BM-21

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BM-21 "Grad"
BM-21 battery
Type Multiple rocket launcher
Place of origin Flag of the Soviet Union Soviet Union
Service history
In service 1964-present
Used by Former Warsaw Pact
Production history
Produced 1963-present
Specifications (9K51)
Weight 13.71 tonnes
Length 7.35 m
Barrel length 3000 mm
Width 2.40 m
Height 3.09 m
Crew 4
Caliber 122.4 mm
Barrels 40
Rate of fire 2 rounds/s
Muzzle velocity 690 m/s
Maximum range 20,400 m
Sights PG-1M panoramic telescope
Engine V-8 gasoline ZiL-375
180 hp (130 kW)
Suspension 6x6 wheeled
Operational
range		 405 km
Speed 75 km/h

The BM-21 "Grad" (БМ-21 "Град") is a launch vehicle of the Soviet 122 mm multiple-launch rocket system developed in the early 1960s. BM stands for 'combat vehicle' (Russian: Boyevaya Mashina); grad means 'hail'. In the West, the system was initially known as M1964.

Used by over 50 countries, Grad is the world’s most widely used rocket artillery system.[citation needed] Its success in combat has led other countries to copy it or to develop similar systems.

Contents

[edit] Description

The BM-21 122 mm multiple rocket launcher (MRL) system entered service with the Soviet Army in 1963 to replace the aging 140 mm BM-14 system. It consists of a Ural-375D six-by-six truck chassis fitted with a bank of 40 launch tubes arranged in a rectangular shape that can be turned away from the unprotected cab. The vehicle is powered by a water-cooled V-8 180 hp gasoline engine, has a maximum road speed of 75 km/h, road range of up to 750 kilometers, and can cross fords up to 1.5 m deep. The original vehicle together with supporting equipment (including the re-supply truck 9T254 with 60 rockets) is referred to by the GRAU index 9K51; the launcher itself has the industrial index of 2B5. In 1976, the BM-21 was mounted on the newer Ural-4320 six-by-six army truck.

The crew of five men can emplace the system and have it ready to fire in three minutes. The crew can fire the rockets from the cab or from a trigger at the end of a 64-meter cable. All 40 rockets can be away in as little as 20 seconds, but can also be fired individually or in small groups in several-second intervals. A PG-1M panoramic telescope with K-1 collimator can be used for sighting. The BM-21 can be packed up and ready to move in two minutes, which can be necessary when engaged by counter-battery fire. Reloading is done manually and takes about 10 minutes.

Each 2.87-meter rocket is slowly spun by rifling in its tube as it exits, which along with its primary fin stabilization keeps it on course. Rockets armed with high explosive/fragmentation, incendiary, or chemical warheads can be fired 20 kilometers. Newer high explosive and cargo (used to deliver anti-personnel or antitank mines) rockets have a range of 30 kilometers. Warheads weigh around 20 kilograms, depending on the type.

The relative accuracy of this system and the number of rockets each vehicle is able to quickly bring to bear on an enemy target make it effective, especially at shorter ranges. One battalion of eighteen launchers is able to deliver 720 rockets in a single volley. However, the system cannot be used in situations that call for pinpoint precision.

