MLRS "Tornado-S" use new rockets
MLRS "Tornado-S" in the zone of the Special Operation, November 2022
The development of a line of 300-mm rockets for the Smerch and Tornado-S multiple launch rocket systems continues. Previously, it was repeatedly reported on the development of new ammunition of this kind with improved characteristics of range, accuracy and power. Now it has become known that the new missiles have reached production, entered the troops and are now being used against real targets as part of the Special Operation.
Development completed
The project for the modernization of the MLRS "Smerch" under the designation 9K515 "Tornado-S" was developed in the first half of the tenth years, and then its main features became known. In particular, it was planned to develop new 300-mm missiles with increased range and accuracy, new warheads, etc. In the future, from time to time there were new messages on this topic.
In the summer of 2020, the management of the state corporation Rostec announced that its enterprises were working on two new rockets for the Tornado-S. The flight range of the products was supposed to exceed 100 km, a significant increase in accuracy was expected. In addition, it was planned to provide the possibility of firing with increased dispersion - to hit distant targets.
On November 20, 2022, the Ministry of Defense published a video about the combat work of the Tornado-S MLRS and their crews. Demonstrated approach to the position, preparation for firing and missile launches. In addition, the commander of one of the combat vehicles spoke about the capabilities of the available equipment and the specifics of its use. At the same time, the place of firing, the range to targets, etc. were not specified.
Rossiyskaya Gazeta drew attention to this video. On November 23, she wrote that in the episode shown, missiles were used on targets at a distance of 105 km. Guidance is carried out by satellite navigation. The source of data on the firing range was not indicated, but such information attracts attention.
Just the other day, on December 26, the Izvestia publication, citing an unnamed representative of the Ministry of Defense, revealed new information about missiles for the Tornado-S. According to the source, the development of a new line of such products has already been completed. The shells have been brought to serial production and are even supplied to the troops.
Due to a more advanced design and an updated composition of instruments, the accuracy of fire and the power of the warhead have increased. The ability to defeat manpower, equipment and fortifications of the enemy has been preserved and improved. At the same time, the exact tactical and technical characteristics are not named. In particular, the firing range is indicated only as "tens of kilometers."
Thus, the rocket troops and artillery continue to receive new combat vehicles and rockets for them. This has a positive effect on the overall potential of rocket artillery, and also allows you to solve more complex fire missions as part of the current Special Operation. In connection with the appearance of modern foreign models in the enemy, such fire capabilities are of great importance.
Excellence factors
MLRS 9K515 "Tornado-S" was developed in NPO "Splav" named after. A.N. Ganichev with the participation of a number of other enterprises. The aim of the project was a deep modernization of the serial 9K58 Smerch system with an increase in all the main performance characteristics. Such an update was to be carried out by replacing existing components with a minimum alteration of the base system - to simplify the modernization of combat products.
In the middle of the decade, the Tornado-S experimental products were tested and confirmed the calculated characteristics. In 2017, the production and supply of such equipment to the troops began. To date, a significant part of the existing Tornadoes has undergone modernization according to the new project. In addition, the development of new ammunition with improved performance and enhanced capabilities continues.
During the modernization, the combat vehicle received new navigation aids. When moving and for topographic location, it uses the GLONASS system and a gyrocompass. The presence of such devices allows the vehicle to independently enter the position, prepare for firing and attack targets - the direct participation of the battery command post is no longer required.
Also fire control facilities have undergone a radical redesign. The Tornado-S uses a new guidance and fire control system (ASUNO) with a number of important innovations. It has new capabilities for data exchange and target designation, as well as faster and more efficient calculation of aiming angles and other parameters. In addition, devices for entering data into the homing heads of missiles have been introduced.
The new ASUNO is compatible with all existing and developed 300-mm rockets. When using old types of ammunition, it remains possible to fire single missiles or volleys at area targets at distances up to 70 km. It ensures the defeat of targets of various types - due to a wide selection of combat units.
According to recent reports, new types of missiles with improved performance have reached operation. They retain the same weight and overall dimensions, but all the main components are being replaced. So, a new head part with external aerodynamic rudders has been developed. It accommodates a guidance system based on satellite and inertial navigation. Control is carried out for the entire duration of the flight, which makes it possible to obtain a minimum CEP. Due to the new solid-propellant engine, the launch range has been increased to 100-120 km. Several combat units are proposed to hit different targets.
Potential in practice
According to the latest reports, the new long-range guided missiles for the Tornado-S MLRS have already gone into series, hit the troops and are now being used during the Special Operation. The positive consequences of such weapons obvious. At the same time, we are talking not only about increasing the overall effectiveness of fire, but also about solving specific problems.
The modernized self-propelled launcher is capable of operating independently and without the direct participation of the command post. This simplifies and speeds up the entry into the firing position, deployment, preparation and firing. In addition, risks are reduced at the stage of curtailment and withdrawal from the position.
Using old types of rockets, "Tornado-S" can attack area targets at ranges from 20 to 70 km. The new generation of missiles allows to increase the maximum range up to 120 km. In this case, it becomes possible to attack targets at a greater depth of enemy defense or from safer remote positions. It also provides increased firing accuracy, due to which the MLRS is able to hit even small targets, incl. several different ones in one gulp.
"Tornado-S" with long-range missiles is of particular importance in the context of the current Special Operation. Foreign countries handed over to Ukrainian formations a variety of rocket and artillery systems, incl. with high enough performance. In particular, the advertised M777 howitzers, depending on the type of projectile, have a firing range of up to 25-30 km, and the M142 MLRS uses an adjustable GMLRS projectile with a range of 92 km.
Such weapons are used to attack civilian objects and terrorize the population - and require appropriate measures. A successful response to such threats could be Tornado-S. Regardless of the type of projectile used, in terms of firing range it surpasses any enemy barrel systems. The presence of different combat units simplifies the defeat of such targets.
Models of various 300-mm projectiles for the "Tornado-S" system
It is easy to see that with the new Tornado-S rocket it has advantages in range and over the HIMARS product. To a certain extent, this will simplify the defeat of the enemy's MLRS in parking lots, in firing positions, during reloading, etc.
It should be recalled that in such combat work, not only the tactical and technical characteristics of the MLRS itself are important, but also the availability of related means and systems. Reconnaissance means are needed to identify threats and enemy positions, as well as communication and control loops for the timely transmission of target designation to combat vehicles. Our artillery has all the necessary means and regularly demonstrates their impact on combat use - with a well-known devastating result for the enemy.
Components and systems
Thus, the rocket artillery of the Russian army continues to develop and gain new opportunities. Over the past few years, the production of the MLRS of the Tornado family has continued, and now new ammunition for it is being put into service. All these developments are already being used in real operation and demonstrate their capabilities.
At the same time, the development of the armed forces depends not only on combat vehicles and their ammunition. To realize their full potential, modern means of intelligence, control and communications are required. These areas also receive the necessary attention and develop in the required way. As a result, missile troops and artillery maintain and improve their capabilities in accordance with current requirements.
Information