"Smerch" (RSZO): performance characteristics and photo of the multiple launch rocket system. Russian multiple rocket launcher "tornado" - a real natural disaster on the battlefield
Despite the development of aviation and the emergence of increasingly advanced guided munitions, work on which is underway in many countries around the world, the importance of cannon and rocket artillery is not becoming less. Moreover, the experience of local conflicts last decades shows the high efficiency of using multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). All more countries strive to acquire their own samples of such weapons. One of the most powerful multiple launch rocket systems today is the Smerch MLRS, developed back in the USSR.
"Smerch" can send 300 mm caliber rockets at a distance of up to 90 km and combines the firepower of the legendary "Katyusha" and the range of destruction 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, and is currently in operation in Russian army, it 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 decree of the USSR Council of Ministers appeared on the start of work on the creation jet system salvo fire "Smerch". About 20 enterprises of the USSR took part in this project.
The biggest problem when creating MLRS long range is a significant spread 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 ground forces, not counting nuclear. 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 machine was modernized several times, which significantly improved it. performance characteristics(TTX). Until 1990 (the Chinese WS-1 MLRS appeared this year), the Smerch was the most powerful combat vehicle similar 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. These can be armored and unarmored enemy vehicles, his manpower, communications centers, tactical missile batteries, command posts, enemy jump 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 the cockpit, 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 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. MLRS is capable of carrying out remote mining territories as anti-personnel mines, and anti-tank. 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 allowed us to ensure high speed receiving and transmitting data, protecting it 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 mission.
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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11:33 / 27.12.11
Russian multiple launch rocket systems and foreign countries(rating)
The information agency "Arms of Russia" begins to publish ratings various weapons And military equipment.
Experts evaluated multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).
A comparative assessment was carried out according to the following parameters: - firepower (projectile caliber, number of guides, firing range, affected area in one salvo, time of a full salvo);
-mobility (movement speed, reload time, range);
-operation (weight of the installation in combat position, number of combat crews, ammunition).
The sum of points for all parameters gave overall assessment MLRS.
It was taken into account that each MLRS, when compared with other systems, was assessed based on technical requirements of its time.
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In terms of the number of points scored, the leading positions were occupied by:
1.MLRS "Tornado" (Russia)
- projectile caliber - 122 mm
- number of guides - 40
- firing range - 100 km
- full salvo time - 38 s
- travel speed - 60 km
- reload time - 3 min
- range - 650 km
- ammunition - 3 volleys
1.MLRS "Tornado" (Russia)
Main tactical and technical characteristics (TTX):
- projectile caliber - 122 mm
- number of guides - 40
- firing range - 100 km
- affected area by one salvo - 840,000 m2
- full salvo time - 38 s
- travel speed - 60 km
- reload time - 3 min
- range - 650 km
- installation weight in combat position - 25,000 kg
- combat crew size - 3 people
- ammunition - 3 volleys
The Tornado system is being developed at the Splav enterprise in two modifications - Tornado-G and Tornado-S. The first is lighter, it is planned to replace the Grad systems, the second is heavier, it will replace the Smerch and Uragan systems. Both systems are based on the use of universal launch containers in which missile guides of various calibers are mounted.
It is planned to use a full range of ammunition - 122mm Grad, 220mm Uragan, 300mm Smerch. The Tornado-G chassis will be either the usual Ural or KAMAZ. A more powerful chassis is being selected for the Tornado-S - but most likely it will not be a MAZ. The automation of the system’s firing has been brought to such a level that the installation will be able to leave the position even before its shells reach the target.
2. MLRS 9K51 "Grad" (Russia)
Basic performance characteristics:
- projectile caliber - 122 mm
- number of guides - 40
- firing range - 21 km
- full salvo time - 20 s
- travel speed - 85 km
- reload time - 7 min
- range - 1400 km
- ammunition - 3 volleys
2. MLRS 9K51 "Grad" (Russia)
Basic performance characteristics:
- projectile caliber - 122 mm
- number of guides - 40
- firing range - 21 km
- affected area in one salvo - 40,000 m2
- full salvo time - 20 s
- travel speed - 85 km
- reload time - 7 min
- range - 1400 km
- installation weight in combat position - 5,950 kg
- combat crew size - 4 people
- ammunition - 3 volleys
MLRS 9K51 "Grad" is a Russian MLRS. Designed to destroy manpower, unarmored and lightly armored enemy targets, and solve other problems in different conditions combat situation.