[edit] Variants

[edit] Russian Federation

BM-21-1, current Russian version of "Grad", mounted on the Ural-4320 military truck.
BM-21-1, current Russian version of "Grad", mounted on the Ural-4320 military truck.
  • BM-21 "Grad": Original 40-round launcher, mounted on a Ural-375D truck.
    • BM-21-1: Some systems use the Ural-43201 5t truck chassis with KamAZ-740 diesel engine of 210 hp.
    • 2B17 or also BM-21-1: This upgrade was presented for the first time in 2003 and was developed by OAO „Motovikhilinskiye“ from Perm. The system is fitted with a satellite navigation system NAP SNS, automated fire control system ASUNO, APP laying system and can fire a new generation of rockets with a range of 40 km. The truck is the Ural-43201.
  • 9P138 "Grad-1": lighter 36-round version, mounted on a six-by-six ZIL-131 chassis. The vehicle with supporting equipment (rockets, transporter 9T450 and re-supply truck 9F380) is referred to as complex 9K55. The 9P138 can only use "short-range" rockets with a range of 15 km. He used to be known in the West as BM-21b or M1976.
  • BM-21V "Grad-V" (Vozdushnodesantiy - 'airborne') (NATO designation M1975): Developed for airborne troops in 1969. A GAZ-66B four-by-four truck chassis is fitted with a 12-round 122 mm rocket launcher. The vehicle is sturdy enough to be air-dropped. Parts of the vehicle such as the canvas cab roof can be taken off or folded down to reduce its size during transit. Like the BM-21, the BM-21V has stabilizing jacks on the rear of the vehicle for support when firing. The launch vehicle has the industrial inex of 9P125.
  • 9А51 "Prima": 50-round launcher on a Ural-4320 5t chassis. The vehicle together with fire control equipment, the ammunition transporter TZM 9T232M and the new rocket 9M53F is referred to as complex 9K59. Apparently only a small number was produced.
  • 9K132 "Grad-P": Single-round man-portable launcher, which can be reloaded and used again. The rocket itself is a 122mm fin-stabilized rocket, armed with any of the warheads used on BM-21 rockets. The weapon is not often used by the Russian military, but is popular with paramilitary and guerrilla forces.
  • BM-21PD "Damba" (Protivodiversionnyi): 40-round launcher mounted on Ural-375D or 43201 truck. Developed for protection of naval bases against underwater infiltrations, uses special ammunition PRS-60 (Protivodiversionnyi Reaktivnyi Snaryad). The vehicle together with ammunition transporter is referred to as complex DP-62 "Damba".
  • A-215 "Grad-M" - 22-round naval version, entered service in 1978.

Adaptations of the launcher were/are produced by several countries including China, Czechoslovakia, Egypt, Iran, North Korea, Poland and Romania.

[edit] Belarus

  • BM-21A "BelGrad": This is a modernized version, based on a MAZ-631705 6x6 truck with 425hp diesel engine TMZ-8424. Between the cab and the launcher there is another pack of 40 rockets. The system was evaluated from 1997 and entered service a couple of years later.

[edit] Ukraine

  • BM-21M "Grad-U": Ukraine also has switched the original Ural-375 truck with gasoline engine for a new truck with diesel engine, the KrAZ-6322-121. Some vehicles have a longer chassis with 40 additional rockets.

[edit] People's Republic of China

  • Type 81 SPRL: The People's Republic of China produces the Type 81, which was copied from Russian BM-21s captured in the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War. After reverse engineering, it entered service with the PLA in 1982 where it is nowadays known as PHZ81. Because it is a direct copy, the Type 81 is extremely similar to its Russian predecessor. Its 40 tubes are mounted on a Yan'an SX2150 six-by-six truck, which unlike the original Russian version, has a cab protected by blast shields.
  • Type 83 SPRL: This is a 24-round version, based on a Dong Feng truck. The launch tubes are arranged in three rows of 8. The launch vehicle has a total combat weight of 8,700 kg and can also be used as part of the mine-laying rocket system Type 84. Currently new rockets with ranges between 30 and 40 km are being developed.
  • Type 89 TSPRL: This is basically the 40-round launcher of the BM-21 or Type 81 mounted on a tracked chassis with 520hp diesel engine. The same chassis is also used for the Type 83 152mm self-popelled howitzer (PLZ83), the Type 89 120mm tank destroyer (PTZ89) and several other specialised vehicles. The vehicle has a combat weight of 29.9 tons and carries 40 spare rockets. Its current PLA designator is PHZ89.
  • Type 90 SPRL: The NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) Type 90 40-round multiple rocket system is an indigenously designed and built system equipped with an automatic operating and laying system, an electric firing system and an automatically reloadable pack of 40 rockets. It is very similar to the M-77 Oganj but of 122mm calibre. The chassis used is the Tiema SC2030 6x6 truck. A Type 90 MRL battalion consists of three batteries, each with 6 self-propelled rocket launchers, 6 ammunition re-supply trucks Tiema XC2200 with 80 rockets and a battery command post on a DongFeng EQ-245 6x6 truck.
    • Type 90A: Modernised version, based on a Tiema XC2200 6x6 truck chassis and fitted with a modern fire control system with GPS. The command post vehicle can lay and control a number of Type 90A systems by remote control for maximum firepower.
    • Type 90B: Latest, digitalised version. The rocket launch vehicle is based on a Beifang Benchi 2629 series 6x6 truck (Mercedes-Benz copy) and has a longer cabin. Each set now also has three forward observer vehicles, based on the armoured WZ551.

