MBRL
Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher
Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army. The system has a maximum range of 39–40 km and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds, neutralizing a target area of 3.9 km2. The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility.
Pinaka is a complete MBRL system, each Pinaka battery consists of: six launcher vehicles, each with 12 rockets; six loader-cum-replenishment vehicles; three replenishment vehicles; two Command Post vehicle (one stand by) with a Fire Control computer, and the DIGICORA MET radar. A battery of six launchers can neutralize an area of 1000 m x 800 m.
The Army generally deploys a battery that has a total of 72 rockets. All the 72 rockets can be fired in 44 seconds, taking out an area of 1 km2. Each launcher can fire in a different direction too. The system has the flexibility to fire all the rockets in one go or only a few.
This is made possible with a fire control computer. There is a command post linking together all the six launchers in a battery. Each launcher has an individual computer, which enables it to function autonomously in case it gets separated from the other five vehicles in a war.
K.J. Daniel, Project Director, Pinaka, calls it "a system" and explains how massive each system is. A Pinaka battery has six launchers, six loader vehicles, six replenishment vehicles, two vehicles for ferrying the command post and a vehicle for carrying the meteorological radar, which will provide data on winds.
Salient features
Use of state-of-the-art technologies for improved combat performance
Total operational time optimised for shoot & scoot capability
Cabin pressurisation for crew protection in addition to blast shields
Microprocessor-based fully automatic positioning and fire control console
Night vision devices for driver and crew
Neutralisation/destruction of the exposed troop concentrations, 'B' vehicles and other such soft targets
Neutralisation of enemy guns/rocket locations
Laying of antipersonnel and antitank mines at a short notice.
BM-30 Smerch
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.
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.