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9A52-2 BM-30 Smerch
300-mm Multiple Rocket Launcher

Russia is placing considerable emphasis on new warheads for the 300 mm Smerch and other artillery rocket systems to enable them to engage a wider range of battlefield targets. This system support to "deep strike" tactics and capabilities which enable Army units to defeat large armored formations with less effort. Comparable to the US Multiple Launch Rocket System, the Smerch rocket can carry up to five Bazalt parachute-retarded munitions which use a two-colored sensor to find the target and fire a 1-kilogram penetrator at 2,000 meters a second. The 9A52-2 launcher with all supporting equipment, including the 9T234-2 Transloader, and the 1K123 Vivary Fire Control System, is referred to as the complex 9K58. The first export customer for the 9A52 (12-round) system was Kuwait, with 27 systems delivered, with the United Arab Emirates being the second customer. China has also purchased this system from Russia. The Splav Government Scientific Production Concern has redesigned the Smerch multi-barrel rocket system, boosting its range from 70km to 90km. The weapon's accuracy is also claimed to have been improved.

Specifications

Alternative Designations 9A52-2 Smerch-M
Date of Introduction 1989
Proliferation At least 4 countries
Description
Crew 4 (7 with 9K58 Complex)
Chassis/Carriage MAZ-543M 8x8 wheeled
Combat Weight (mt) 43.7
Chassis Length Overall (m) 12.1
Height Overall (m) 3.05
Width Overall (m) 3.05
Automotive Performance
Engine Type 518 hp, V-12 diesel engine
Cruising Range (km) 850 km
Speed (km/h)
Max Road 60
Max Off-Road 35
Cross-Country INA
Max Swim N/A
Fording Depths (m) Unprepared 1.1
Emplacement Time (min) 3
Displacement Time (min) 3
Radio R-123M
Protection
Armor, Front (mm) None
Armor Side (mm) None
Armor Roof (mm) None
Self-Entrenching Blade No
NBC Protection System No
Smoke Equipment No
ARMAMENT
Launcher
Caliber, Type, Name 300-mm, 9A52
Number of Tubes 12 (3 rows of 4 tubes)
Launch Rate
Full Salvo Time 12 rounds in 38 seconds
Single Rocket Interval 3 seconds per rocket
Loader Type Manual
Reload Time 36 minutes
Launcher Drive Electric
Traverse (°)
Left 30
Right 30
Total 60
Elevation (°) (-/+) -0/+55°
FIRE CONTROL
Indirect Fire PG-1M Panoramic Telescope (PANTEL)
Collimator K-1
Fire Control Computer None
Position Location System None
MAIN ARMAMENT AMMUNITION
Caliber, Type, Name
300-mm Frag-HE, 9M55F
Indirect Fire Range (m)
Minimum Range 20,000
Maximum Range 70,000
Warhead Weight (kg) 258
Rocket Length (m) 7.6
Maximum Velocity INA
Fuze Type Electronic timing (ET)
300-mm DPICM, 9M55K
Indirect Fire Range (m)
Minimum Range 20,000
Maximum Range 70,000
Warhead Weight (kg) 235
Rocket Length (m) 7.6
Maximum Velocity INA
Fuze Type Electronic timing (ET)
300-mm Sensor-fuzed (MOTIV-3M), 9M55K1
Indirect Fire Range (m)
Minimum Range 20,000
Maximum Range 70,000
Warhead Weight (kg) 233
Rocket Length (m) 7.6
Maximum Velocity INA
Fuze Type Electronic timing (ET)
Other Ammunition Types Smoke, Incendiary, Chemical, Leaflet, Fuel Air Explosive (FAE), R-90 expendable miniature UAV (experi-mental)

Sources and Methods



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http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/9a52.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Saturday, June 19, 1999 6:37:33 AM