The artillery unit is mounted on modified types of truck chassis of the Ural-375 or Ural-4320 families, depending on the modification. The first combat use of the BM-21 Grad occurred during the Soviet-Chinese conflict on Damansky Island in 1969.
Subsequently, these multiple launch rocket systems were used in all serious armed conflicts since 1964 in which the USSR and post-Soviet states participated. Exported to more than 55 countries
3. HIMARS MLRS (USA)
Basic performance characteristics:
- projectile caliber - 227 mm
- number of guides - 6
- firing range - 80 km
- full salvo time - 15 s
- travel speed - 85 km
- reload time - 7 min
- range - 600 km
- combat crew size - 3 people
- ammunition - 3 volleys
3. HIMARS MLRS (USA)
Basic performance characteristics:
- projectile caliber - 227 mm
- number of guides - 6
- firing range - 80 km
- affected area in one salvo - 67,000 m2
- full salvo time - 15 s
- travel speed - 85 km
- reload time - 7 min
- range - 600 km
- weight of the installation in combat position - 5,500 kg
- combat crew size - 3 people
- ammunition - 3 volleys
HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is an American highly mobile missile and artillery system for operational-tactical purposes, is a lightweight multiple launch rocket system mounted on a wheeled chassis.
HIMARS carries six MLRS missiles or one ATACMS missile based on the five-ton wheeled chassis of the US Army FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) and can launch the entire range of ammunition created for the US Army MLRS.
The system received its baptism of fire on the second day of Operation Moshtarak, the largest since the start of hostilities in Afghanistan in 2001. offensive operation ISAF, which began on the night of 12–13 February 2010 in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan.
4. MLRS WS-1B (WS-1) (China)
Main performance characteristics:
- projectile caliber - 302 mm
- number of guides - 4
- firing range -100 km
- full salvo time - 15 s
- travel speed - 60 km/h
- recharge time - 20 min
- range - 900 km
- ammunition - 3 volleys
4. MLRS WS-1B (WS-1) (China)
Main performance characteristics:
- projectile caliber - 302 mm
- number of guides - 4
- firing range -100 km
- affected area in one salvo - 45,000 m2
- full salvo time - 15 s
- travel speed - 60 km/h
- recharge time - 20 min
- range - 900 km
- weight of the installation in combat position - 5 100 km
- combat crew size - 6 people
- ammunition - 3 volleys
The WS-1B multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is designed to strike critical targets located deep in enemy defenses, including military bases, troop concentration areas, missile launchers, airports and transport hubs, administrative and industrial centers.
The WS-1B (WeiShi-1B) MLRS is the result of a modernization of the WS-1 multiple launch rocket system. The systems were not adopted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The WS-1B is currently offered on international markets Chinese export-import corporation "China National Precision Machinery Corporation" (CPMIEC).
In 1997, China supplied a battery of WS-1 MLRS (5 combat vehicles) for the Turkish armed forces and provided technical assistance in organizing self-production 5 more upgraded batteries. These systems, designated "Kasirga", are in service Turkish army. Subsequently, licensed production of the WS-1B MLRS was organized under the designation "Jaguar".
5. MLRS Pinaka (India)
Main performance characteristics:
- projectile caliber - 214 mm
- number of guides - 12
- firing range - 40 km
- full salvo time - 44 s
- travel speed - 80 km/h
- recharge time - 15 min
- range - 850 km
- combat crew size - 4 people
- ammunition - 3 volleys
5. MLRS Pinaka (India)
Main performance characteristics:
- projectile caliber - 214 mm
- number of guides - 12
- firing range - 40 km
- affected area in one salvo - 130,000 m2
- full salvo time - 44 s
- travel speed - 80 km/h
- recharge time - 15 min
- range - 850 km
- installation weight in combat position - 5,952 kg
- combat crew size - 4 people
- ammunition - 3 volleys
The Indian all-weather 214-mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) "Pinaka" is designed to destroy manpower, lightly armored and armored vehicles, launchers rocket launchers, destruction of command posts, communication centers and military-industrial infrastructure facilities, remote installation of anti-tank and anti-personnel minefields. The MLRS received its baptism of fire in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1999.
