Tornado (multiple rocket launcher)
{{Short description|Russian long-range multiple launch rocket system}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Tornado
| image = 9A52-4 Smerch combat vehicle at Engineering Technologies 2012 01.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| caption = 9A52-4 Smerch combat vehicle at Engineering Technologies 2012
| origin = Russia
| type = Multiple rocket launcher
| is_ranged =
| is_bladed =
| is_explosive =
| is_artillery = yes
| is_vehicle = yes
| is_UK =
| service = 2014–present
| wars = Syrian Civil War{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
Russo-Ukrainian War
| designer = Motovilikha Plants
| design_date = 2000s
| manufacturer = NPO Splav{{cite web|url=http://www.arms-expo.ru/news/production/nikolay_makarovets_sanktsii_na_predpriyatii_ne_otrazilis/|title=Николай Макаровец: санкции на предприятии не отразились|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011012917/http://www.arms-expo.ru/news/production/nikolay_makarovets_sanktsii_na_predpriyatii_ne_otrazilis/|url-status=dead}}
| production_date = 2011–present
| number = More than 200 units in service
| variants = 9A53-G Tornado, 9A53-S Tornado
| weight = 24.65 t
| length = 11.2 m
| part_length =
| width = 2.5 m
| height = 3.15 m
| crew = 2
| cartridge =
| caliber = 122 mm/300 mm
| barrels = 40/12,6
| action =
| rate =
| velocity =
| range =
| max_range = 200 km (300 mm 9M544 rocket)
| feed =
| sights =
| breech =
| recoil =
| carriage =
| elevation =
| traverse =
| diameter =
| filling =
| filling_weight =
| detonation =
| yield =
| armour =
| primary_armament = 9M55 or 9M528 rockets
| secondary_armament =
| engine = KamAZ-740.50.360 diesel
| engine_power = 360 hp
| pw_ratio =
| suspension = 8×8 wheeled
| vehicle_range = 1,000 km
| speed = 90 km/h
}}
The Tornado is a family of multiple rocket launchers of 122 to 300mm calibre developed by NPO Splav for the Russian Ground Forces{{cite web |title=Russian Defence Ministry to continue procuring newest Tornado-S and Tornado-G MLRS |url=https://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12162176@egNews |website=Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation |access-date=29 August 2022}} with the aim to replace previous multiple rocket launchers.{{cite web|title=Спутниковая РСЗО Торнадо-С |url=http://youinf.ru/sputnikovaya-rszo-tornado-s/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630081346/http://youinf.ru/sputnikovaya-rszo-tornado-s/|date=24 April 2016|archive-date=30 Jun 2017|access-date=10 November 2023}} Variants of the system, which include the Tornado-G and Tornado-S models, have different capabilities and roles in the battlefield.{{cite web |title=KAMAZ Tornado-G |url=https://www.militaryfactory.com/armor/detail.php?armor_id=1161 |website=MilitaryFactory.com |access-date=28 August 2022}} The Tornado is designed primarily to fire cluster munitions but also can be used to fire thermobaric warheads.
Variants
{{More citations needed|section|date=March 2022}}
The 9A52-4 Tornado system is a lightweight rocket launcher. There are two other systems. A modular MLRS based on the MZKT-79306 truck, which can carry two BM-27 Uragan or BM-30 Smerch launcher modules, and one based on the Kamaz 6×6 truck. The "Tornado-G" system is an upgrade package for the existing BM-21 Grad. The Russian government ordered 36 new "Tornado-G" based on the Kamaz 6x6 chassis, instead of the old systems based on the Ural-4320 truck.
Systems in the Tornado family:{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}}
- 9A53-G Tornado (2 × 15; 1×40 122 mm Upgraded BM-21 Grad Multiple Rocket Launcher Module, based on a Kamaz Truck or on a Ural-4320).
