BM-30 Smerch

BM-30 Smerch
Country	Australia
Role	Multiple rocket launcher
In service	1989 – present
Built	Unknow

The BM-30 Smerch (Russian: Смерч, “tornado”, “whirlwind”), 9K58 Smerch or 9A52-2 Smerch-M is a Soviet heavy multiple rocket launcher. The system is intended to defeat personnel, armored, and soft targets in concentration areas, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots. It was designed in the early 1980s and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989. When first observed by the West in 1983, it received the code MRL 280mm M1983. It is being superseded by the 9A52-4 Tornado since 2018.

Source: BM-30 Smerch on Wikipedia

9K58 Smerch Walk Around
Photographer	Yuri Pasholok
Localisation	MVSV-2008, Moscow
Photos	296

9K58 Smerch 1

9K58 Smerch 2

9K58 Smerch 3

9K58 Smerch 4

9K58 Smerch 6

9K58 Smerch 5

9K58 Smerch 8

9K58 Smerch 7

9K58 Smerch 10

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

Wait, Searching BM-30 Smerch for you…

General Characteristics and Role

The 9K58 Smerch (Russian for Tornado) is a heavy Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) of Soviet and later Russian design. It is one of the most powerful and effective artillery rocket systems in the world, developed to saturate large target areas with fragmentation, anti-armor, or fuel-air explosive submunitions. The entire system is mounted on a heavy-duty, 8×8 MAZ-79111 or MAZ-543M military truck chassis, which provides high mobility and tactical speed. Its primary role is to defeat enemy command posts, communications centers, air defense assets, and troop concentrations at distances far exceeding that of conventional tube artillery. The launcher unit is designated BM-30.

Property	Typical Value (9A52 Launcher on MAZ-543M)
Role	Heavy Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
National Origin	Soviet Union / Russia
Manufacturer	Splav State Research and Production Association
Service Entry	1989
Crew	3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)
Combat Weight	43,700 kg (96,340 lb)
Length	12.1 m (39 ft 8 in)
Width	3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
Height (Traveling)	3.05 m (10 ft 0 in)
Drivetrain	8×8 All-Wheel Drive

Rocket System and Performance

Rocket Caliber: 300 mm.
Launch Tubes: 12 tubes (2 rows of 6).
Rate of Fire: Full salvo (12 rockets) can be fired in 38 seconds.
Range: Minimum: 20 km (12 mi); Maximum: 70–90 km (43–56 mi) depending on rocket variant.
Salvo Area: A single salvo of 12 rockets can saturate an area of up to 67 hectares (165 acres).
Unique Feature: The 9K58 utilizes rockets with a simple inertial guidance system which uses gas jets for trajectory correction, making the Smerch far more accurate than older MLRS systems like the Grad.

Ammunition and Reloading

Rocket Types: High explosive fragmentation, thermobaric (fuel-air explosive), anti-tank mines, and cluster munitions containing anti-tank or anti-personnel submunitions.
Reloading: Rockets are reloaded by the associated 9T234-2 Transloader vehicle, which carries another 12 rockets and uses an onboard crane to quickly transfer them to the launcher.
Reload Time: A full reload typically takes about 20 minutes.
Operational Cycle: The high level of automation and computer control allows the crew to prepare for firing and depart the launch site rapidly, minimizing exposure to counter-battery fire.