Country of origin |
Italy |
Entered service |
1987 |
Crew |
3 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
17.3 t |
Length |
~ 7.5 m |
Width |
~ 2.5 m |
Height |
~ 3 m |
Armament |
Caliber |
122 mm |
Number of tubes |
40 |
Rocket weight |
58 / 65 kg |
Warhead weight |
~ 20 kg |
Firing range |
8 - 25 / 34 km |
Full salvo duration |
10 s |
Reloading time |
5 - 7 minutes |
Mobility |
Engine |
diesel |
Engine power |
? |
Maximum road speed |
~ 75 km/h |
Range |
~ 750 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
~ 0.6 m |
Trench |
0.6 ~ 1.2 m |
Fording |
~ 1.2 m |
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The FIROS or
FIeld ROcket System was developed in the late 1970s. It is available
in two variants. Development of the original FIROS-25 was completed
in 1981. It was exported to the United Arab Emirates and two other
undisclosed countries, possibly Syria and Libya. An improved
FIROS-30 with extended range was adopted by the
Italian Army in 1987. Both of these artillery rocket systems provide
ground forces with area-saturation fire support. By the end of 2002
a total of 146 multiple launch rocket systems of both variants were
manufactured. Italian Army also operates a more capable US
M270 MLRS.
A standard
122 mm rocket is similar to that of the
BM-21
Grad, but differ in performance and payload versatility.
Rockets are loaded in two pre-packed 20-tube rocket pods. A FIROS-25
rocket is 2.68 m long and weights 58 kg. Maximum range of fire of 25
km. A FIROS-30 rocket is 2.82 m long and weights 65 kg. Maximum
range of fire is 34 km. Rockets are available with HE-FRAG, cluster,
smoke, incendiary and training-practice warheads. Cluster warhead
contains anti-personnel, anti-tank submunitions, or pre-fragmented
elements. Rockets with cluster warheads are longer and heavier. Both FIROS-25 and FIROS-30 rockets can be fired from 122 mm
BM-21 Grad series launchers. In case of emergency FIROS MLRS can
also fire the Grad rockets. Vehicle can fire its rockets within 5
minutes from traveling.
Both
variants of the FIROS are based on IVECO 6x6 heavy utility trucks.
An armored cab was proposed as an option. Rocket launcher can also
be mounted on any 6x6 heavy utility truck, with a payload capacity
of 10 000 kg.
A battery of
FIROS consists of 6 mobile launchers, 6-12 reloading vehicles, fire
control vehicle and command vehicle.
This
multiple launch rocket system is reload by replacing their rocket
pods. It can also be reloaded manually. A reloading vehicle is
fitted with a crane and carries four rocket pods. Reloading usually
takes places well away from firing position, to avoid
counter-battery fire.
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