BM-21 Grad

   The BM-21 Grad (Hail) multiple launch rocket system entered service with the Soviet Army in 1963. It was produced for a long period of time in large quantity both for the Soviet Army and for export customers. Currently the BM-21 Grad is in service with more than 30 countries. It is the most widely used artillery rocket system in the world. There are numerous variants, copies and modifications of this vehicle.

   The BM-21 Grad has 40 launching tubes for 122-mm rockets. The standard rocket with a HE-FRAG warhead is 2.87 m long and weights 66.6 kg. Warhead itself weights 18.4 kg. It also fires rockets fitted with incendiary, chemical, smoke, illumination or cluster warheads. Cluster warheads contain anti-tank or anti-personnel submunitions. A number of specialized warheads were developed for this vehicle. A full salvo of the BM-21 Grad covers area of 0.8 -1 hectares.

   Vehicle is prepared to fire in three minutes. The BM-21 can launch rockets directly from the cab or remotely from the vehicle. It is possible to launch rockets without preparing the firing position. This feature ensures brief reaction time. The Grad can be packed up and ready to move in two minutes.

   The BM-21 is based on the Ural-375D 6x6 high mobility truck. Vehicle is powered by the ZiL-375 petrol or diesel engine, developing 180 horsepower. Later Grads were mounted on newer Ural-4320 and ZiL-131 trucks. A launcher pack can be mounted on any other acceptable chassis type.

   The BM-21 is reloaded manually. Reload rockets are carried in escorting utility truck. It takes less than 10 minutes to reload the launching vehicle.

Russian variants of the BM-21 Grad

   BM-21V Grad-V, airborne variant of the Grad, fitted with 12 launching tubes;

   Grad-1, lighter version of the Grad, fitted with 36 launching tubes. It is mounted on the ZiL-131 6x6 truck chassis. This artillery system is compatible only with the shorter-range rockets;

   9K132 Grad-P, portable single-tube launcher;

   A-215 Grad-M, naval multiple launch rocket system, fitted on amphibious assault ships;

   BM-21PD Damba, costal MLRS intended to protect sea bases against underwater infiltrations;

   BM-21-1 improved variant of the Grad, mounted on Ural-43201 general utility truck. It is fitted with a satellite navigation system, automated fire control and laying systems. This artillery system can fire a new generation of rockets with a maximum range of 40 km;

   9K59 Prima, improved variant of the Grad with 50 launching tubes.
 

   Updated information was sent us by SERGEI V. GUROV

   Thank you Sergei!

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