9K58 SMERCHMultiple Rocket System

Multiple Rocket System

Mission

The Smerch multiple rocket system is an effective suppression means of fire. It features high manoeuvrability and capability to rapidly deliver high-density attacks from prepared positions against both planned and unplanned targets. The system is also designed to counter tactical missile systems, army aviation at staging airstrips, as well as rocket, artillery and mortar battalions and batteries, command posts, and manpower in assembly areas. It can also be used for mine laying and engaging armoured vehicles at bases and on the move.

Features

access, as well as visual display and storage of data; •autonomous survey, navigation and orientation of the combat vehicle with data visualisation on electronic chart; • automated fire data and mission task generation; • automated launch tube cluster laying without the crew’s involvement and usage of the organic sight.

In one of its variants, the Smerch system’s combat vehicle and transporter-loader are based on the Tatra-816 chassis (9A52-2T and 9T234-2T respectively).

The 9K58 Smerch MRS consists of the 9A52-2 combat vehicle, the 9T234-2 transporter-loader, the Slepok-M1 automated fire control system, a wide range of various-purpose rockets with maximum ranges of 70 km and 90 km, as well as training means and arsenal equipment.

The system can fire rockets with different warheads, including single ones with detachable HEfragmentation or termobaric warheads, cluster rounds with fragmentation, shaped-charge/fragmentation self-targeting submunitions, and antitank mines. A salvo of the Smerch system with cluster warhead rockets can cover an area of 672,000 sq. m.

Upgraded in 1998-99, the 9A52-2 combat vehicle was fitted with a combat fire control system and an automated laying and fire control system.

The modernisation has ensured: • automated high-speed data exchange and information protection from unauthorised Basic specifications

Range of fire, km: maximum 70/90 minimum 20/25 Rocket launch weight, kg 800 Rocket calibre, mm 300 Number of tubes 12 Chassis MAZ-543M or Tatra-816 Max speed, km/h 60 Cruising range, km 850 Combat weight, kg 43,700 Combat vehicle crew 3 Salvo time, sec 38 Time, min: launcher loading up to 20 deployment from march 3 displacement and departure 1 Salvo centre deviation, % Xmax 0.3