[edit] former Czechoslovakia

RM-70/85, a Czechoslovakian variant of the Grad.
RM-70/85, a Czechoslovakian variant of the Grad.
  • RM-70 (raketomet vzor 1970): In 1972 the Czechoslovakian army introduced its own version of the BM-21, designated the RM-70. It consists of a bank of 40 launch tubes arranged in 4 rows of 10 mounted on an eight-by-eight 10 ton modified Tatra 813 truck. Unlike the BM-21, the RM-70 has an armored cab and enough room behind it to allow for the storage of another 40 rockets.
    • RM-70/85: Modification of RM-70 on unarmored Tatra 815 truck.

[edit] Poland

WR-40 Langusta, a Polish version of the BM-21.
WR-40 Langusta, a Polish version of the BM-21.
  • WR-40 "Langusta" (eng. European spiny lobster) (wyrzutnia rakietowa): This is a modern Polish version with a new fire control system (with ballistic computer BFC201 and navigation system Sigma 30) and a modified launcher based on the Jelcz P662D.35G-27 6x6 truck (produced by Jelcz-Komponenty). The first vehicle entered service in March 20, 2007. Probably about half of all 227 Polish BM-21 launchers will be converted into WR-40 launchers. New, modern types of munition were also developed for the launcher: the range is approximately 42 km for fragmentation-HE rockets "Fenix" and 32 km for cargo rockets. The Jelcz P662.D.35 truck with lightly armoured cab is also believed to be the base of a Polish MLRS complex, which will possibly be developed in the future.

[edit] Egypt

The Egyptians domestically manufacture the rockets "Sakr-36" and "Sakr-18" with a respective range of 36 and 18 km. Rather than a standard HE-Frag round, the Egyptian military prefers a 23 kilogram cluster munition, which can be extremely effective against lightly armored equipment and troop concentrations. Both rockets, as well as the original Soviet models of course, are fired by locally manufactured rocket launchers like the RL-21 (copy of BM-11) and RC-21 (copy of BM-21, similar to the Hadid HM20). The Helwan Machine Tools Company also produces portable systems with one, three, four and eight launch tubes.

[edit] North-Korea (DPRK)

  • BM-11: North Korean 30-tube version. The tubes are arranged in 2 banks of 15; all rockets can be fired in as little as 15 seconds. The basis for the BM-11 system is a Japanese manufactured Isuzu chassis.
  • MRL 122mm M1977: US DIA code for a system that appears to be a direct copy of the BM-21 "Grad".
  • MRL 122mm M1985: This is a more modern version, based on a Isuzu 6x6 truck and probably with a 40-rounds reload-pack mounted between the cab and the launcher

[edit] Iran

D.I.O. from Iran produces copies of the BM-11 and BM-21 systems that can fire the original Soviet rockets as well as the locally developed "Arash" with a range of 20.5 km. There is also a rocket with a range of 26 km.

  • HM20 - This is the Iranian version of the BM-21, mounted on a Mercedes-Benz 2624 6x6 truck. The launch pack however consists of 2 packs of 20 tubes. Reportedly there is also a version with an automatic reload-system.
  • HM23 - Lighter 16-round version with two packs of 8 launch tubes.
  • HMxx - Iranian version of the 30-round BM-11, based on a Mercedes-Benz LA 911B 4x4 truck. Some vehicles are equipped with a light hydraulic crane.

[edit] Pakistan

  • KRL 122 - Dr Khan Research Laboratories from Pakistan have developed a rocket launcher that is very similar to the North-Korean BM-11. The KRL 122 was originally based on an Isuzu truck but later models use the Reo M35 truck. Some sources mention the designator Gadab or Azar. Except for the original Soviet rockets, the "Yarmuk" developed by POF can be launched.

