The latest variant of the multiple rocket launchert system BM-30 is the Smerch-M with the launcher vehicle 9A52-2. The Smerch-M is equipped now with the Vivariy automated fire-control system, which can function automatically or under manual control.

Smerch-M BM-30 9A52-2

Smerch-M BM-30 9A52-2 is designed to defeat manpower, armored and soft-skinned materiel in concentration areas of artillery batteries, command post and ammunition depots. A battalion of BM-30 Smerch M 9A52-2 is composed with three batteries each of four launchers. The launcher has a crew of four and is capable of single or salvo firing. The Smerch-M 9A52-2 is equipped with an automated laying and fire control system which gives autonomous determination of an azimuth of the launch tube, with visula representation of graphical information for the launch tube cluster laying, the road of the vehicle movement and location, as well as a point of destination and direction of movement on the video terminal. All this new systems increase the BM-30 Smerch-M 9A52-2 survivability owing to the reduced time of staying at a fire position.

Variants

– 9A52: Basic version of the Russian-made MLRS BM-30 Multiple launch Rocket system.

The 9A52-2 Basic version of the Russian-made MLRS BM-30 Multiple launch Rocket system

Calculation, persons: 3;
Number of launching tubes 12;
Caliber, mm: 300;
Angle vertical guidance, hail: 0 … + 55;
The angle of the horizontal guidance (from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle), degrees: -30 … + 30;
Range of fire, km: minimum – 20 maximum – 90;
Area covered by one salvo, ha: to 67.2;
Time to prepare for the shooting of the receipt of the plants to fire up the discovery of fire, m: 1.5-3;
urgent leaving the position, min: 1;
Full salvo time, with 38;
reloading time, min: 20;
Maximum speed km / h: 60;
Cruising range, km: 850;
Obstacles: lift, degrees – 60; ford, m – 1;
The temperature range of combat employment, ° C: -50 … + 50;
The height above sea level, m: 3000

Translated by google Source zonwar.ru

– 9A52-2T : This version uses the Czech truck chassis Tatra-816.

The 9A52-2T Smerch MLRS is an upgraded variant of the original Smerch based on the Tatra chassis – Image: military-today.com

Range of fire, km: maximum – 90, minimum – 20;
Area covered by one salvo, ha: 67.2;
Preparation time MB by shooting from the date of receipt of installations for firing and data for flight assignment before opening fire, min: 2;
loading time, min: 16;
Full salvo time, with 40;
Ammunition capacity at TLV, pieces: 12;
Combat Crew: 3;
Overall dimensions: length – 12400, height – 3435, width – 3025;
Chassis: TATRA, 10×10;
Maximum speed, km / h: 90;
Cruising range on fuel, km: 850;
The smallest turning radius, mm: 15;
Fording depth, m: 1.25;
Width of crossing the moat, m 2;
Ground clearance, mm: 400

Translated by google Source zonwar.ru

– 9A52-4 Tornado: new modrnized version with new launcher unit with six tubes of 300mm caliber.

9A52-4 Tornado new modrnized version with new launcher unit with six tubes of 300mm caliber _ Image: zonwar.ru

Caliber, mm: 300;
Range of fire, km: maximum – 90, minimum – 20;
Full salvo time, with 40;
Number of launching tubes: 6;
Weight main PC, kg: 800;
Area covered by one salvo, ha: 67.2;
Preparation time MB by shooting from the date of receipt of installations for firing and data for flight assignment before opening fire, m: 3;
Combat Crew: 2;
Overall dimensions: length 11200, height 2500, width 3150;
Wheel chassis formula: 8×8;
Maximum speed, km / h: 90;
Cruising range on fuel, km: 850;
The smallest turning radius, mm: 15;
Fording depth, m: 1.25;
Width of crossing the moat, m 2;
Ground clearance, mm: 400;
Massa charged BM, kg: 24650

Translated by google Source zonwar.ru

Details of 9A52-4 Tornado: HERE

Armament

As the basic version of the BM-30 Smerch, the new Smerch-M 9A52-2 is equipped with 12-round elevating launcher, mounted to the rear side of the chassis. The 300 mm rocket tube arrangement is two separate banks of four with a connecting roof of the remaining four tubes overlying the inner tubes of the banks. The rocket used is of 300 mm calibre, fitted with a `self-contained powered-flight phase control system which provides an increase in fire precision by a factor of two and in accuracy by a factor of three as compared to unguided rockets’.

9M55K Cargo Rocket with 9N235 Fragmentation Submunitions – Image: armamentresearch.com

The 9M55K cargo rocket with 9N235 fragmentation submunitions is designed to engage concentrations of infantry and light vehicles in open terrain or light cover.

