Astros II MLRS

Astros II MLRS
Country	Brazil
Role	Rocket artillery
In service	Since 1983
Built	Unknow

ASTROS II (Artillery Saturation Rocket System) is a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher produced in Brazil by the Avibras company. It features modular design and employs rockets with calibers ranging from 127 mm to 450 mm ( 5-17.72 inches). It was developed on the basis of a Tectran VBT-2028 6×6 all-terrain vehicle for enhanced mobility.

Source: Sherpa Light on Wikipedia

ASTROS (LMU) Walk Around
Photographer	Gino Marcomini
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	56

ASTROS – LMU 1

ASTROS – LMU 2

ASTROS – LMU 3

ASTROS – LMU 4

ASTROS – LMU 5

ASTROS – LMU 6

ASTROS – LMU 7

ASTROS – LMU 8

ASTROS – LMU 9

Click on a photo and use the mouse scroll to view all photos

Wait, Searching Sherpa Light for you…

General Characteristics

The Avibras ASTROS II is a Brazilian-made, self-propelled Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) designed for battlefield saturation and long-range fire support. Its most significant feature is its modular design, allowing the launch vehicle (AV-LMU) to quickly swap specialized launch pods for a wide range of rocket calibers—from 70 mm training rockets up to 450 mm tactical cruise missiles. ASTROS II has been extensively battle-proven, notably by Iraq and Saudi Arabia during the Gulf Wars. Modern variants, such as the ASTROS 2020 (Mk6), incorporate enhanced armor, digital systems, and GPS-guided munitions. The system is highly mobile, with all components mounted on high-mobility wheeled chassis.

Property	Typical Value (ASTROS II Mk3/Mk6)
Role	Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), Battlefield Saturation
National Origin	Brazil
Manufacturer	Avibras Aeroespacial S/A
Service Entry	1983–present
Crew	3 (Commander, Driver, Gunner/Operator)
Mass (Combat)	10,000 kg (Mk3) up to 27,000 kg (Mk6)
Length	Approx. 7 m (23 ft)
Chassis Base	Tectran VBT-2028 6×6 or Tatra 815-7 6×6 (Mk6)
Armor	Armored cab protection against small arms fire and shell fragments.

Powerplant and Mobility

Engine: Mercedes OM422 8-cylinder diesel (earlier versions) or modern diesel (Mk6).
Power Output: 209 kW (280 hp).
Suspension: 6×6 wheeled chassis, providing high off-road mobility.
Maximum Speed (Road): 90 km/h (56 mph).
Operational Range: Approx. 480 km (300 mi).
Stabilization: Equipped with four hydraulic jacks to stabilize the vehicle during rocket launch.

🔥 Armament and Calibers

Main Armament: Universal Multiple Launcher Module (AV-LMU) that accepts interchangeable rocket pods.
Secondary Armament: 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning heavy machine gun for self-defense.
Key Rocket Calibers (SS series) and Payloads:
- SS-30: 127 mm caliber. Max Range: 30 km. Load: 32 rockets per launcher.
- SS-40/SS-40G (Guided): 180 mm caliber. Max Range: 40 km. Load: 16 rockets per launcher.
- SS-60/SS-80: 300 mm caliber. Max Range: Up to 90 km. Load: 4 rockets per launcher.
- SS-150: 450 mm caliber. Max Range: 150 km. Load: 4 rockets per launcher.
Tactical Missile:
- AV-TM 300 (Tactical Cruise Missile): 450 mm caliber. Max Range: 300 km. Load: 2 missiles per launcher. Features GPS/INS guidance for high accuracy.
Warhead Types: High Explosive (HE), fragmentation, anti-tank/anti-personnel cluster munitions (bomblets), and specialized warheads for anti-ship and runway denial missions.