- 9A53-S Tornado (2 × 6; 2×4 300 mm Upgraded BM-30 Smerch Multiple Rocket Launcher Modules, based on a MZKT-79306).
=Tornado-G=
File:Combat vehicle 2B17-1 from 9K51M Tornado-G MLRS - TankBiathlon14part2-47.jpg
The Tornado-G system seen at right has four rows of 10 launch tubes. Each tube launches one 122mm projectile.{{cite web |title=Tornado-G 122mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System data |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_vehicles_system_artillery_uk/tornado-g_122mm_mlrs_multiple_launch_rocket_system_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html |website=www.armyrecognition.com |access-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312164024/http://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_vehicles_system_artillery_uk/tornado-g_122mm_mlrs_multiple_launch_rocket_system_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html |archive-date=2015-03-12 |language=en-gb |date=26 April 2023 |url-status=live}} The Tornado-G model is aimed at replacing the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher. Currently the sole operator is Russian Ground Forces. A version will be approved for export.{{Cite web |url=http://rostec.ru/en/news/rostec-launched-tornado-g-on-the-international-market/ |title=Rostec launched Tornado-G on the international market |access-date=6 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706190551/http://rostec.ru/en/news/rostec-launched-tornado-g-on-the-international-market/ |archive-date=6 July 2018 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
Russian ground forces received about 30 Tornado-G systems in 2011, replacing the BM-21 Grad.{{cite web|url=http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2011/1230/185511024/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО, Новости, В 2011 году в Сухопутные войска в рамках гособоронзаказа поступило более 30 РСЗО «Торнадо-Г"|website=www.armstrade.org}}
Tornado-G received export permission in June 2018 and Tornado-S with 120 km range satellite-guided shells in August 2019.{{cite web |url=http://tass.com/defense/1011154 |title=Russia to offer upgraded multiple launch rocket system to Western customers |website=TASS}}{{cite web |url=https://tass.com/defense/1074375 |title=Russian hi-tech firm to export latest multiple launch rocket system with smart shells}} The three upgraded 122 mm Grad high explosive (HE) with fragmentation (HE-Frag), and HE with high-explosive anti-tank (HE/HEAT) rocket variants for the Tornado-G multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) codenamed 9M538, 9M539, and 9M541 have a significant increase in firepower, but with less range.{{cite web |title=Splav details Tornado-G rockets |url=https://www.janes.com/article/82576/splav-details-tornado-g-rockets |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827110456/https://www.janes.com/article/82576/splav-details-tornado-g-rockets |archive-date=2018-08-27 |website=Jane's 360}} BM-21 Grad systems are being upgraded to the level of new-generation Tornado-G systems.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
The Tornado-G entered series production in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20131224/986083837.html#13878806043954&message=resize&relto=login&action=removeClass&value=registration|title=НПО "Сплав" начало серийное производство системы "Торнадо-Г"|work=РИА Новости|date=24 December 2013|access-date=23 December 2014}} The system entered service with the Russian armed forces in 2014.{{cite web|url=http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20141119/1034071161.html|title=Гендиректор НПО "Сплав": реактивный "Град" прослужит еще 10-15 лет|work=РИА Новости|date=19 November 2014|access-date=23 December 2014}}
=Tornado-S=
