MLRS "Cheburashka": a serious weapon with a funny name
Two MLRS "Cheburashka" after modernization, August 20, 2022
From the moment of its foundation, the Donetsk People's Republic tried to independently create and assemble the necessary weapons and military equipment. Over time, she managed to move from handicraft assembly to full-fledged industrial production and close part of her needs. One of the most interesting types of weapons created in the DPR was a multiple launch rocket system or a heavy flamethrower system with the funny name "Cheburashka".
Own projects
As it became known later, work on the topic of rocket artillery began in the DPR back in 2015. The newly founded State Innovation Company played a leading role in it. In addition, various enterprises of the republic were involved as manufacturers of certain components and assemblies.
In the next 2016, the republican industry produced several samples of new equipment, and they were immediately tested in the context of the ongoing conflict. Despite the specific origin and the lack of necessary experience from the developers, the new MLRS and missile systems have shown themselves well.
On May 9, 2018, an exhibition of weapons was held in Donetsk, within the framework of which the public was shown for the first time MLRS of their own design. The main exhibits were the Cheburashka and Snezhinka systems, as well as rockets for them. At the same time, it was reported that this technique had already participated in battles and inflicted fire damage on the enemy.
The frivolous name of the new MLRS was explained quite simply. In 2015, a Ukrainian military official accused the DPR of using a Russian heavy flamethrower called Cheburashka. He probably meant CBT "Pinocchio", but mixed up the fairy-tale characters. In the DPR, they “showed respect” - and a flamethrower system with the previously named name actually appeared at the front.
Shortly after the premiere of the new technology, on May 11, the head of the republic, Alexander Zakharchenko, issued a decree on the formation of the Tactical Rocket Forces of the DPR (RVTN). This structure included units operating Cheburashka and other new models.
D. Pushilin inspects ammunition for "Cheburashka"
Later they showed an episode of the recent combat use of the new MLRS. The short video showed the processes of loading the launcher and preparing for firing, setting up the fire control system and actually shooting. They also showed a video of drone- scout who found the target and carried out the adjustment.
As far as is known, by 2018 only a few Cheburashka MLRS were built. This technique was used in various operations and regularly hit the designated targets. These systems still remain in service and are used in the current operation. They solve fire missions together with other MLRS of the DPR and the Russian army.
On August 20, the head of the DPR, Denis Pushilin, said that two modernized MLRS / TOS had entered the troops of the republic. The vehicles will serve in the Cascade formation. The head of state expressed confidence that the new owners will use this technique in the best possible way.
MLRS in firing position, May 2018
From available components
From a technical point of view, "Cheburashka" is a typical modern multiple launch rocket system, similar to other examples of this class. At the same time, such a MLRS has several interesting features that give it a distinctive look and / or provide special combat capabilities.
It should be noted that "Cheburashka" and other new products were created in the conditions of a civil war and serious restrictions of various kinds. As a result, some of the design features were due to the choice of developers, while other features were of a forced or compromise nature. Nevertheless, the influence of negative factors was reduced to a minimum.
MLRS "Cheburashka" is built on a three-axle chassis "KrAZ-6322". Probably, captured vehicles recaptured from the Ukrainian army or taken from its bases were used. Such a platform has sufficiently high running characteristics, and a load capacity of up to 12 tons made it possible to install all the necessary devices and devices.
Loading the launcher
Two identical launchers were immediately placed on the long cargo platform of the chassis - one after the other. Each such installation is a box-shaped package of guides, probably armored, on a U-shaped slewing device. Guidance drives with remote control are provided. The installation has 32 launch tubes - 4 rows of 8 pcs. Accordingly, the full ammunition load of "Cheburashka" includes 64 missiles.
Fire control is carried out from the operator's console in a remote version. The gunner-operator can choose the guides to be used and perform sequential or simultaneous launch of missiles. Ignition is carried out by an electric impulse - as on other modern MLRS. Due to the separate aiming of the two installations, simultaneous firing at different targets is possible.
Operator console
"Cheburashka" uses its own ammunition in an unusual caliber of 217 mm. Probably, such a diameter of the guide and rocket was chosen taking into account the available raw materials and production capabilities. The solid propellant rocket has a cylindrical body with an ogive warhead. There are no planes on the body: the projectile is a turbojet and is stabilized by oblique nozzles that give it rotation. Firing range - from 1,5 to 9,6 km.
Warhead - volume-detonating. The mass of the charge and combat parameters were not specified. The presence of such combat equipment makes it possible to classify the Cheburashka MLRS as a subclass of heavy flamethrower systems - in fact, this is a close analogue of the latest Russian TOS-2 Tosochka.
Strengths
At one time, the MLRS / TOS "Cheburashka" and other developments of the DPR attracted the attention of specialists and the public. Obviously, this was facilitated by the unusual name of the combat vehicle. However, this project has other features that distinguish it from other multiple launch rocket systems.
Volley at the enemy
First of all, the Cheburashka project is interesting for its origin. In the context of a difficult war against the Kyiv regime, having very limited capabilities, the DPR was able to develop and put into production a rather complex model of weapons and ammunition for it almost from scratch. The very fact of the appearance of "Cheburashka", "Snowflakes", etc. is a cause for pride.
The technical result of the project is also very interesting. Attention is drawn to the presence of two launchers at once. Due to this, in terms of the size of the Cheburashka ammunition load, it surpasses any other modern MLRS of mass models. At the same time, the possibility of simultaneously attacking different targets was obtained, which can be useful in a number of situations.
A major achievement should be considered the original ammunition. With a non-standard caliber and limited dimensions, it carries a fairly powerful volumetric detonating warhead, which allows you to hit manpower and equipment in open areas or in unfortified buildings. The power of such a warhead compensates for the limited range in which the Cheburashka is inferior to other MLRS.
Shooting results
You can compare the MLRS / TOS of the DPR troops with a similar model - the Russian Tosochka system. So, both complexes are made on a car chassis and show high mobility. At the same time, TOS-2 has a reservation and is able to protect the calculation from shelling. Cheburashka has a great advantage in ready-to-use ammunition: 60 missiles versus 18 for Tosochka. However, Russian TOS use a larger and heavier projectile with a greater payload. The firing range of both systems is almost on the same level.
Based on operating experience
Thus, even in the most difficult conditions, the DPR was able to use its scientific, technical and production potential. On her own, she developed and brought to production several missile systems with certain features. In this case, we are talking about industrial designs with fairly high performance and special combat capabilities.
"Cheburashki" were not built in a large series and were not widely used, but even in this case they were able to make a significant contribution to the defense of the DPR. Now such equipment is involved in the liberation of Donbass and is used together with Russian MLRS and TOS. The results of the use and operating experience of such rocket artillery clearly show that the DNR's own projects from 2015-16. were necessary, important and promising. And all the efforts of that time fully justified themselves.
- Ryabov Kirill
- "Donetsk 24", Telegram / D.V. Pushilin
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