Based on the 4-axle combat vehicle 9A52-2 (MAZ-543A) or 5-axle 9A52-2T (Tatra 816). The Smerch multiple launch rocket system was developed by the State Research and Production Enterprise "Splav" (Tula). In terms of power and range, “Smerch” still has no equal in the world. The missile’s deflection does not exceed 10-20 meters, such indicators are comparable to high-precision missiles. Preparing for a Smerch battle after receiving target designation takes only three minutes. A full salvo is thirty-eight seconds. And within a minute the vehicle is removed from its place, so the system is practically invulnerable to enemy return fire.
Armament
9M55K rocket with a warhead containing fragmentation warheads. Contains 72 combat elements carrying 6,912 ready-made heavy fragments designed to effectively destroy enemy light and unarmored vehicles, and 25,920 ready-made light fragments designed to destroy enemy personnel; a total of 32832 fragments. 16 shells contain 525,312 finished fragments, an average of one fragment per 1.28 m² of affected area, which is 672,000 m²). Designed to destroy manpower and unarmored military equipment in places where they are concentrated; it is most effective in open areas, in the steppe and desert.
9M55K rocket.
Weight of the rocket projectile - 800 kg Length of the rocket projectile - 7600 mm Weight of the warhead (9N139) - 243 kg Weight of the combat element (9N235) - 1.75 kg Number of ready-made destructive fragments - 96 x 4.5 g, 360 x 0.75 g Projectile self-destruction time - 110 s Maximum range - 70000 m Minimum range - 20000 m The 9N142 cassette warhead carries 5 Motiv-3M self-aiming combat elements equipped with dual-band infrared coordinators that search for the target at an angle of 30 0 . Each of them is capable of penetrating 700 mm of armor at an angle of 30°, that is, hitting any existing and future armored vehicles. Ideal for use in open areas, steppes and deserts; use in the forest is almost impossible; use in the city is difficult. Designed to destroy groups of armored vehicles and tanks from above.
9M55K1 rocket.
Weight of the missile - 800 kg Length of the missile - 7600 mm Weight of the warhead (9N152) - 243 kg Weight of the combat element (9N235) - 15 kg Dimensions of the combat element - 284x255x186 mm Weight of explosives in the combat element - 4.5 kg Self-destruction time of the combat element - 60 s Maximum range - 70000 m Minimum range - 25000 m 9M55K4 rocket with warhead for anti-tank mining of terrain.
Each shell contains 25 anti-tank mines; in total, one salvo contains 300 anti-tank mines. Designed for operational remote placement of anti-tank minefields both in front of enemy military equipment units located at the attack line and in the area of their concentration.
9M55K4 missile Weight of the missile - 800 kg Length of the missile - 7600 mm Weight of the warhead (9N539) - 243 kg Number of combat elements in the warhead (anti-tank mines) - 25 Dimensions of the combat element - 33x84x84 Weight of the combat element (anti-tank mine) - 4 .85 kg Explosive weight in the combat element (anti-tank mine) - 1.85 kg Projectile self-destruction time - 16-24 hours Maximum range - 70,000 m Minimum range - 20,000 m 9M55K5 rocket with a warhead with cumulative fragmentation warheads.
The cassette warhead contains 646 combat elements weighing 240 g each, having a cylindrical shape (118x43x43 mm). Normally they are capable of penetrating up to 120 mm of homogeneous armor. Maximum effective against motorized infantry on the march located in armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. In total, 16 shells contain 10,336 combat elements. Designed to destroy open and hidden manpower and lightly armored military equipment.
9M55F rocket with a detachable high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Designed to destroy manpower, unarmored and lightly armored military equipment in places where they are concentrated, destroying command posts, communications centers and military-industrial structures.
9M55K rocket.
Weight of the rocket projectile - 810 kg Length of the rocket projectile - 7600 mm Weight of the warhead (index unknown) - 258 kg Weight of explosives in the head part - 95 kg Number of ready-made destructive fragments - 110 50 g each Maximum range - 70000 m Minimum range - 25000 m 9M55S rocket with a thermobaric warhead. The explosion of one shell creates a thermal field with a diameter of up to 25 m (depending on the terrain). The field temperature is over 1000 0 C, the lifetime is at least 1.4 s. Designed to defeat manpower, open and hidden in fortifications open type
and objects of unarmored and lightly armored military equipment. It is most effective in the steppe and desert, and in a city located on non-hilly terrain.
9M55S missile Weight of the missile - 800 kg Length of the missile - 7600 mm Weight of the warhead (index unknown) - 243 kg Weight of explosives in the warhead - 100 kg of mixture Maximum range - 70000 m Minimum range - 25000 m 9M528 rocket with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead.