The improved Tornado-S 9K515 MLRS, which delivers up to 12 missiles of 300mm diameter, was upgraded with the special GLONASS satellite navigation system used in the BM-30 Smerch missile system. The Tornado-S has guided rocket rounds with a range of 72 miles (120 km). The Tornado-S has a longer range and increased effectiveness, due to the use of new warhead payloads and a reduced launch readiness time of just three minutes.{{cite web |title=Tornado-S 9K515 MLRS 300mm |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_vehicles_system_artillery_uk/tornado-s_9k515_mlrs_300mm_multiple_launch_rocket_system_data_fact_sheet.html |website=www.armyrecognition.com |access-date=24 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221229125832/https://armyrecognition.com/russia_russian_army_vehicles_system_artillery_uk/tornado-s_9k515_mlrs_300mm_multiple_launch_rocket_system_data_fact_sheet.html |archive-date=2022-12-29 |language=en-gb |date=23 December 2022}}{{cite news |title=Advanced Tornado-S rocket launchers to replace Smerch systems in Russian troops by 2027 |url=https://tass.com/defense/1225005 |publisher=TASS |date=18 November 2020}}
The Tornado-S was approved for service in July–August 2016 and started its serial deliveries.{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/defense/902239|title=Russian army to get Tornado-S multiple rocket launchers in 2017|website=TASS}}{{cite web|url=http://mz.perm.ru/press-center/news/7286/|title="Мотовилихинские заводы» отправили заказчику первую партию машин из состава комплекса РСЗО "Торнадо-С" - Мотовилиха|website=mz.perm.ru}} 20 Tornado-S vehicles ordered in summer 2019.{{Cite web | url=https://www.kommersant.ru/doc/4102655 | title="Мотовилихинские заводы" загрузят залпом | date=24 September 2019 }} A new order was made in August 2020.{{Cite web | url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2020/0826/094559332/detail.shtml | title=ЦАМТО / Новости / Минобороны России и Ростех подписали на «Армии-2020» соглашения на сумму более 300 млрд. рублей }}{{Cite web | url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2020/0901/102059416/detail.shtml | title=ЦАМТО / Новости / НПО "СПЛАВ" поставит в войска изделия на сумму около 30 млрд. рублей }} More missiles ordered in August 2022 and again in August 2023.{{cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/mainnews/2022/0817/084269022/detail.shtml |title=ЦАМТО / Главное / На форуме «Армия-2022» подписаны 7 и вручены 29 госконтрактов с 26 предприятиями ОПК |publisher=Armstrade.org |date= |accessdate=2022-08-29}}{{cite web | url=https://tass.com/defense/1661363 | title=Russian Defense Ministry awards $4.15 BLN worth contracts to defense industry companies }}
Russian forces used the Tornado-S during the War in Donbas and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web|url=https://peacemaker.un.org/sites/peacemaker.un.org/files/UA_150212_MinskAgreement_en.pdf |title=Minsk agreement |website=peacemaker.un.org }}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/11408266/Minsk-agreement-on-Ukraine-crisis-text-in-full.html|title=Minsk agreement on Ukraine crisis: text in full|date=12 February 2015|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}{{cite tweet|number=1498796325202280452|user=mhrinin|title=Reposting the message from General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine about today events in Kharkiv (full text):…|date=1 March 2022}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=11 March 2022|title=Ukraine conflict: Russian forces employ guided rockets|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-conflict-russian-forces-employ-guided-rockets|access-date=|website=Janes Information Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319221356/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/ukraine-conflict-russian-forces-employ-guided-rockets|archive-date=19 March 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://tass.com/defense/1677877 | title=Tornado-S MLRS achieves 100% accuracy with advanced munitions — Defense Ministry }}
=9A52-4=
File:9A52-4 Tornado REA 2009.jpg
Janes describes the 9A52-4 Tornado as a lighter variant of the Tornado-S launcher. The 300 mm multiple rocket launcher was first unveiled in 2007 as a more strategically and tactically mobile launcher, albeit at the expense of a slight reduction in firepower.
The 9A52-4 Tornado system is based on the chassis of the KamAZ-63501 8×8 military truck, which provides good tactical mobility. It is equipped with a single container with six launcher tubes for 300-mm rockets, which can fire all current Smerch rockets, including HE-FRAG, incendiary, thermobaric, cluster with anti-personnel or anti-tank mines. Cluster rounds may also carry self-targeting anti-tank munitions.
