300-mm Multiple Launch Rocket System
9K58 "Smerch"
Entered service in1987Crew4Dimensions and weightTotal weight in combat order43.7 t Overall length12 400 mm Chassis length12 400 mmWidth3 100 mm Height 3 100 mmArmamentCaliber300-mmNumber of loading tubes12Salvo lasting time38 sReloading time36 minTraverse range 60 degrees Elevation range 0 to + 55 degrees Combat LoadCombat load12 rocketsRocket weight800 kgMaximum firing range90 kmMinimal firing range20 kmMobilityEngine power525 h.p.Maximum road speed60 km/h Autonomy on roads850 km ManeuverabilitySlope30 °Ford1 m
The "Smerch" Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is the most powerful and the perfect MLRS of the world. It is intended to defeat live power, destroy armored vehicles, fortifications and command centers in 20 - 70 km range. "Smerch" was developed at the beginning of 80-ties by Tula city "Splav" National Scientific-Production Company of Soviet Union in cooperation with more than 20 other companies of Soviet Union. In 1987 "Smerch" entered service in Soviet Armed Forces. Now it is used by Russian, Ukraine, Belarus, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates armed forces. Indian and Chinese governments showed interest to obtain "Smerch" for their armed forces. MLRS 9K58 "Smerch" includes loading vehicle 9A52-2, 300-mm reaction projectiles, fire control system, reloading vehicle 9T234-2, training sources, and arsenal equipment complex.
Loading vehicle consists from artillery part and "MAZ-543M" 4-axis chassis. It has classical arrangement. Artillery part is mounted at the back part of wheeled chassis, while driv
er cabin is mounted frontally. Engine compartment and crew cabin, fitted with radio set and fire control system, are placed frontally.