Contact fuse, instant and delayed action. Designed to destroy manpower, unarmored and lightly armored military equipment in places where they are concentrated, destroying command posts, communications centers and military-industrial structures.
9M528 rocket projectile Weight of the rocket projectile - 815 kg Length of the rocket projectile - 7600 mm Weight of the warhead (index unknown) - 258 kg Weight of explosives in the head part - 95 kg Number of ready-made destructive fragments - 880 of 50 g Maximum range - 90000 m Minimum range - 25000 m A missile carrying an unmanned reconnaissance aerial vehicle (UAV).
Designed to conduct reconnaissance for twenty minutes, and is practically invulnerable, since it is small in size, and exits directly above the target, delivered directly in the rocket.
Missile with UAV Missile weight - 800 kg UAV weight - 42 kg Time of independent flight over the target - 30 min Flight altitude - 200-600 m Maximum range - 90000 m Minimum range - 20000 m
MLRS "Smerch" in stowed position.
Multifunctionality, maneuverability, high reliability, accuracy and power. A salvo from a battery of six Smerchs can stop the advance of an entire division or destroy a small city.
Flaws
Expensive and difficult to use local conflicts, where the enemy often acts in populated areas, the use of “Smerch” on which would lead to their complete destruction.
In service
Export
The export price of the Smerch MLRS is about $12 million. Smerch systems have been exported to
In 2008-2010 It is planned to export another 18 units of the Smerch MLRS to India. Turkmenistan also signed a contract for the supply (according to unconfirmed information) of 6 combat units.
Modernization
MLRS "Smerch" - 9A52−2: Firing range increased from 70 to 90 km, combat crew decreased from four to three people, the automation of the system increased, in particular, topographical mapping began to be carried out in automatic mode via satellite systems.
Currently, the Splav enterprise is creating a new generation MLRS - the Tornado. It will become a two-caliber one, combining Hurricane and Smerch on one platform. Automation of firing will reach such a level that the installation will be able to leave the position even before the projectile reaches the target. “Tornado” will be able to hit targets both in a salvo and with single high-precision missiles, and in fact, will become a universal tactical missile system.
At the MAKS-2007 aerospace salon, it was planned to demonstrate a new package-type launcher based on a four-axle all-wheel drive KAMAZ chassis with 6 missile guides instead of 12. The use of a special system allows dispersed crews to conduct coordinated fire. The main goal of the modernization is to increase the mobility of the complex by reducing weight and dimensions. It is expected that this will expand export opportunities.
Notes
Links
- Multiple launch rocket system "Smerch", manufacturer's website
MLRS of the USSR and Russia p·o·r |
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The Smerch system is rated as the most powerful MLRS in the world. Its purpose is to defeat manpower, military equipment, fortifications and command and control points at ranges from 20 to 70 km. The system was developed in the early 1980s by the State Research and Production Enterprise Splav in collaboration with more than 20 other enterprises of the USSR and put into service in 1987 Soviet Army. Currently, the Smerch MLRS is in service with the armies of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kuwait and the United United Arab Emirates. Representatives of India and China showed interest in purchasing this system.
MLRS 9K58 "Smerch" - video
MLRS 9K58 "Smerch" includes a launcher 9A52-2,300-mm rockets, a fire control system, a transport-loading vehicle 9T234-2, training facilities and a complex arsenal equipment. The launcher consists of an artillery unit and a four-axle MA3-543M all-terrain vehicle chassis. The layout is classic. The artillery unit is mounted in the rear of the wheeled chassis, in front on the left are the driver's cabin, the engine and transmission compartment and the crew cabin, in which radio communications and fire control system equipment are mounted.
The artillery unit includes a package of 12 tubular guides, a rotating base, lifting, rotating and balancing mechanisms, sighting devices, an electric drive and auxiliary equipment. The guides are smooth-walled pipes equipped with a screw U-shaped groove for unwinding the projectiles. Guidance mechanisms, using power drives, guide the package of guides in the vertical plane in the angle range from 0° to +55°. The horizontal firing angle is 60° (30° to the left and to the right of the vehicle axis). Hydraulic supports are mounted between the wheels of the third and fourth axles, on which the rear part of the launcher is hung to increase its stability when firing.
The rockets developed by SNPP Splav for the Smerch MLRS have a unique design that ensures hit accuracy 2-3 times higher than that of foreign systems. The projectiles are equipped with a flight control system that corrects the trajectory of movement in pitch and yaw. Correction is carried out by gas-dynamic rudders driven by gas high pressure from the onboard gas generator.
