The Serbian state-owned company Yugoimport SDPR offers foreign customers a wide selection of various weapons and equipment of its own production. Since last year, the product catalog contains a promising modular multiple launch rocket system "Tamnava". Its characteristic feature is the ability to use 122 and 267 mm projectiles with increased efficiency.
Show samples
Materials for the Tamnava project were first presented in December 2018 at the Egyptian EDEX exhibition. At the Yugoimport stand there were advertising posters and a large-scale model of a MLRS with two sets of packages for missiles of different types. At that time, it was argued that a full-fledged prototype should appear soon, and if there are orders, the launch of mass production is possible.
Soon the Serbian industry delivered on its promise and in June showed a prototype of the Tamnava with all the necessary equipment. Experts and the public were able to inspect the product and evaluate its design.
In October 2019, a military parade was held in Belgrade in honor of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the city from Nazi invaders. The parade involved various serial and advanced samples, incl. new multipurpose MLRS.
Modular architecture
The main task of the Tamnava project was the creation of a modern MLRS capable of effectively delivering strikes using various types of rockets. All this was achieved through the use of modern components and modular architecture, which allows replacing the main structural elements.
The Tamnava in its current form is based on the Russian-made KamAZ-6560 four-axle chassis. An armored cabin is installed on it, and a platform for the target equipment is placed behind it. The cargo area has its own crane, replaceable modules with spare ammunition and a launcher in series. The platform is equipped with jacks for hanging.
A remote-controlled launcher is located at the rear of the vehicle. Provided horizontal guidance within 110 ° to the right and left of the axis and vertical guidance from 3 ° to 60 °. The installation has a movable frame with fasteners for mounting two launch modules with missiles.
In front of the launcher, space is provided for transporting two additional modules, moved by a crane. After shooting off the main ammunition, the crew can remove empty modules and replace them with spare ones for a new salvo. Then the MLRS needs the help of a transport vehicle with new modules.
The launch module is made in the form of a rectangular protected unit with longitudinal guide tubes for rockets. There are two options for such modules. One is designed for storing and launching 122-mm missiles and carries 25 such products. Rockets caliber 267 mm fit in the amount of six pieces. Thus, the ready-to-use ammunition load of the Tamnava MLRS includes 50 rounds of 122 mm or 12 caliber 267 mm.
The combat vehicle can use all existing 122-mm rockets similar to the ammunition of the Soviet Grad. It also offers several 267 mm missiles with different characteristics and capabilities. When using shells of a smaller caliber, "Tamnava" strikes targets at ranges of up to 40 km; range of 267 mm products - up to 70 km.
The fire control system includes means of inertial and satellite navigation, as well as a radio station for data exchange. Calculation of data for shooting and aiming control are automated; modes are provided for the use of shells of different types and calibers. Shooting is carried out single, series or full ammunition with an adjustable interval. The declared high accuracy is achieved due to jacks, perfect OMS and guidance drives.
The crew consists of three people and is located in the cockpit. Its security is provided by bulletproof armor and glazing. The windshield is additionally covered with a hinged grill. During preparation and during firing, the crew remains in their places and performs all operations remotely. If necessary, the remote control can be removed from the machine and used with a 25-meter cable.
For self-defense, the crew has a large-caliber machine gun on the characteristic superstructure of the cockpit. Smoke grenade launchers are also provided on the forehead of the cockpit.
Due to the specific layout of the MLRS "Tamnava" is large. The length of the combat vehicle is 10, 5 m with a width of 2, 6 and a height of 2, 8 m. The combat weight with the heaviest configuration of ammunition reaches 35 tons. At the same time, the vehicle is able to move on the highway and off-road, overcome obstacles, etc.
Obvious advantages
Project Tamnava is based on several interesting ideas that can affect fighting qualities. With the help of unified launch modules, this MLRS can use a wide range of shells in two calibers. At the same time, the vehicle carries both ready-to-use and additional ammunition, and is also capable of independently replacing modules for a new salvo.
Other design features should also be noted. These are the use of a lifting highly mobile wheeled chassis, an armored cabin, maximum automation of processes, etc. Such solutions are actively used in almost all modern projects and have long proven themselves in the best possible way.
Tamnava stands out in the range of Serbian-made MLRS offered for export. In terms of calibers, it can only be compared with the M-87 Orcan system, which carries 12 262 mm missiles with a range of 50 km. Only the M-94 "Plamen-S" system of 128 mm caliber has the ability to transport additional ammunition. Otherwise, the new sample is unique and compares favorably with the older ones.
An important advantage of the Tamnava MLRS is the ability to use 122-mm rockets of all existing models. Such ammunition is widespread throughout the world, which has known consequences. Any army with stocks of such missiles can become a potential customer of Tamnava - with benefits for itself and for its manufacturer.
Commercial prospects
From a technical point of view and in terms of its combat qualities, the new Serbian MLRS "Tamnava" is of great interest. This sample is quite capable of finding a place in the armies of different countries. However, getting the system to market can be very difficult.
First of all, the Serbian army can order a new MLRS. Moreover, the Serbian military has already shown Tamnava at the parade. However, a prototype was used in the events, and mass production has not yet begun.
"Tamnava" may be of interest to foreign countries wishing to upgrade rocket artillery and have large reserves of 122-mm shells. In this case, the new equipment will make it possible to carry out rearmament with maximum effect and minimum costs. However, negotiations on export contracts have not yet been reported.
In general, the new Serbian development looks quite interesting and promising. She is quite capable of finding her place in the armies of different countries and increasing their combat effectiveness. However, Tamnava is not the only model of its kind on the market and will have to face serious competition. Perhaps Yugoimport will be able to find customers, and then the new MLRS will realize all its advantages.
