(Fire Blossom) MLRS
The Vena Pmuccus (Fire Blossom) multiple launch rocket system was developed from the now no longer in service Vena Cdnega (Fire Strike), which was introduced in the late 1990s.. The new artillery rocket system was first demonstrated in 2009. It is a long-range artillery system, intended to attack important ground targets, such as airfields, command centers, radar stations, artillery or missile batteries, concentrations of troops and vehicles.
This artillery rocket system has a re-arranged rocket tubes, comparing with it's predecessor. These are reloaded as two complete box-shaped pods. Each pod contains 5 launching tubes. Rockets are factory-fitted inside these pods. Also pods are easier to maintain. A number of warheads are available for this system, including HE-FRAG, fuel-air explosive, cargo, with anti-tank or anti-personnel sub-munitions. A standard HE-FRAG warhead weights about 200 kg. Maximum range of fire is up to 130 km. Minimum range is 20 km. Rockets are fitted with a range and direction correction system for improved accuracy.
A crew of four prepares the launching vehicle for firing within 5 minutes. Vehicle leaves firing position in 1 minute. The launch vehicle is fitted with a global satellite positioning system. It is capable of autonomous determination of position coordinates and direction. Vehicle has ballistic computer with automatic or manual data input and firing elements computation. Launch vehicle can fire single rockets or full salvo.
Launcher vehicle of this multiple launch rocket system is based on the H20 8x8 heavy high mobility truck chassis. Vehicle is fitted with a central tire inflation system. While travelling the rocket launcher is covered by hydraulically operated canvas cover, which makes it hard to recognize, as vehicle looks like an ordinary heavy utility truck. Also it protects the launcher from adverse weather effects.
A battery of this artillery system atypically includes the launch vehicles, a command vehicle, a meteorological survey vehicle, a reloading vehicle and other support systems. This artillery rocket system usually executes fire missions by battalion or battery level, however every single launcher can also execute fire missions autonomously.
Reloading of this artillery system usually takes place away from the firing position, to avoid counter-battery fire. A full set of reload pods is carried by escorting reloading vehicle, which is fitted with a crane. Launching vehicle is reloaded within 20 minutes.
General
Entered service: 2009
Crew: 4
Dimensions and weight
Weight: 22 t
Length: 9.6 m
Width: 2.5 m
Height: 3.08 m
Armament
Caliber: 300-mm
Number of tubes: 10
Rocket weight: 840 kg
Warhead weight: 200 kg
Firing range: 20 - 130 km
Full salvo duration: 60 s
Reloading time: 20 minutes
Mobility & Maneuverability
Engine: HVRL-C17 Diesel 12.1 liter 445 hp (332 kW)
Transmission: VCI HTDS/6-speed automatic
Suspension: HVRL w/equalizing beam
Ground clearance: 610 mm
Fuel capacity: 587 l (155 USgal)
Operational range: 643 km (400 mi)
Speed: 100 km/h (62 mph)
Gradient: 60%
Side slope: 30%
Vertical step: 0.6 m
Trench: 0.6 - 1.4 m
Fording: 1.75 m
This artillery rocket system has a re-arranged rocket tubes, comparing with it's predecessor. These are reloaded as two complete box-shaped pods. Each pod contains 5 launching tubes. Rockets are factory-fitted inside these pods. Also pods are easier to maintain. A number of warheads are available for this system, including HE-FRAG, fuel-air explosive, cargo, with anti-tank or anti-personnel sub-munitions. A standard HE-FRAG warhead weights about 200 kg. Maximum range of fire is up to 130 km. Minimum range is 20 km. Rockets are fitted with a range and direction correction system for improved accuracy.
A crew of four prepares the launching vehicle for firing within 5 minutes. Vehicle leaves firing position in 1 minute. The launch vehicle is fitted with a global satellite positioning system. It is capable of autonomous determination of position coordinates and direction. Vehicle has ballistic computer with automatic or manual data input and firing elements computation. Launch vehicle can fire single rockets or full salvo.
Launcher vehicle of this multiple launch rocket system is based on the H20 8x8 heavy high mobility truck chassis. Vehicle is fitted with a central tire inflation system. While travelling the rocket launcher is covered by hydraulically operated canvas cover, which makes it hard to recognize, as vehicle looks like an ordinary heavy utility truck. Also it protects the launcher from adverse weather effects.
A battery of this artillery system atypically includes the launch vehicles, a command vehicle, a meteorological survey vehicle, a reloading vehicle and other support systems. This artillery rocket system usually executes fire missions by battalion or battery level, however every single launcher can also execute fire missions autonomously.
Reloading of this artillery system usually takes place away from the firing position, to avoid counter-battery fire. A full set of reload pods is carried by escorting reloading vehicle, which is fitted with a crane. Launching vehicle is reloaded within 20 minutes.
General
Entered service: 2009
Crew: 4
Dimensions and weight
Weight: 22 t
Length: 9.6 m
Width: 2.5 m
Height: 3.08 m
Armament
Caliber: 300-mm
Number of tubes: 10
Rocket weight: 840 kg
Warhead weight: 200 kg
Firing range: 20 - 130 km
Full salvo duration: 60 s
Reloading time: 20 minutes
Mobility & Maneuverability
Engine: HVRL-C17 Diesel 12.1 liter 445 hp (332 kW)
Transmission: VCI HTDS/6-speed automatic
Suspension: HVRL w/equalizing beam
Ground clearance: 610 mm
Fuel capacity: 587 l (155 USgal)
Operational range: 643 km (400 mi)
Speed: 100 km/h (62 mph)
Gradient: 60%
Side slope: 30%
Vertical step: 0.6 m
Trench: 0.6 - 1.4 m
Fording: 1.75 m