In addition, stabilization of the projectile in flight occurs due to its rotation around the longitudinal axis, provided by preliminary spinning during extension along a tubular guide and supported in flight by installing the blades of the drop-down stabilizer at a certain angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile. When firing in one gulp, the dispersion of projectiles of this design does not exceed 0.21% of the firing range.
300-mm Smerch MLRS shells are equipped with solid fuel jet engine on mixed fuel, they have a length of 7.5 m and a weight of 800 kg. The weight of the head part is 280 kg. It can be monoblock or cassette.
The following types of projectiles are available:
- high-explosive fragmentation projectile 9M55F with a monoblock warhead (the weight of the explosive is 92.5 kg, the projectile is used to destroy fortifications, command and control centers, missile launching positions, etc.);
- 9M55K projectile with a cassette warhead containing 72 combat elements fragmentation type weighing 2 kg each (the main purpose of the projectile is to defeat enemy personnel, 10-16 such projectiles are enough to guarantee the destruction of a motorized infantry company);
- 9M55K1 projectile with a cassette warhead containing five high-performance self-aiming ammunition “Motiv” (a salvo of four vehicles firing such projectiles hits a tank company in the concentration area).
Recently, the Smerch-M complex was created with a 9A52-2 combat vehicle on the M A3-543-A1 chassis and a 9T234-2 transport-loading vehicle on a similar chassis. A family of missiles has been developed with a range increased to 90 km through the implementation of a set of measures similar to those adopted when increasing the range modernized system"Grad" up to 35-40 km. primarily related to engine improvement.
Newly developed products, according to Jane's Directory, include the following:
- 9M525 rocket with a cassette warhead equipped with 72 combat elements weighing 1.75 kg each;
- 9M526 missile with a cassette warhead equipped with five self-aiming combat elements with dual-band infrared coordinators;
- 9M527 missile with a cassette warhead equipped with 25 anti-tank mines weighing 4.8 kg;
- 9M528 missile weighing 815 kg with a monoblock high-explosive warhead equipped with a charge of 95 kg;
- 9M529 missile with a monoblock thermobaric warhead containing 100 kg of volumetric detonating filler;
- 9M530 rocket with a penetrating high-explosive warhead;
- 9M531 rocket projectile with a cassette warhead with 646 combat elements with an armor-piercing power of 120 mm.
Along with the use of rockets of the "Smerch" and "Smerch-M" systems as weapons for hitting targets, in the appropriate modification they can be used as a means of delivering disposable unmanned aerial vehicles R-90, developed at the Kazan Scientific Research Center "ENICO and repeatedly exhibited at air shows, starting with MAKS-93. The unmanned reconnaissance aircraft is equipped with television equipment, satellite navigation, means of transmitting television information over a distance of up to 70 km. Unmanned aircraft equipped with a pulsating air-breathing engine and high-aspect ratio tandem wings that deploy after separation. Unmanned aerial vehicle capable of carrying out a program reconnaissance flight lasting up to half an hour at a speed of up to 145 km/h.
The Smerch MLRS can fire single projectiles or a salvo. A full salvo of a combat vehicle is fired in 38 seconds. Projectiles are launched from the cockpit of the combat vehicle or using a remote control. The power of a salvo of three Smerch MLRS installations is equal in effectiveness to the “work” of two brigades armed missile systems 9K79 "Tochka-U". A salvo of one vehicle covers an area of 672,000 m2. High efficiency combat use The Smerch MLRS is provided through the use of the Vivarium automated fire control system, developed and produced by the Tomsk production association "Kontur".
This system implements the following principles:
- simplicity, compactness and high reliability of the equipment;
- autonomy and mobility of system elements;
- hardware and software compatibility with existing and being developed automated control systems for field artillery fire;
- Possibility of operation in any conditions environment and in a wide temperature range (from - 50°C to +40°C).
The Vivarium control system was put into service in the early 90s and received wide use. It is designed for automated and non-automated control of a MLRS brigade armed with the 9K58 Smerch and 9K57 Uragan complexes. Its technical means ensure information exchange with superior, subordinate and interacting control bodies, solve the problems of planning concentrated fire and fire along columns, prepare data for firing, collect and analyze information on the state of artillery units.
