9A52-4 Tornado

9A52-4
9A52-4 launcher vehicle (right) and 9T234-4 reloading vehicle (left), Perm, RussianExpoArms, 2009.
Type	Multiple rocket launcher
Place of origin	Russia
Service history
In service	2014 - present
Production history
Designer	Motovilikha Plants
Designed	2000s
Manufacturer	НПО "Сплав"
Produced	2011 - present
No. built	More than 136 units in service
Variants	9A53-G Tornado, 9A53-U Tornado, 9A53-S Tornado
Specifications
Weight	24.65 t
Length	11.2 m
Width	2.5 m
Height	3.15 m
Crew	2
Caliber	122mm/220mm/300mm
Barrels	15/8/6
Maximum firing range	90 km
Main armament	9M55 or 9M528 rockets
Engine	KamAZ-740.50.360 diesel 360 hp
Suspension	8×8 wheeled
Operational range	1000 km
Speed	90 km/h

The 9A52-4 Tornado is Russia's newest universal multiple rocket launcher. It was designed as a lightweight and universal version of the BM-30 Smerch, dubbed 9A52-2. It was first unveiled in 2007 as a more strategically and tactically mobile launcher, albeit at the expense of a slight reduction in firepower. This model is aimed at replacing the previous generation of Russian multiple rocket launchers, including BM-21 Grad, BM-27 Uragan and BM-30 Smerch. Currently the sole operator is Russian Ground Forces. A version will be proposed for export.

The 9A52-4 Tornado system is based on the chassis of the KamAZ-63501 8x8 military truck, which provides good tactical mobility. It is equipped with a single container with six launcher tubes for 300-mm rockets, which can fire all current Smerch rockets, including HE-FRAG, incendiary, thermobaric, cluster with anti-personnel or anti-tank mines. Cluster rounds may also carry self-targeting anti-tank munitions. The 800 kg standard rocket has a maximum range of 90 km. A range and direction correction system provides better accuracy compared to its predecessors.

The 9A52-4 can launch rockets singularly, by a partial ripple or by a full salvo, which can cover an area of 32 hectares. A full salvo can be fired within 20 seconds. The 9A52-4 launching vehicle can be reloaded within 8 minutes. Launcher pods are designed for use with 122-mm and 220-mm rockets.

The weapons system is equipped with an automated laying and fire control system, along with an autonomous satellite navigation and positioning system. Positioning and firing data are exchanged between the launch vehicle and the command vehicle.

Russian ground forces received about 30 Tornado-G systems in 2011, replacing the BM-21 Grad. The improved Tornado-S was upgraded with the special GLONASS satellite navigation system used in the Smerch missile system. The Tornado-S has guided rocket rounds enabling it to fire out to 72 miles (120 km). The Tornado-S has a longer range and increased effectiveness, due to the use of new warhead payloads and a reduced launch readiness time of just three minutes. The Tornado-G entered series production in 2013. The system entered service with the Russian armed forces in 2014. The Tornado-S approved for service in July–August 2016 and started its serial deliveries.