BM-27 Uragan

   The BM-27 Uragan (Hurricane) multiple launch rocket system was developed in the early 1970's. It is also referred as the 9K57. The Uragan entered service with the Soviet Army in 1975. Currently it is in service with at least 10 countries, including Russia. Export operators are Angola, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Yemen and some other countries. The Uragan was the largest system of it's type in service until the late 1980s, when the Smerch was introduced. This artillery rocket system saw combat during the Soviet war in Afghanistan, both Russian wars in Chechnya and the recent Russia-Georgia war. It was also used by the Syrian Army at the first stage of the war against Israel at the beginning of the 1980s.

   Launching vehicle of the Uragan artillery rocket system is designated as the 9P140. It has has 16 launching tubes for 220-mm rockets. A standard rocket is 4.8 m long and weights 280 kg. Warhead weight is 90 - 100 kg, depending on the type. This system fires training, HE-FRAG, chemical, incendiary, fuel-air explosive, cluster rockets with scatterable anti-tank or anti-personnel mines. These are used for remote mine laying. It can also fire leaflet dispensing rockets. The BM-27 fires single rockets or full salvos. A full salvo of this artillery system covers area of 4.3 hectares. Maximum range of fire is up to 34 km.

   A crew of four prepares this system for firing within 3 minutes. It might take up to 12 minutes to prepare this artillery system for firing, if position is unprepared. Vehicle leaves firing position within 3 minutes. Rockets can be launched directly from the cab or remotely from the launch vehicle, via a 60 m long cable.

   The BM-27 Uragan launching vehicle is based on the ZiL-135LM 8x8 heavy high mobility truck chassis. Vehicle is powered by two ZiL-375 petrol engines, developing 180 horsepower each. Engines are located behind the cab. Cab of the vehicle has NBC protection system. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system. It has a climatic operational range from -40°C to +50°C. This artillery system can be airlifted by Il-76, An-22 or An-124 military transport aircraft.

   The Uragan launching vehicle is supported by a 9T452 reloading vehicle. The reloading vehicle is also based on the ZiL-135LM 8x8 chassis and has a crew of two. It is fitted with a crane and carriers a full set of 16 reload rockets. The launcher pack is reloaded within 15 - 20 minutes. Reloading usually takes place remotely from the firing position, to avoid counter-battery fire.

   It is worth mentioning that production of the BM-27 wheeled chassis ended some years ago. The Uragan might be replaced with a new 9A53 Tornado artillery rocket system, which is currently under development in Russia.
 

   Updated information was sent us by SERGEI V. GUROV

   Thank you Sergei!

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