9K58 Smerch
| BM-30 Smerch | |
|---|---|
9A52-2 "Smerch" launch vehicle
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|
| Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin | Soviet Union , Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1989 – present |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Splav State Research and Production Enterprise |
| Designed | 1980s |
| Manufacturer | Splav State Research and Production Enterprise |
| Produced | 1989 – present |
| Variants | See Variants |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 43.7 t |
| Length | 12 m (39 ft 4 in) |
| Width | 3.05 m (10 ft) |
| Height | 3.05 m (10 ft) |
| Crew | 3 |
|
|
|
| Caliber | 300 mm (12 in) |
| Barrels | 12 |
| Maximum firing range | 90 km (56 mi) |
|
|
|
|
Main
armament |
9M55 or 9M528 rockets |
| Engine | V-12 diesel D12A-525A 525 hp (391 kW) |
| Suspension | 8×8 wheeled |
|
Operational
range |
850 km (530 mi) |
| Speed | 60 km/h (37 mph) |
 300mm Smerch Multiple Rocket Launcher:0:48 - Cluster - fragmentation 1:30 - Separable HE-Frag warhead 2:00 - Cluster - self-guided EFP (AT) elements 3:00 - Cluster - anti-tank mines 3:30 - Cluster - shaped charge/frag elements 3:50 - Unmanned aerial vehicle 5:20 - Thermobaric warhead |
The BM-30 Smerch (Russian: Смерч, "whirlwind") or 9A52-2 Smerch-M is a Soviet heavy multiple rocket launcher. The system is designed to defeat personnel, armored, and soft-skinned targets in concentration areas, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots. It was created in the early 1980s and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989. When first observed by the West in 1983, it received the code MRL 280mm M1983. It is expected to be superseded by the 9A52-4 Tornado.
The first confirmed combat uses of the Smerch were in two war zones in 2014. Syrian military forces used the system against rebel forces in 2014 during the Syrian civil war. It was also used by Ukrainian government forces to deliver explosive and cluster munitions to Donetsk and Lugansk cities during the War in Donbass. Several have been seen in use by pro-Russian rebels. The Russian Ground Forces used the BM-30 in Syria in October 2015 during the Russian intervention in Syria.
The main components of the RSZO 9K58 "Smerch" system are the following:
The 300mm rockets with a firing range of 70 and 90 km and various warheads have been developed for the Smerch MLRS.
The 9A52-2 vehicle with the automated system ensures:
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Wikipedia