, Russia provided 9 jet systems to Kuwait, and later, in 1996, 18 more. Also in 1996, the export contract was drawn up with The United Arab Emirates, according to which they were provided with six launchers, nine A52-2, an automated combat control system "Vivarium" and six TZM 9E234-2.
India is one of the last countries to acquire the Smerch. In 2003, a preliminary application was signed for the supply of 36 Smerch-M combat vehicles, delivered on the Tatra chassis. The deal was worth about $ 450 million. Due to some events, the signing of the contract was postponed and took place only on December 31, 2005. In accordance with the contract, India received 28 9A52-2T combat vehicles mounted on the Tatra T816 chassis. Some data indicate that 38 combat vehicles were sold. The deal was worth about $ 500 million. In May 2007, the first batch of the order was sent, and already in July of the same year, India signed a contract for another 24 combat vehicles, the cost of which was $ 600 million. Another deal was concluded with Turkmenistan in June 2007. The order for this was for 6 complexes and the cost was indicated at 70 million dollars.
With regard to China, an unusually interesting situation has developed: according to official data, the Smerch multiple launch rocket system has never been delivered to the territory of this country, but to date, Chinese enterprises of the military-industrial complex have created two copies of the Smerch system. This country managed to more or less copy the A-100 type systems, as well as the PHL-03. As it turned out, China managed to make an exact copy of the PHL-03, and hence the question arose whether Chinese specialists had a Russian version of the Smerch. there are huge doubts that such an exact copy can be the result of studying photographic materials and video materials, various visual observations. Experts adhere to the version that if Russia really did not sell the MLRS data, then most likely China secretly acquired such a system in the countries - the former republics of the USSR. Such suppliers could well be Belarus or Ukraine.
"Tornado" is the son of "Tornado".
After the Smerch was put into service, the Tula State Research and Production Enterprise “Splav” developed a modernized version: 9K52-2. It differed from its predecessor in a reduced combat crew (from 4 to 3) and increased, improved automation of combat processes. 9A52-2T, which was provided for export, went on the Tatra T816 (10 * 10) chassis. There was also another modification of the "Tornado". The new "Smerch" has appeared quite recently. This version is lightweight and also six-barreled. The system is installed on the chassis of a four-axle all-wheel drive vehicle, namely "KamAZ-6350". To date, there are two sub-variants of such a combat vehicle: with a launcher of the usual tubular type 9Ya295, as well as with a launcher with a removable container MZ-196. The latter is believed to have a disposable container that is reloaded exclusively at the manufacturer's facility. Already a new complex was created as part of the concept that was used to create the American multiple launch rocket system HIMARS. HIMARS is a small-sized analogue of the 227 mm and mixed complex of OTR ATACMS multiple launch rocket systems. Also, the new complex was equipped with a modern fire control system, which allows you to distribute the battery on the ground and greatly increase its performance in the face of targeted enemy opposition. In this system, computers are installed that process information without human participation in this process. Another combat vehicle from the Smerch family, which was installed on the MAZ chassis, passed the tests. This system has a launcher with two removable containers designed for six missile rounds each. Sometimes this war machine is called "Tornado".
The development of the Smerch multiple launch rocket system does not stop. Improving the combat vehicle is in the interests of the RF Ministry of Defense. The modification takes place in the direction of equipping the PC with control systems with SNS receivers. Options for increasing the firing range are also being considered.
Trying to increase the power of ammunition and expand their range. The new system, on which the state research and production enterprise "Splav" is working, is called "Tornado-S". This jet system did not change the caliber of its predecessor, it remained 300 mm. Research Institute "Poisk" is developing a guidance system for missile shells "Tornado-S".
Exotic or variations on a theme.
There is no doubt that progress never stands still. Each country seeks to have at its disposal samples of weapons, military and special equipment such as long-range large-caliber MLRS. In general, today there is a clear trend towards an increase in the number of countries using large-caliber MLRS. But this is not the only tendency; the number of states whose military-industrial complex is able to develop and organize the production of such systems on their own is also growing noticeably, sometimes using a method called "unlicensed copying."
