Valkiri
{{Short description|South African multiple rocket launcher}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name= Valkiri
|image=File:Фотографія Valkiri.jpg
|image_size=300
|caption=
|origin= South Africa
|type= Multiple rocket launcher
|is_ranged=yes
|is_explosive=yes
|is_vehicle=yes
|used_by=South African National Defence Force
|wars= South African Border War
Angolan Civil War
|design_date=
|manufacturer=
|unit_cost=
|production_date=
|number=
|variants= Bateleur (40 launch tubes)
|spec_label=
|weight= 6,400 kg (14,080 lbs)
|length= {{convert|5.35|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|part_length=
|width={{convert|2.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|height={{convert|2.32|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|diameter=
|crew=2
|warhead=
|caliber=127 mm (5 in)
|barrels=24
|action=
|rate=
|velocity=
|range= 36 km (22 mi)
|max_range=
|feed=
|sights=
|filling=HE-Fragmentation {{convert|2.68|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|filling_weight=
|detonation=
|yield=
|armour=
|primary_armament=
|secondary_armament=
|engine=diesel
|engine_power=
|transmission=
|payload_capacity=
|fuel_capacity=
|pw_ratio=
|suspension=Mercedes Benz Unimog 4×4 truck
|clearance=
|vehicle_range={{convert|400|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|speed={{convert|90|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} (road)
|guidance=
}}
The Valkiri is a South African self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. It is a 127mm system with a wheeled launcher vehicle, and fire control equipment developed by Armscor.
{{cite web
| url = http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/valkiri.htm
| title = Valkiri Multiple Artillery Rocket
| access-date = 2006-10-25
}} Contemporary models consist of a single launch module with five eight-cell rocket pods on a Unimog or SAMIL-100 carrier. Its mission is to engage in counter-battery strikes against hostile artillery and air defences as far as 36 km (22 mi) away. Other potential warheads include cluster and an anti-tank mine dispenser.{{Cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/artillery/bateleur.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120063154if_/http://www.military-today.com/artillery/bateleur.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=20 January 2008|title=Bateleur - Multiple launch rocket system|last=ARG|access-date=2017-09-01}}
Background
In history, there are many examples of the use of these types of vehicles. In the second world war, its use by Soviet Union became famous: Katyusha rocket launcher or "Stalin's organ".
The system is inspired by the Soviet BM-21 Grad, which was deployed against South African expeditionary forces in Angola during Operation Savannah. Development was completed in 1971.Monick, S. The Forging of a Strike Force (Part I): Central themes in the history of the South African Army 1980-1990. Scientia Militaria, 1993, Volume 23 Issue 3 p. 364-377. Valkiris played a key role in Operation Alpha Centauri and Operation Moduler during the late 1980s.
South Africa developed its arms industry in the follow-up of the international sanctions against apartheid, which foreclosed its access to the international arms market. The UN voted for voluntary sanctions by 1963 and made these compulsory by 1977.
Variants
- Valkiri-22 Mk 1 (original version): 24 launch tubes mounted on a Unimog light 4x4 truck.
{{anchor |Bateleur|File:Bateleur Multiple Rocket Launcher|Bateleur 40 tube Multiple Rocket Launcher}}
- {{vanchor |Valkiri-5}} a shortened lighter trailer-mounted version for airborne use. It has 12 launch tubes and uses a shortened version of the 127 mm rocket that has a maximum range of 5500 metres.{{cite book|last=Heitman|first=Helmoed-Römer|title=South African Armed Forces|year=1990|publisher=Buffalo Publications|location=Cape Town, South Africa|isbn=9780620148788|page=123}}
Operators
- {{ZAF}} - South African National Defence Force: 76 in reserve.{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13253:zoiks&catid=79:fact-files&Itemid=159|title=Denel FV2 Bateleur Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)|author=Leon Engelbrecht|date=27 January 2011 |access-date=5 November 2014}}
References
External links
{{Commons category|Valkiri MLRS}}
- [http://www.armyrecognition.com/Afrique/Afrique_du_Sud/vehicule_artillerie/Valkiri/Valkiri_Afrique_du_Sud_description.htm Army Recognition.com]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20091027144023/http://www.geocities.com/sa_bushwar9/ Photos] at decade SA Bush War—halfway down the page
{{South African AFV}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
Category:Wheeled self-propelled rocket launchers
Category:Cold War artillery of South Africa