BM-21A / B "BelGrad" - Belarusian version of the modernization of the Soviet MLRS

BM-21A "BelGrad" in the stowed position

Multiple launch rocket systems BM-21 "Grad" of the Soviet design and production are in service with many foreign countries. Some of them are trying to refine such a technique in accordance with their requirements and views. So, in the interests of the Belarusian army, two projects for the modernization of the Grad were developed under the designation BM-21A / B or BelGrad.

In response to obsolescence

With the collapse of the USSR, the independent Republic of Belarus got a fairly large fleet of military equipment. In particular, it included about 300 combat vehicles of the Grad multiple launch rocket system. They were credited to the balance of the newly created Belarusian army and continued to operate in the normal mode.

However, already in the mid-nineties, it became necessary to modernize or replace such equipment. The existing "Grads" were not distinguished by their small age and had already managed to develop a significant part of the resource; first of all, this concerned the chassis of the Ural brand. In this regard, it was decided to develop a BM-21 modernization project with the replacement of the base vehicle. In addition, fire control systems, communications, etc. should have been updated.

The modernization project received the designation BM-21A and the name "BelGrad", indicating the original sample and the country in which its updated version was developed. The work started in 1997 and was carried out by several organizations. With the development of such a project managed to cope in just a few months.

Preparing for shooting. Visible modified gunner's workplace and jacks

The overall coordination of work on the project was carried out by the Scientific and Technical Committee of the Ministry of Defense, individual units were created by the Military Academy of the Republic of Belarus and other organizations. The chassis was provided by the Minsk Automobile Plant. The 2655th plant for the repair of electronic weapons (Borisov) was attracted as a manufacturer.

The prototype was ready and went for testing at the end of December 1997. Various checks, test firing and fine-tuning of the design continued over the next few years. Probably, both the certain complexity of the project and the introduction of new functions and capabilities affected.

The work was generally completed in 2001. In August-September of the same year, the upgraded MLRS took part for the first time in the exercises of the Belarusian army "Neman-2001". Shortly thereafter, the BM-21A was officially put into service, and the 2655th plant began deliveries of serial equipment.

According to known data, in the following years, the Belarusian industry rebuilt a significant part of the existing Grads according to a new project. At the same time, for one reason or another, the total number of MLRS had to be reduced, sending part of the equipment for storage. According to known data, up to 125-130 units are currently in active operation. BM-21 of all versions.

Replacement and rebuilding

The main objective of the BelGrad project was to replace the standard chassis with an affordable model. Based on the results of the analysis of the available opportunities, it was decided to use a three-axle vehicle MAZ-631705 of Belarusian production. The characteristics of such a chassis made it possible not only to transfer the artillery unit, but also to introduce some additional features.

MAZ-6317 is a three-axle all-wheel drive off-road truck. The machine is built according to the cabover scheme and has a cab above the engine. In modification "05", the chassis was equipped with a YaMZ-238DE2 diesel engine with an HP 330 power. The engine is mated to a 9-speed manual gearbox. Gross weight - more than 25 tons, carrying capacity - 11 tons.

The chassis has a cargo platform 6,25 m long. A full-time artillery unit of the Grad is mounted in its stern. Hydraulic jacks are also installed to stabilize the chassis when firing. The free space between the cockpit and the launcher was given over to racks for additional ammunition. Part of the combat vehicles received 9F37 racks for 40 missiles, others - 9F37M products for 60 cells. The racks were borrowed from standard transport-loading vehicles from the Grad system.

The missile launcher has been slightly modified. She kept 40 tubular rails in a single package. At the same time, due to the greater height of the chassis, a bracket with a platform for the gunner was installed on it. In the guidance mechanisms, new limiters for angles and speeds appeared. Copiers and stops also appeared, protecting the cab from being hit by guides.

Battery "BelGradov" is firing

A modern radio station appeared on board the BM-21A. The fire control facilities and the electrical system of the artillery unit were modified taking into account the requirements and characteristics of the chassis. The fire control panel can be used in the cockpit or removed to fire from a safe distance.

The modernized "BelGrad" retained the previous package of guides and could use the entire range of 122-mm Soviet-designed unguided projectiles. Fire characteristics and combat capabilities remained at the level of the base MLRS BM-21. So, the maximum firing range exceeded 20 km, there were shells with high-explosive fragmentation, cluster, incendiary and other equipment.

The calculation of the BM-21A consists of five people. All operations for loading, getting into position, preparing for firing, etc. are carried out by the calculation forces using the standard means of the combat vehicle.

Modern modernization

In May 2020, the 2655th plant began to develop a new modification of the BM-21. This project was designated BM-21B or "BelGrad-2". In December of the same year, a prototype of such a MLRS first entered the range and fired. At the same time, the Belarusian Ministry of Defense for the first time spoke about the existence of such a project.

During the spring and summer of 2021, the updated BM-21B passed factory and state tests. The technique confirmed the calculated characteristics and was highly appreciated. In June of the same year, BelGrad-2 was first shown to the public at the Milex-2021 exhibition in Minsk. It is known that at that time the issue of adopting a new MLRS for service was being decided. However, exact information on this subject has not yet been received.

The new BelGrad-21 differs from the BM-2A in several systems and devices. So, the equipment of the cabin was redesigned. A reduced calculation of four people is completely located in it. A remote-controlled leveling system has also been introduced. It includes sensors and actuators that give high accuracy. There is no need to leave the cabin. Instead of a regular radio station, a full-fledged communication complex was installed with the possibility of voice communication and data transmission.

