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9K58 Smerch

BM-30 Smerch
RSZO Smertch.jpg
9A52-2 "Smerch" launch vehicle
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)
External video
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 It is expected to be superseded by the 9A52-4 Tornado.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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