The greatest interest at the moment is the Brazilian and Iranian developments. Regarding the first one, we can say that already in 1983, deliveries of ASTOS II multiple launch rocket systems began to some units of the Brazilian army. The name of the system stands for Artillery SaTuration Rocket System. This system is developed and produced by one of the local companies, namely "Avibras Aerospatial SA". It is worth noting that in the course of work on its rocket projectile, Brazilian developers have implemented a number of categorically new technical solutions. Namely, this is what distinguishes this reactive system from others having a similar class. By this, ASTOS II attracts a number of countries, and therefore this system is already available not only in Brazil, but also in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. MLRS "ASTOS II" was used in Operation 1991 - "Desert Storm". The Brazilian military has also tested their jet system in combat.
One of the most important distinguishing features of the ASTOS II MLRS is the ability to use it with one universal launcher of the AV-LMU RS type of several calibers at once. This naturally affected the installation ammunition. Its variations are: either it is a block for thirty-two projectiles of the SS-30 type and a caliber of 127 millimeters and a firing range of nine to thirty kilometers; the length is 3.9 meters, and the mass is 68 kilograms. Or the second option: a block for sixteen rounds, type SS-40, a caliber of 180 millimeters and a firing range of 15 to 35 kilometers. This equipment has a length of 4, 2 meters and a weight of 152 kilograms. The third configuration option is a block for 4 SS-80 projectiles with a firing range of up to 90 kilometers, this is the most striking warhead. The artillery part of the launcher was made in accordance with the modular scheme. In general, this is a box truss, in which you can install up to four interchangeable TPKs, which have a package of guide tubes. At the same time, the exact number of TPK depends only on the caliber of the rockets. The replacement time for one TPK varies from 5 to 6 minutes. On the basis of the divisions of the MLRS "ASTOS II", it is possible to form shock groups of completely different military units.
Not so long ago, Brazilian developers even made a version of the ASTOS II MLRS launcher, which provides for the use of a tactical missile, the launch range of which reaches 150 kilometers. The specific type of missile was not specified, but it is known that it can be equipped with warheads of completely different types. The rockets used before were capable of the same; in addition to the usual monoblock ones, cluster warheads were also created for them. Three types of them were created: cluster, with cumulative fragmentation submunitions (KOBE; the base part of the SS-40 type rocket - 20 KOBE, the base part of the SS-60 type missile - 65 KOBE), high-explosive fragmentation and cluster with anti-tank anti-bottom mines … To disable the runways of airfields of air bases, a penetrating warhead can be placed on a rocket projectile. They are able to penetrate the ground to a depth of half a meter, which will reliably disable the runway. This effect is achieved by delaying the detonation.
But this is not limited to the features of the MLRS, which can increase its potential. Another is that it can be used in the projectiles of the flight control system. This is possible due to the fact that the movement of the missile is corrected for pitch and yaw. This scheme is similar to that used in the Russian "Smerch", which means it increases the accuracy of shooting. But here the correction of the flight trajectory in the pitch and yaw angles occurs according to the signals of the control system. This is achieved with the help of gas-dynamic rudders. Their drives start to operate from high pressure gas coming from the onboard gas generator. The MLRS includes an automated guidance and fire control system. Absolutely all ASTOS II vehicles are mounted on a three-axle chassis with increased cross-country ability (6 * 6). Their carrying capacity reaches 10 tons, and the speed can reach up to 90 km / h. The combat crew of the BM is equal to 4 people.
On the basis of "ASTOS II", using its own BM, a modified MLRS "ASTOS III" was created. It uses PU blocks with existing shells. These include 12 SS-60 type projectiles with a range of up to 60 kilometers, SS-80 type projectiles, also 12 but with a range of up to 90 kilometers, including the new SS-150s. The firing range of which is up to 150 kilometers. For the latter, the caliber is not specified, but only two projectiles fit in each PU block, so we can conclude that these are not rockets, but tactical or operational tactical missiles.
Argentina, with the assistance of Israel, has developed a multi-caliber MLRS belonging to the VCLC family. VCLC - Vehiculo de Combate Lanza Cohetes. This was followed by the development of a 160mm version of the LAR-160. On his BM, which is placed on the chassis of a light tank TAM, due to which the speed can develop up to 75 km / h and there is a cruising range of 560 kilometers, 2 TPK are placed. Each of them has 18 shells. Their characteristics: the mass is 100 kilograms, the mass of the warhead is 46 kilograms, the firing range reaches up to 30 kilometers. This system was tested in 1986, after which it was decided to give it only for trial operation. And it was not accepted into service. There is also a second option - VCLC-CAM. VCLC stands for Cohete de Artilleria Mediano. This variant was developed for the Israeli MAR-350 350 mm projectile. The characteristics are as follows: launcher for four missiles, the mass of the RS is 1000 kilograms, and the effective firing range is from 75 to 95 kilometers. But work on this version was discontinued after the creation in 1988 of only one prototype.
