BM-30 Smerch

   The BM-30 Smerch (Tornado) is the most powerful multiple launch rocket system in the world. It was developed in the early 1980s and was accepted to service with the Soviet Army in 1987. Currently it is in service with Russia. Export operators are Algeria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kuwait, Peru, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates. This artillery rocket system saw combat during the Russian wars in Chechnya.

   Russian designation for the whole artillery system is the 9K58, while the launching vehicle is the 9A52.

   The BM-30 Smerch has 12 tubes for 300-mm rockets. The standard rocket is 7.6 m long and weights 800 kg. This multiple launch rocket system has firing range of 20 - 70 km. Rockets are fitted with a range and direction correction system for better accuracy. A number of rockets are developed for this vehicle, including HE-FRAG, fuel-air explosive, incendiary, cluster with anti-personnel and anti-tank mines or self-guided anti-tank munitions. Launcher is capable of single or salvo firing. A full salvo of this rocket system covers area of 67 hectares.

   The Smerch launch vehicle is prepared for firing within 3 minutes. It takes the same amount of time to leave firing position. Rockets are launched directly form the cab, or remotely form the vehicle. A full salvo takes 38 seconds.

   The Smerch launching vehicle is based on the MAZ-543 8x8 heavy high mobility truck. Vehicle is powered by the D12A-525A 38.9-liter diesel engine, developing 525 horsepower. It is fitted with a central tyre inflation system.

   Reloading of the BM-30 is assisted by the 9T234-2 reloading vehicle. It is based on a similar modified MAZ-543A chassis. The reloading vehicle is fitted with hydraulic crane and carries a full set of 12 reload rockets. Reloading takes 36 minutes. A Smerch unit is typically composed of six launchers and six reloading vehicles. Reloading usually takes place away from the firing position, to avoid counter-battery fire.

   The fire control system of the Smerch, the Vivari, can function automatically or under manual control. The Vivari system is housed in a command vehicle and controls six launchers. it calculates ballistic and targeting data of each launcher.

Variants

   Smerch-M, improved multiple launch rocket system with new navigation and targeting systems. It is compatible with new extended-range, with a maximum range of up to 90 km. The latest launcher variant has the designation 9A52-2. It is based on the MAZ-543M 8x8 heavy high mobility truck;

   9A52-2T Smerch, variant based on the Tatra 10x10 chassis. It is in service with the Indian Army;

   9A52-4 lighter variant of the Smerch, based on KamAZ 8x8 truck. It has a six-pack launcher for 300-mm rockets. The whole launching container is replaced after firing all rockets;

   Type 03 or PHL03 is a Chinese copy of the Smerch.
 

   Updated information and some of the images were sent us by SERGEI V. GUROV

   Thank you Sergei!

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