The basis of the Vivarium control system is command and staff vehicles (CSVs), which are at the disposal of the commander and chief of staff of the brigade, as well as the commanders of divisions (up to three) and batteries (up to eighteen) subordinate to them. The KShM equipment is located in the K1 van body. 4310, mounted on the chassis of a KamAZ-4310 vehicle. It includes communications equipment, classified data transmission equipment, digital computer, displays and printing devices. Main technical means The on-board digital computer E-715-1.1, which allows solving calculation problems, is an on-board digital computer. Its performance for the combined mode is 500,000 short operations, for the uncombined mode - 250,000. The amount of RAM is 96, the permanent memory is 288 KB.
In the ShKM of all brigade control points, a special mathematical and software, which carries out:
- receiving, processing, storing, displaying and generating messages in formalized and informal forms;
- transmitting messages to higher command levels about the location and combat readiness of each unit, communicating to subordinate units and subunits commands to prepare strikes;
- protection of stored and processed information from unauthorized access by maintenance personnel and officials, as well as from unauthorized use of input/output facilities.
All calculation problems are called for solution by command entered by the operator into a specialized digital computer using the ADC control panel. The exception is the task of calculating control data for a target, which is solved automatically upon receipt of messages to strike, indicating the performer involved in delivering the salvo.
To control the process of solving problems, television-type display devices are installed at the workplaces of the commander and operators of the KShM. Communication means are represented by a set of VHF and HF radio stations, which allow confident radio communication while moving up to 50 km, and when stationary - 350 km. The van body is equipped with antenna devices that provide reliable operation radio stations. Radiotelephone communication is carried out both from the driver’s cabin and from the operational compartment through the T-240D equipment. If necessary, it is possible to automatically switch to a backup communication channel in a few seconds, which virtually eliminates the loss of information during transmission. There is no provision for data exchange while in motion.
The communications complex provides interfacing and access to the following channel-forming means: satellite, tropospheric and radio relay communication stations, medium-power HF and VHF stations, hardware communication nodes, wired communication lines. The power supply for all equipment, both on site and in motion, is provided by a portable diesel power station ED2x8-T400-18PS. To ensure normal working conditions for the commander and operators, the KShM is equipped with air conditioners, FVUA-10OP-24 filter-ventilation units and OV-65G heating units. The machine kit includes primary degassing equipment DK-4D, chemical and radiation reconnaissance, as well as spare parts. It should be noted that all command and staff vehicles included in the Vivarium control system have the same type of equipment and if one of them fails, its functions can be assigned to any other. This significantly increases the survivability of the system during combat operations.
The operating procedure can be clearly illustrated using the example of a combat use option. To the command post of the brigade commander from the combat reconnaissance vehicles, as well as data about the enemy is received from higher authorities. The brigade commander and chief of staff's computers solve fire planning problems. At the same time, the capabilities of fire units and the availability of ammunition are assessed, a method of hitting targets is selected, the density of fire is determined, and various options for solving the task are developed. Then, the necessary data and orders are automatically transmitted via communication channels to the command post of one of the divisions selected to solve the fire mission.
At the command post of the division commander, data about the enemy (the nature, type and coordinates of targets) is clarified, topographical assignment problems are solved, and meteorological bulletins are compiled based on data from automated meteorological reconnaissance systems. After this, based on operational information about the location and combat readiness of units subordinate to the division commander, it is transmitted to their command posts via communication channels necessary information. The battery's KShM computing facilities process the received information and form a flight mission for six Smerch MLRS combat vehicles. According to Russian military experts, the Vivarium automated control system significantly increases the combat readiness of units equipped with Smerch systems, the accuracy and efficiency of firing. It is not inferior to the similar American automated control system Takfire, and in a number of ways the most important indicators, in particular, the time of preparation for combat work and delivery of commands, exceeds it several times.
To load the launcher, the 9K58 Smerch MLRS includes a 9T234-2 transport-loading vehicle, developed on the MA3-543A vehicle chassis. This vehicle has crane equipment and carries twelve shells. The launcher loading process is mechanized and is completed within 35 minutes. The chassis used to create the launcher and transport-loading vehicle have almost the same design and are equipped with a V-shaped twelve-cylinder diesel engine D12A-525A with a power of 525 hp. (at 2000 rpm). The transmission is hydromechanical, with a torque converter and a planetary three-speed gearbox with automatic shifting. Chassis made according to the wheel formula 8x8. The two front pairs of wheels are steerable.