Iran, at the cost of incredible efforts, was also able to get its own multiple launch rocket system. This is a 320 mm MLRS "Oghab", which is translated as "Eagle". This MLRS was developed by Tehran's "DIO". It should be noted that this was not done without the intervention of China. PU has three tubular guides, it is installed on the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz LA911B (4 * 4). The mass of the RS is 360 kilograms, the mass of a high-explosive fragmentation warhead reaches 70 kilograms, the length is 8, 82 meters, and the firing range is approximately 45 kilometers.
In 1986, the first shooting took place. It is alleged that these were live fires and took place in the area of the city of Basra (Iraq). In 1988, the system was more actively used in the "War of the Cities". Then about 330 shells were fired at a dozen cities in Iraq. At the end of 1987, the serial production of this MLRS began. According to known data, this issue was partially produced at the expense of the capacities of Chinese enterprises. They are actively trying to sell the system abroad, but so far no great success has been achieved in this matter, because more efficient systems of this class already exist today. The Western press, together with the military, like to spread "horror stories" about the possibility of using missiles from the launcher of this MLRS, which can be equipped with chemical warheads. Undoubtedly, this option cannot be ruled out, especially considering that during the Iran-Iraq war, both countries were actively working on the development of chemical weapons. And it is worth noting that MLRS is the most effective means of delivering chemical warheads in battle.
Chinese "colleagues"
China was the farthest country in the field of creating its own large-caliber long-range multiple launch rocket systems. In the last thirty years alone, about half a dozen such systems have been created there. At first, China tried itself in the creation of remote mining systems for the terrain, as a result of which the 284 mm Type 74 and 305 mm Type 79 came out of the Chinese enterprises. They have PU, the first for 10, the second for nine RS. Their warheads have 10 anti-tank mines: "Type 69" or "Type 70" in plastic housings. Today, the Chinese People's Liberation Army has 300-mm Type 03 and 320-mm WS-1B multiple launch rocket systems.
The very first of these systems was developed by the Chinese company NORINCO. Truly, it is a copy of the Russian Smerch, with the exception of some elements. The similarity is noticeable to the naked eye, because systems, even outwardly, are practically indistinguishable. The most notable exception is that MLRS are made up of Chinese-designed and manufactured rockets. There are also transport and launchers for reconnaissance and target designation - UAVs. BM is a PU with a package of twelve tubular guides. It was installed on a chassis with increased cross-country ability from the TAS5380 (8 * 8) vehicle. This vehicle is a Chinese copy of MAZ-543M. According to some reports, Belarus was engaged in the supply of these cars. The combat crew of the vehicle is equal to 4 people, the firing range varies from 20 to 150 kilometers. Since 2005, this system has been in service. It is stipulated that the MLRS of this type this year received the artillery brigade of the 54th Army Group, which is located in the Jinan Military District. She became the fourth brigade to receive PHL-03 multiple launch rocket systems. Before that, these systems were delivered to the 1st Artillery Division of the 42nd Army Group, the 9th Artillery Division of the 1st Army Group and the artillery brigade of the 31st Army Group in the Nanking Military District.
MLRS 320-mm WS-1B was developed and is being actively produced under the leadership of China Prescription Machinery Import and Export Corporation. It includes BM HF-4, delivered on a Mercedes-Benz chassis, which have an increased cross-country ability - 2028A (6 * 6), their carrying capacity reaches 10 tons. They also have two four-charge packages, the TZM QY-88B and the BU DZ-88B, which are equipped with a topographic reference and a meteorological station. For BS RS WS-1B, 2 types of warheads were developed: monoblock high-explosive fragmentation ZDB-2, with 26 thousand prepared various fragments and steel ball elements, or cluster SZB-1 with 466 bullet-like submunitions. The mass of such a combat vehicle is 11,200 kilograms, the speed reaches 90 km / h, if the vehicle is not equipped, it is put on alert in 20 minutes, the length of the RS is 6, 18 meters, and the mass of the RS WS-1B is 708 kilograms, in the case of the RS WS -1 - 520 kilograms. The effective firing range of such a machine is from 80 to 180 kilometers, another option is from 20 to 80 kilometers. KVO not less than one percent of the firing range. Western experts say that the cars are most likely produced "under license." The number of MLRS already issued and entered into service is unknown.
