Valkiri

   The Valkiri (Valkyrie) multiple launch rocket system was developed in the early 1980s. It entered service with the South African National Defense Force in 1982. In the same year Valkiri saw combat in Angola. This multiple launch rocket system is sometimes referred as the Valkiri Mk.1 22.

   Design of the Valkiri was influenced by the Soviet BM-21 Grad. This multiple launch rocket system is based on the SAMIL 20 light utility truck chassis. One interesting feature is that it could be easily disguised as a small canvas covered truck.

   The Valkiri has 24 127-mm launching tubes. The standard rocket is 2.68 m long and weights 53 kg. It is used against personnel or soft skinned targets. The pre-fragmented warhead is designed with proximity fuse for detonation above the ground. A single rocket covers the area of 1 500 m². Firing range is between 8 and 22 km.

   Launching tubes are reloaded manually. Normally it takes 10 minutes for two crew members to reload the rockets. Up to 48 reload rockets are carried in escorting truck.

   Battery normally consists of eight vehicles including a fire control vehicle. A simple panoramic sight is used to aim the rockets. Firing data is prepared by the fire control vehicle. Crew can launch rockets either from the inside of the cabin or remotely.

   The Valkiri is powered by a 6-liter diesel engine, developing 99 horsepower. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre pressure system.

Variants

   Valkiri Mk.1 5, 127-mm towed variant with 12 launching tubes. It entered service with the SANDF in 1988. The standard rocket is 1.4 m long and weights 30 kg. Maximum range of fire is 5.5 km;

   Bateleur, sometimes referred as the Valkiri Mk.2. It is a current version of the Valkiri, fitted with 40 launching tubes for 127-mm rockets.