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. 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 It is expected to be superseded by the 9A52-4 Smerch-S.
| BM-30 Smerch | |
|---|---|
| Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin |  Soviet Union |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1989-present |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1980s |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 43.7 t |
| Length | 12 m (39 ft 4 in) |
| Width | 3.05 m (10 ft) |
| Height | 3.05 m (10 ft) |
| Crew | 3 |
| | |
| Caliber | 300 mm (12 in) |
| Barrels | 12 |
| Maximum range | 90 km (56 mi) |
| | |
| Main armament | 9M55 or 9M528 rockets |
| Engine | V-12 diesel D12A-525A 525 hp (391 kW) |
| Suspension | 8×8 wheeled |
| Operational range | 850 km (530 mi) |
| Speed | 60 km/h (37 mph) |
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.