Range: 20-70 km
Weight: 800 kg
Length: 7600 mm
Warhead weight: 243 kg
Warhead length: 2049 mm
Number of submunitions: 72 x 9N235 submunitions
Submunition weight: 1.75 kg
Number of preformed fragments per submunition: 96 x 4.5 g; 360 x 0.75 g
Submunition self-destruct time: 110 sec

Source armamentresearch.com

9M55K – Image: forums.eagle.ru

300-mm shells MLRS “Smerch” are traditional aero assembly and equipped with efficient solid-fuel engine for smesevom. A distinctive feature is the presence of shells flight control system, which corrects the path of the pitch and yaw (sm.shemu electronic timing device and power management system). Through the introduction of this system accuracy hits “Whirlwind” was increased in 2 times (the amount does not exceed 0.21% of the range volley, in other words, about 150m, which brings her to hit by artillery guns.), And patterning — 3 times . Adjustment is carried out gas-dynamic control surfaces actuated by high pressure gas from the onboard gas generator. In addition, the stabilization of a projectile in flight is due to its rotation around the longitudinal axis provided by the preparatory promotion while driving on the tubular guide and supported in flight by installing blade stabilizer drop at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the projectile.

In ammunition includes the following types of ammunition:

With a flight range of up to 70km:
9M55F shell with monobloc high-explosive fragmentation warhead;
with cassette shell 9M55K MS, curb militant elements fission type;
shell 9M55K1 with cluster warhead, curb homing submunitions “Motiv-3M” (see diagram line of motion);
9M55K3 shell with cassette warhead for anti-personnel mine-laying areas;
9M55K4 with cassette shell for MS anti-mining areas;
with cassette shell 9M55K5 MS, curb shaped-charge fragmentation submunitions;
shell 9M55K6 with cluster warhead, curb homing submunitions 9N268;
shell with 9M55K7 Cassette MS, curb compact homing submunitions;
9M55S projectile with a thermobaric warhead;
The variants of the subsequent rounds are most effective range of 90 km, most of which have remained the project work:
9M525 missile with cluster warhead, curb militant splinter cell type;
9M526 missile with cluster warhead, curb homing submunitions “Motiv-3M”
9M527 missile with cluster warhead for anti-mining areas;
9M528 missile with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead;
9M529 missile with a thermobaric warhead;
9M530 missile with a high explosive warhead penetrating type;
9M531 missile with cluster warhead, curb shaped-charge fragmentation submunitions;
9M532 missile warhead with cassette, compact curb homing submunitions;
9M533 missile with cluster warhead, curb homing submunitions 9N268;
9M534 missile, filled compact unmanned reconnaissance aircraft;
9M536 missile with cluster warhead, curb penetrating fragmentation submunitions;
9M537 missile with Cassette MS, curb fragmentation submunitions non-contact explosion.
Shooting can be carried out by single shells or gulp. Volley one machine covers an area 672 thousand square meters.

According to the forecasts of military professionals, the system “Smerch” stand in service until about 2020-2030 years, as it laid a number of basic solutions that improve the imminent battle Position.

The unique “death” technology Tula gunsmiths intended to develop tactical weapons at the end of XX — beginning of XXI century.

“Rosoboronexport,” the press release 05.09.2012 (Translated by google) Source survincity.com

Smerch-M can fired a large types of rockets, as the 9M55K which carries 72 unguided fin-stabilised high-explosive fragmentation sub-munitions, the 9M55K1 which carries five parachute-retarded MOTIV-3F top-attack anti-armour submunitions, the 9M55K4 which carries 25 anti-tank mines, the 9M55F an unitary warhead with a charge of 95,5 kg of high explosive, the 9M55S a fuel air explosive munition, and the 9M55K5 with 646 shaped charge fragmentation submunitions that are dispensed over the target. The BM-30 Smerch-M 9A52-2 can fired at a maximum range of 90 km.

9M55S projectile with a thermobaric warhead

The 9M55S rocket features a thermobaric warhead designed to defeat troops unsheltered and under light field fortifications, light armored vehicles and buildings. The thermobaric warhead explosive weighs 100 kg and provides 1,000 Celsius degrees of temperature within 1.44 seconds over an area of more than 25 meters of diameter. This kind of weapon was employed by the Russians with impressive results in Chechnya.

Dimensions
Caliber: 300 millimeter
Length: 7.60 meter
Performance
Max Range: 70 kilometer

Min Range: 25 kilometer
Weight
Warhead: 243 kilogram
Weight: 800 kilogram (1,764 pound)

Source deagel.com

Design and protection

The Smerch-M BM-30 9A52-2 is equipped with a fully enclosed cab, who provides an NBC protection. The launch vehicle’s cabin accommodates the launch preparation and firing equipment. Single-round or salvo firing is possible. The driver is seated at the front of the vehicle on the left side with the vehicle commander to his immediate rear.

Mobility

The 9A52-2 launcher is based on a modified MAZ-543M (8 × 8) cross-country truck chassis. The MAZ-543M chassis is fitted with powered steering on the front two axles. The launcher unit of Smerch-M can be also fitted to the trcuk chassis of MAZ-79111.

MAZ-543M (8 × 8) cross-country truck chassisSmerch-M with the launcher vehicle 9A52-2 and loader vehicle _ Image: survincity.com

Accessories

The truck MAZ-543M of BM-30 9A52-2 is equipped with two stabilisers, who are positioned on either side of the chassis,, between the rear two road wheels. The MAZ-543M is also equipped with a central tyre-pressure regulation system that allows the driver to adjust the tyre pressure to suit the terrain being crossed from within the cab.