The suspension of all wheels is independent, torsion bar. The wheels are equipped with wide-profile tires, the air pressure of which is regulated centralized system(with air supply through axles and hubs). When driving on a highway, cars develop maximum speed 60 km/h, they can move on and off roads of all categories, overcoming steep slopes of up to 30° and fords 1 meter deep. The fuel range is 850 km. In general, the 9K58 Smerch MLRS has very high combat effectiveness. One salvo of this MLRS ensures the destruction of targets over an area of 67 hectares (670,000 square meters!).
Tactical and technical characteristics of the 9K58 Smerch MLRS
Photo of firing MLRS 9K58 “Smerch”
In the common consciousness, defense technology is usually associated with the cutting edge of science and technology. In fact, one of the main properties of military equipment is its conservatism and continuity. This is explained by the colossal cost of weapons. Among the most important tasks in development new system weapons - the use of the reserve on which money was spent in the past.
Precision vs Mass
And the guided missile of the Tornado-S complex was created precisely according to this logic. Its ancestor is the Smerch MLRS projectile, developed in the 1980s at NPO Splav under the leadership of Gennady Denezhkin (1932−2016) and in service since 1987 national army. It was a 300-mm caliber projectile, 8 m long and weighing 800 kg. He could deliver combat unit weighing 280 kg for a distance of 70 km. The most interesting property"Smerch" had a stabilization system introduced into it.
Russian modernized multiple launch rocket system, successor to the 9K51 Grad MLRS.
Before this system missile weapons were divided into two classes - controlled and uncontrollable. Guided missiles had high accuracy, achieved through the use of an expensive control system - usually inertial, supplemented by correction using digital maps to increase accuracy (like American missiles MGM-31C Pershing II). Not guided missiles were cheaper, their low accuracy was compensated either by the use of thirty-kiloton nuclear warhead(as in the MGR-1 Honest John missile), or a salvo of cheap, mass-produced ammunition, as in the Soviet Katyushas and Grads.
“Smerch” was supposed to hit targets at a range of 70 km with non-nuclear ammunition. And in order to hit an area target at such a distance with an acceptable probability, a very large number of unguided missiles in a salvo - because their deviations accumulate with distance. This is neither economically nor tactically profitable: there are very few targets that are too large, and scattering a lot of metal to guarantee coverage of a relatively small target is too expensive!
Soviet and Russian 300 mm multiple launch rocket system. Currently time is running replacement of the Smerch MLRS with the Tornado-S MLRS.
"Tornado": new quality
Therefore, a relatively cheap stabilization system was introduced into the Smerch, inertial, working on gas-dynamic (deflecting gases flowing from the nozzle) rudders. Its accuracy was enough to fire a volley - and at each launcher a dozen launch tubes were placed - it covered the target with an acceptable probability. After being put into service, Smerch was improved along two lines. The range of combat units grew - cluster anti-personnel fragmentation units appeared; cumulative fragmentation, optimized to destroy lightly armored vehicles; anti-tank self-aiming combat elements. In 2004, the 9M216 “Volnenie” thermobaric warhead entered service.
And at the same time, fuel mixtures in solid fuel engines were improved, which increased the firing range. Now it ranges from 20 to 120 km. At some point, the accumulation of changes in quantitative characteristics led to a transition to a new quality - the emergence of two new MLRS systems under the continuation of the “meteorological” tradition common name"Tornado". “Tornado-G” is the most popular vehicle; it will replace the Grads, which have honestly served their time. Well, the Tornado-S is a heavy vehicle, the successor to the Smerch.
As you can understand, the Tornado will retain the most important characteristic - the caliber of the launch tubes, which will ensure the possibility of using expensive older generation ammunition. The length of the projectile varies within a few tens of millimeters, but this is not critical. Depending on the type of ammunition, the weight may vary slightly, but this is again automatically taken into account by the ballistic computer.
Minutes and again “Fire!”
The most noticeable change in the launcher is the loading method. If previously the 9T234-2 transport-loading vehicle (TZM) used its crane to load 9M55 missiles into the launch tubes of a combat vehicle one at a time, which took the trained crew a quarter of an hour, now the launch tubes with Tornado-S missiles are placed in special containers , and the crane will install them in minutes.
Needless to say, how important the reloading speed is for MLRS, rocket artillery, which must unleash salvo fire on particularly important targets. The shorter the breaks between salvos, the more missiles can be fired at the enemy and the less time the vehicle will remain in a vulnerable position.