A modern 300-mm Chinese MLRS - A-100 - took part in the past comparative tests with PHL-03 multiple launch rocket systems. The latter was developed in collaboration with CALT and CPMIEC. It is reported that this system is also designed in the likeness of the "Tornado".
A-100 is designed to destroy area targets or enemy groupings. An example is large armored and mechanized formations, military bases, missile launch sites, airports and airbases, harbors and naval bases, and many other critical facilities. The artillery part of the combat vehicle consists of a package of 10 smooth-walled tubular guides, which are equipped with a screw U-shaped groove. It is mounted on the improved chassis of the WS-2400 (8 * 8) vehicle, which has increased cross-country ability. There are many automated systems in a combat vehicle: fire control, communications and on-board equipment. The weight of such a car is 22 tons, and the maximum speed varies from 60 to 80 km / h, the power reserve is 650 kilometers. This BM is prepared for firing in 6 minutes, and the time for an urgent abandonment of a combat position after a volley is about 3 minutes. Recharges in 15-20 minutes. The firing range is from 40 to 100 kilometers, some data indicate 120 kilometers. The combat means are adjustable rockets, the length of which is 7, 27 meters, weight - 840 kilograms, the warhead mass will be 235 kilograms. For rockets, several types of warheads have been made: cluster ones, which are equipped with 500 cumulative fragmentation warheads to defeat manpower and lightly armored vehicles or five self-aiming warheads with armor penetration up to 70 mm of homogeneous armor (at an angle of 30 (+ -) from the normal). Correction of rockets in flight is achieved by means of gas-dynamic rudders, which are driven by high-pressure gas from an onboard gas generator. This increases the shooting accuracy by 33%.
In January 2000, Chinese developers announced that the work on this project was completed. Already in 2002, they announced the arrival of the MLRS data for trial operation by the People's Liberation Army of China. The systems came to the disposal of the 1st artillery battalion, stationed in the Guangzhou VO. According to official data, the A-100 lost the PHL-03 competition, but still entered trial operation. To date, about 40 BM and related support vehicles have already been produced. It was also announced the planned marketing plans of this system in the foreign market. Already in September 2008, foreign media reported on the signing of a contract between Pakistan and China. In accordance with it, China supplies the first to an unknown quantity of such a plan MLRS (A-100). In 2009, information came out that Pakistan was already ready to "commission" about two A-100 regiments with 36 combat vehicles. Chinese developers report that they are working on the creation of adjustable rockets, the firing range of which will be 180 kilometers.
At the moment, the PRC military-industrial complex companies are supplying export-oriented large-caliber multiple launch rocket systems to the international market. Of these, the following are the most interesting:
1.300mm AR1A. It was performed by the NORINCO company. Characteristics of the combat vehicle: PU on the chassis of the vehicle, which has increased cross-country ability (8x8) and two packages of 4 or 5 tubular guides, the combat crew is 4 people. The mass of the combat vehicle is 42.5 tons, the speed reaches 60 km / h, it is brought into a combat position in 5 minutes, the time for a full salvo is 1 minute, as is the time for an urgent departure from the position after a salvo. The firing range is from 20 to 130 kilometers. For the RS, 2 types of warheads were developed: BRE2-type rockets with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, the warhead weight is 190 kilograms; rockets of type BRC3 or type BRC4 with cluster warheads with 623 or 480 anti-tank warheads. The maximum effective range of these missiles is 70 and 130 kilometers, respectively. The advertising brochure of the developer company informs that this machine can be used for both offensive and defensive purposes.
2.400mm WS-2 or SY-400. This system was developed on the basis of cooperation between China Prescription Machinery Import and Export Corporation and the Chinese Academy of Research in the field of launch vehicle technology. Work on this version is almost complete, now China is ready for their serial production. It is said that China has sold several similar machines to Sudan. The first time the MLRS was exhibited in November 2008 at the 7th China International Aerospace Exhibition. It happened in Zhuhai. The WS-2 is a guided munitions MLRS or Guided Multiple Launch System. For rockets, 4 types of warheads have been developed: cluster, equipped with 560 or 660 anti-tank warheads; high-explosive fragmentation, with pre-prepared striking elements - steel balls; high-explosive, with increased power; volumetric explosion. The Chinese military is already using guided missiles, and in Russia they are just being created. This development in Russia is on the shoulders of the Tornado-S project.