[edit] Romania

APRA-40, a Romanian variant of the Grad, and a 6-rocket launcher.
APRA-40, a Romanian variant of the Grad, and a 6-rocket launcher.
  • APR-21 (aruncator de proiectile reactive - rocket launcher): Romanian 21-round launcher (3 rows of 7) mounted on a Bucegi SR-114 four-by-four chassis. No longer used by the Romanian Army but some vehicles have been exported to Nigeria. Morocco has the launch pack mounted on a Kaiser M35 truck.
  • APR-40: Initially this designator was used for the original BM-21 "Grad" in Romanian service, but Aerostar SA has developed an improved model, based on a DAC-665T six-by-six truck. A slightly improved model, called APRA-40 or 40 APRA 122 FMC is based on the DAC 15.215 DFAEG truck. Each launcher is normally accompanied by a re-supply truck MITC with a 6t crane and a trailer RM13. The system is also used by Botswana, Bosnia, Cameroon, Croatia, Iran, Iraq, Liberia and Nigeria.
    • LAROM or LAROM 160: This is an upgraded version that was developed in cooperation with Israel. The launch vehicle is based on the truck chassis DAC 25.360 DFAEG, fitted with two launch packs with each 20 122mm tubes or 13 160mm tubes.[1] The LAROM 160 can fire rockets like the LAR Mk.IV with a range of 45 km. The system entered service with the Romanian Land Forces in 2002.[2]

[edit] South-Africa

  • Valkiri: This is an improved South African design by Denel using 127mm rockets.
  • Bateleur: A newer, more accurate version of the Valkiri. Based on the Samil 100 military truck chassis.Also produced by Denel.

[edit] Turkey

  • T-122 "Sakarya": This is a Turkish version, locally produced by MKEK and equipped with modern computer systems. The launch vehicle is based on the German 6x6 truck MAN 26.281. Firing range is 10 to 40km (TR-122 rocket series) or 3 to 20 km (SR-122 series). The T-122 entered service in 1996.

[edit] Gaza

  • As reported by Israeli TV channels, individually launched Grad rockets were launched by Hamas from Gaza against the Israeli city of Ashkelon in early 2008. Some rockets have even landed north of the city. No specifics about the exact model used or the manufacturer were provided.

[edit] Projectiles

Origin Ammunition
type		 Minimum
range (m)		 Maximum
range (m)		 Length
(m)		 Weight
(kg)		 Warhead
weight (kg)
9M22U (M-21OF) USSR/Russia Fragmentation-HE 5,000 20,380 2.87 66.6 18.4
9M28F USSR/Russia Fragmentation-HE 1,500 15,000 2.27 56.5 21.0
9M28K USSR/Russia Anti-tank mines 13,400 3.04 57.7 22.8
9M43 USSR/Russia Smoke 20,000 2.95 66 20.2
9M217 USSR/Russia Anti-tank submunitions 30,000 3.04 70 25
9M218 USSR/Russia HEAT submunitions 30,000 3.04 70 25
9M519 USSR/Russia RF jammer 18,500 3.04 66 18.4
9M521 USSR/Russia Fragmentation-HE 40,000 2.87 66 21
9M522 USSR/Russia Fragmentation-HE 37,500 3.04 70 25
PRC-60 USSR/Russia Underwater charge (for BM-21PD) 300 5,000 2.75 75.3 20
Type 90A China Fragmentation-HE 12,700 32,700 2.75 18.3
M21-OF-FP Romania Fragmentation-HE 5,000-6,000 20,400 2.87 65.4 6.35
M21-OF-S Romania Fragmentation-HE 1,000 12,700 1.927 46.6 6.35

Also Incendiary, Chemical, Illumination, Antipersonnel mines.

[edit] Operators

Croatian BM-21
Croatian BM-21

[edit] References

  • Multiple Rocket Launchers, Romania - Jane's Armour and Artillery, 2003.
  • Russia's Arms Catalog 2004
  • EDISI KOLEKSI ANGKASA PERANG HIZBULLAH ISRAEL, Edition of September 2006
  1. ^ Galerie Foto
  2. ^ hhttp://www.brigada8art.ro/en/larom.html
  3. ^ see Military of Abkhazia article for details
  4. ^ Gaza offensive looms as violence spirals *Flag of Zimbabwe Zimbabwe - 25- Haaretz - Israel News
  5. ^ MILITARIUM - Wojsko Polskie - Uzbrojenie
  6. ^ Russian Army Equipment
  7. ^ Tajik-Army Equipment
  8. ^ Turkmen-Army Equipment

[edit] See also

  • Katyusha, BM-13, BM-8, and BM-31 multiple rocket launchers of World War II
  • BM-14 140mm multiple rocket launcher
  • BM-27 Uragan 220mm multiple rocket launcher
  • BM-30 Smerch 300 mm multiple rocket launcher

[edit] External links

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