And the most important thing is the introduction of long-range guided missiles into the Tornado-S complex. Their appearance became possible thanks to Russia’s own global navigation satellite system GLONASS, deployed since 1982 - another confirmation of the colossal role of technological heritage in the creation of modern weapons systems. 24 GLONASS satellites deployed in an orbit at an altitude of 19,400 km, with working together with a pair of Luch relay satellites provide meter-level accuracy in determining coordinates. By adding a cheap GLONASS receiver to the already existing missile control loop, the designers received a weapon system with a CEP of several meters (exact data is not published for obvious reasons).
Rockets to battle!
How is it carried out? combat work complex "Tornado-S"? First of all, he needs to get the exact coordinates of the target! Not only to detect and recognize the target, but also to “link” it to the coordinate system. This task must be performed by space or air reconnaissance using optical, infrared and radio equipment. However, perhaps artillerymen will be able to solve some of these tasks themselves, without videoconferencing. The 9M534 experimental projectile can be delivered to a previously reconnoitred target area by the Tipchak UAV, which will transmit information about the coordinates of the targets to the control complex.
Next, from the control complex, the target coordinates go to the combat vehicles. They are already up firing positions, mapped topographically (this is done using GLONASS) and determined at what azimuth and at what elevation angle the launch tubes need to be deployed. These operations are controlled using hardware combat control and communications (ABUS), which replaced the standard radio station, and an automated guidance and fire control system (ASUNO). Both of these systems operate on a single computer, thereby achieving integration of digital communication functions and the operation of a ballistic computer. These same systems, presumably, will enter the exact coordinates of the target into the missile control system, doing this at the last moment before launch.
Let's imagine that the target range is 200 km. The launch tubes will be deployed at the maximum angle for the Smerch of 55 degrees - this way it will be possible to save on drag, because most of the projectile’s flight will take place in the upper layers of the atmosphere, where there is noticeably less air. When the rocket leaves the launch tubes, its control system will begin autonomous operation. The stabilization system will, based on data received from inertial sensors, correct the movement of the projectile using gas-dynamic rudders, taking into account thrust asymmetry, wind gusts, etc.
Well, the GLONASS system receiver will begin to receive signals from satellites and determine the rocket’s coordinates from them. As everyone knows, the satellite navigation receiver needs some time to determine its position - navigators in phones strive to lock in to cell towers to speed up the process. There are no telephone towers along the flight path, but there is data from the inertial part of the control system. With their help, the GLONASS subsystem will determine the exact coordinates, and on their basis, corrections for the inertial system will be calculated.
Not by chance
It is unknown what algorithm underlies the operation of the guidance system. (The author would have applied Pontryagin optimization, created by a domestic scientist and successfully used in many systems.) One thing is important - by constantly clarifying its coordinates and adjusting the flight, the rocket will go to a target located at a distance of 200 km. We do not know which part of the gain in range is due to new fuels, and which part is achieved due to the fact that more fuel can be put into a guided missile, reducing the weight of the warhead.
The diagram shows the operation of the Tornado-S MLRS - precision missiles are aimed at the target using space-based means.
Why can you add fuel? Due to greater accuracy! If we place a projectile with an accuracy of a few meters, then we can destroy a small target with a smaller charge, but the energy of the explosion decreases quadratically, we shoot twice as accurately - we get a fourfold gain in destructive power. Well, what if the target is not a targeted one? Say, a division on the march? Will new guided missiles, if equipped with cluster warheads, become less effective than the old ones?
But no! Stabilized missiles of early versions of Smerch delivered heavier warheads to a closer target. Nose big mistakes. The salvo covered a significant area, but the ejected cassettes with fragmentation or cumulative fragmentation elements were distributed randomly - where two or three cassettes opened nearby, the density of damage was excessive, and somewhere insufficient.
Now it is possible to open the cassette or throw out a cloud of thermobaric mixture for a volumetric explosion with an accuracy of a few meters, exactly where it is necessary for optimal destruction of an area target. This is especially important when shooting at armored vehicles with expensive self-aiming combat elements, each of which is capable of hitting a tank - but only with exact hit…
The high accuracy of the Tornado-S missile also opens up new possibilities. For example, for the Kama 9A52−4 MLRS with six launch tubes based on KamAZ, such a vehicle will be lighter and cheaper, but will retain the ability to carry out long-range strikes. Well, when mass production By reducing the cost of on-board electronics and precision mechanics, guided missiles can have a price comparable to the cost of conventional, unguided projectiles. This will be able to bring the firepower of domestic rocket artillery to a qualitatively new level.
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