The 800 kg standard rocket has a maximum range of 90 km. A range and direction correction system provides better accuracy compared to its predecessors. The 9A52-4 can launch rockets singularly, by a partial ripple or by a full salvo, which can cover an area of 32 hectares. A full salvo can be fired within 20 seconds. The 9A52-4 launching vehicle can be reloaded within 8 minutes.
Launcher pods are designed for use with 122 mm and 220 mm rockets. The weapons system is equipped with an automated laying and fire control system, along with an autonomous satellite navigation and positioning system. Positioning and firing data are exchanged between the launch vehicle and the command vehicle.
General characteristics
=9A52-4 Tornado=
- Chassis: Kamaz-63501
- Salvo Time: 6 rounds in 20 seconds
- Reload Time: 8 min
Rocket projectiles
Tornado-S 300 mm
A new longer range (possibly 200 km) high precision missile 9M544 for the Tornado-S system with HEAT-fragmentation munitions was tested in 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_september_2020_global_security_army_industry/russian_tornado-s_mlrs_fires_new_missile.html|title=Russian Tornado-S MLRS fires new missile | Defense News September 2020 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army 2020 | Archive News year|website=www.armyrecognition.com|date=4 September 2020 }}Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/Y5XIsLsvOs8 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20210126031200/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5XIsLsvOs8 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5XIsLsvOs8&feature=emb_title| title = Высокоточный реактивный снаряд для "Торнадо-С" показали на форуме "Армия-2020" | website=YouTube| date = 26 August 2020 }}{{cbignore}}
Operators
=Tornado-G=
=Tornado-S=
- {{flag|Russia}}: Russian Ground Forces (~50){{Cite web|url=https://armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2022/1116/111070395/detail.shtml|title=ЦАМТО / / «Мотовилиха» отправила в войска партию РСЗО «Торнадо-Г» и «Торнадо-С»|website=armstrade.org}}{{cite web | title=Гвардейское реактивное артиллерийское соединение ЦВО получило партию РСЗО " Торнадо-С " | website=«Арсенал» - Энциклопедия военной техники | url=https://topgun.rin.ru/news/99827/Gvardejskoe-reaktivnoe-artillerijskoe-soedinenie-CVO-poluchilo-partiju-RSZO-Tornado-S.html | language=ru | ref={{sfnref | «Арсенал» - Энциклопедия военной техники}} | access-date=2024-02-19}}
See also
- Katyusha, BM-13, BM-8, and BM-31 multiple rocket launchers of World War II
- BM-14 140mm multiple rocket launcher
- BM-21 Grad 122mm multiple rocket launcher
- BM-27 Uragan 220mm multiple rocket launcher
- M270, U.S. multiple rocket launcher
- Pinaka multi barrel rocket launcher Indian 122 mm / 214 mm multiple rocket launcher
- T-122 Sakarya 122 mm rocket launcher
- Fajr-5 333 mm rocket launcher
- TOROS 230–260 mm rocket launcher
- Falaq-2 Unguided rocket launcher
- HIMARS U.S. downsized derivative version of M270
- TOS-1 Buratino Heavy Flame Thrower System (multiple rocket, thermobaric weapon launcher)
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{YouTube|ZcRSW_Djq5Q|CV 9A52-4 Tornado MRLS New Russian multiple rocket launcher system Russia army Video RIA Novosti}}
- {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20081229082229/http://www.military-today.com/artillery/9a52_4.htm 9A52-4 Tornado Multiple Launch Rocket System]}}
- [https://roe.ru/catalog/sukhoputnye-vosyka/boepripasy/ Rosoboronexport Ammunition]
- [https://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2023/2/23/how-does-russias-newest-mrls-stack-up-against-himars IDEX NEWS: How Does Russia’s Newest MRLS Stack Up Against HIMARS?]
{{Soviet and Russian artillery after WW2}}
Category:Wheeled self-propelled rocket launchers
Category:Self-propelled artillery of Russia
Category:Multiple rocket launchers
Category:Motovilikha Plants products