VCLC-CAL |
Country of origin |
Argentina |
Entered service |
- |
Crew |
3 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
32 t |
Length |
6.75 m |
Width |
3.32
m |
Height |
3.05 m |
Armament |
Caliber |
160 mm |
Number of tubes |
36 |
Rocket weight |
~ 100 kg |
Warhead weight |
46 kg |
Firing range |
? - 30 km |
Full salvo duration |
? |
Reloading time |
10 minutes |
Mobility |
Engine |
MTU MB833 Ka500 diesel |
Engine power |
720 hp |
Maximum road speed |
75 km/h |
Range |
560 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
0.9 m |
Trench |
2.5 m |
Fording |
1.4 m |
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The VCLC (Vehiculo
de Combate Lanza Cohetes) multiple launch rocket system was
developed in Argentina with Israel's assistance. Unfortunately
only a small number of these systems was built due to funding problems and it never saw active service.
The VCLC has
a modular design and was developed in two variants to fire 160 mm
and 350 mm rockets. No modifications were needed to change between
rocket types.
The VCLC-CAL
(Cohete de Artilleria Ligero) is fitted with the Israeli LAR-160
modular rocket launcher system. It underwent trials in 1986. The 160 mm CAL used two 18 rocket
containers. These containers are factory-fitted with rockets and
sealed. They can be stored for up to 15 years without any
maintenance. After launching all rockets, containers are removed by
crane and replaced with new ones. HE-FRAG and cluster warheads are
available.
Another
variant, the VCLC-CAM (Cohete de Artilleria Mediano) had four
launching tubes for Israeli 350 mm MAR-350 rockets. The standard
rocket weights 1 000 kg and has a maximum range of 75-95 km. Only a prototype
of this system was built. Some sources claim that it underwent
trials in 1988.
The VCLC is
fitted with 7.62 mm machine gun for self-protection and limited air
defense.
The VCLC is
mounted on the chassis of the
TAM light
tank. Vehicle is
powered by German MTU MB833 Ka500 diesel engine, developing 720
horsepower.
Reloading
vehicle of the VCLC supposed to be a US supplied
M809 6x6 truck,
fitted with hydraulic crane. It also carried containers with
reloads. Each multiple launch rocket system was escorted by this
reloading vehicle. The whole process of replacing containers for the VCLC-CAL takes 10 minutes. Battery of these multiple launch rocket
systems also had truck fitted with a ranging radar.
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