9K58 Smerch
BM-30
Overview
9A52-2 launch vehicle
Russian army 9A52-2 launch vehicle with its 12 tube launcher in raised position. Note that the two jacks are not lowered.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Russia
BM-30
Смерч / Smerch (official nickname)
Russian for "tornado"
280mm M1983 (NATO reporting name)
Description
Introduction
The 9K58 Smerch, often known as BM-30, is a multiple rocket launcher of Soviet origin. Due to its firepower and range it is one of the most powerful conventional artillery systems. It was developed in the 1980's, partly in response to the US MLRS system. The name "Smerch" is Russian for "tornado".
Layout
The Smerch launch vehicle is based on the large MAZ-543M 8x8 cross country truck chassis. This features a trainable 12 tube launcher for 300mm artillery rockets. The system is operated from the small cabin between the driver's cab and launcher. The 300mm solid fuel rockets are unguided, spin stabilized and feature wrap around folding fins at the tail end.
Firepower
The Smerch is able to launch all twelve 300mm rockets in a volley of 38 seconds. The rockets have a range of 70 km and may feature a wide variety of warheads. Longer range rockets reaching 90 km are also available. Reloading takes about 20 minutes. There is no secondary armament. The range and firepower make the Smerch one of the most powerful contemporary artillery systems.
Protection
The Smerch is an unarmored system that is vulnerable to any kind of direct and indirect fire. Its long range allows it to engage most enemy systems beyond their maximum range. After firing the system quickly relocates in order to avoid counter battery fire.
Mobility
The MAZ-543M 8x8 truck on which the Smerch is based has a good mobility, both on and off road. A 525 hp diesel engine provides propulsion and allows for road speeds of up to 65 km
Users
For a large caliber rocket artillery system the Smerch has been produced in relatively large quantities. It is in service with Russian forces and has been exported to a variety of Asian and Middle Eastern nations with good ties to Russia.
System composition
Main components
BM 9A52
The 9A52 launch vehicle is the standard and most common version of the 9K58 Smerch. The original 9A52-1 is based on the MAZ-79111 chassis and was produced in limited numbers. The 9A52-2 is the main production model that is based on the MAZ-543M chassis.
TZM 9T234
The 9T234 is a transloader based on the same chassis as the launch vehicle. It carries additional ammunition and a crane for reloading the launch vehicle. The 9T234-2 on the MAZ-543M chassis is the most common version.
9M55
The 9K58 Smerch fires the 9M55 family of 300mm artillery rockets. These have a 70 km range and a wide variety of warheads is available.
MP32M1 UKShM
The unified command and staff vehicle (UKShM) MP32M1 is a component of the 9S729M1 Slepok-1 command post system.
Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin -
© GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Support equipment
At the battery and high level the 9K58 Smerch is supported with a wide variety of support equipment. These include the 9S729M1 Slepok-1 command post system consisting of several vehicles.
The 1T12-2M topographic survey and 1B44 meteorological systems provide input for firing position and conditions.
Other support equipment includes maintenance vehicles, training systems and repair equipment.
Details
Related articles
9K57 Uragan
The 9K58 Smerch was develop to replace the 9K57 Uragan. The Smerch has a longer range and good mobility, unlike the Uragan which suffered from lack of mechanical reliability of its chassis.
PHL03
The PHL03 is the Chinese derivative of the 9K58 Smerch. It uses a different chassis, while the launcher and ammunition are practically identical to their Soviet counterpart.