The BM-30 Smerch (Tornado) or 9A52 is a Soviet heavy multiple rocket launcher. The system is designed to defeat personnel, armored, and soft-skinned targets in concentration areas, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots. It was created in the early 1980s and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989.^[1] When first observed by the West in 1983, it received the code MRL 280mm M1983. It is expected to be superseded by the 9A52-4 Tornado.

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Components

The main components of the RSZO 9K58 "Smerch" system are the following:

• Rockets 9M55 or 9M528 (in containers);
• BM 9A52-2 launch vehicle;
• TZM 9T234-2 transloader with a 850 kg crane and 12 spare rockets;
• Automated fire control equipment in the command post 1K123 "Vivary";
• Maintenance vehicle PM-2-70 MTO-V;
• Set of arsenal equipment 9F819;
• Training facilities 9F827 and 9F840.

The 300mm rockets with a firing range of 70 and 90 km and various warheads have been developed for the Smerch MLRS.

The 9A52-2 vehicle with the automated system ensures:

• delivery of fire from an un-surveyed fire position;
• laying of the launch tube cluster with the crew staying in the cabin and without using aiming points;
• autonomous determination of an azimuth of the launch tube cluster’s longitudinal axis;
• visual representation of graphical information for the launch tube cluster laying, the route of vehicle movement and location as well as a point of destination and direction of movement on the video terminal;
• increase in MLRS survivability owing to reduced time of staying at a fire position;
• increased comfort for the laying operator, especially in adverse weather conditions and at night;
• increased independent operation owing to the navigation and survey equipment, which allows the vehicle to rapidly change fire positions and move autonomously;
• reduction of the combat crew.

[edit]General characteristics

• Chassis: MAZ-543M (9A52-1) or MAZ-79111 (9A52-2)
• Emplacement Time: 3 min
• Displacement Time: 2 min
• Launch Rate

Salvo Time: 12 rounds in 38 seconds

• Reload Time: 20 min