The BM-21B continues to use the old 122mm shells of all types. It was also reported on the development of new ammunition, such as 9M521MB or 9M522MB. With the same dimensions and similar weight, they carry a detachable warhead, incl. with a radio fuse. The firing range of such missiles reaches 35-40 km.

Consistent development

Thus, over the past decades, the Belarusian defense industry, on its own, has consistently carried out two modernizations of the existing Soviet-made MLRS BM-21 Grad. These projects are of particular interest from a technical point of view, and also show possible ways and means of developing old technology.

The first Belarusian project BM-21A "BelGrad" was developed in connection with the expected problems with the operation of standard chassis. Its developers found a modern replacement for the old Ural, and the chosen chassis, due to its higher performance, made it possible to increase the ammunition load. However, other innovations were also needed, such as new means of stabilization.

The modern project BM-21B "BelGrad-2" offers an update of electronic means, and also expands the ammunition load, which improves the overall combat qualities of the MLRS. In fact, this is a direct analogue of the Russian Tornado-G system, which appeared at the beginning of the last decade.

In general, the chosen ways of developing the original design look correct and useful. Two BelGrad projects made it possible to get rid of future problems, gain new opportunities and improve the main characteristics of cash MLRS. At the same time, the Belarusian industry did not have to develop new projects from scratch or create particularly complex components and tools.

According to known data, in the nineties and two thousandths, the rocket artillery of Belarus completely transferred rocket artillery from the old Grads to the new BM-21A. Now, apparently, the cash Belgrades are being upgraded to the BM-21B. Thanks to this, the ground forces improve and increase their firepower - and this development does not cost extra.

Comments

[belost79]

Fools. Didn’t they think that it was possible to declare 70% of the new equipment in the troops, and leave the Grads on the Ural-375 chassis? This is much more efficient and allows you to build luxurious palaces for the mistresses of the army leaders.

[ocean969]

Bialyst 79, do not judge people by yourself, you will look stupid.

[Kote Pan Kokhanka]

The author forgot to mention the fundamental difference between the Belgrade chassis and the BM-21 - the presence of hydraulic supports.

[james]

You are inattentive. "The chassis has a cargo platform 6,25 m long. A full-time Grad artillery unit is mounted in its stern. "Hydraulic jacks are also installed to stabilize the chassis during firing," is a quote from the article.

[Zufei]

How did outriggers fundamentally affect the dispersion of projectiles?

[Diger]

Quote: Zufei

How did outriggers fundamentally affect the dispersion of projectiles?

The accuracy of the MLRS fire is defined as the degree of alignment of the midpoint of the grouping of a volley of shells with the target.
The technical dispersion of the RS in the direction depends mainly on the spread of the angle from the deviation of the velocity vector at the end of the OUT:

If it's simple and on the knee:
- you make a shot from 2 barrels (preferably 4 barrels) while standing on a hard surface
- fires a shot from 2 barrels (preferably 4 barrels) while on a tricycle equipped with shock absorbers on all axles. If you interpret the thrown masses of the RSZ, the rate of descent, the impact of combustion products, then take not a bicycle tricycle, but a boat located on the calm water of the lake.
The result is the same (compared to a solid surface). So it is with MLRS: outriggers vs "from wheels"
well visible backlash

Quote: D16

All that extra clotting time after firing.

there is absolutely no time

An analysis of all the factors influencing the technical dispersion showed that the accuracy of fire achieved for the existing NURS, made according to the classical scheme, is characteristic and improving it is a technically unsolvable task.
To perform the BZ, the optimal circular technical dispersion of the MLRS deg type is calculated to be 49 m, which is much less than the actual one = 170 m.
"Fast clotting time" is the consumption of ammunition (by echelons), plowed (without result) collective farm fields.
+ without outriggers, do not achieve the desired elevation angle when firing

[D16]

MLRS shooting accuracy,

MAZ chassis is taller and longer. PU is located behind the rear axles. Therefore, in order to achieve acceptable accuracy, outriggers were used. The problem of accuracy at long ranges is solved by satellite guidance.

[D16]

the presence of hydraulic supports

These are crutches associated with the use of a high and long chassis. Just like the gunner's footboard. All that extra clotting time after firing.

[kind]

On the BM-21 there is a mechanism for turning off the suspension and no additional. supports. Moreover, you can change the position with the springs turned off.

[Zufei]

Tires turn off too?
I'd like to see the numbers.
Outriggers greatly increase the kinematic rigidity. The same truck cranes work with them, even with a small weight.

[ailcat]

But he doesn't turn off the tires. Which very, very limits the guidance angles of the installation along the course (and you can only shoot on board "for fun", because there is no longer any talk of any accuracy in range).
Hydro supports (even without outriggers) with leveling - make it possible to shoot more or less accurately (and on modern MLRS chassis they are the de facto standard).

[Alexey Lantukh]

However, on TV I saw the shooting of the Grad, where during the shooting the car was shaking specifically, which caught my eye. Maybe the suspension mechanism was defective. However, if additional supports were made not hydro-, but pneumatic, then they would be removed faster.

[olezhek]

So that the car does not stagger helps: 1) if there is time, several times at the place where the car is parked, turn it forward, back, take down the soil under the place where the car is standing. 2) if the sight is large, then shoot through the cockpit, and not to the side, there is less buildup. 3) the simplest and most important thing is to monitor the tire pressure - it should be the same everywhere, preferably not less than 3,2 ATM.

[d.zacharith]

Recently, by the way, the updated Hurricane was tested

[75 Sergey]

Need ammo with increased power.
Now the Grad is effective, but not effective, compared to the same Chimera.

[Volper]

In fact, they have different tasks on the battlefield.

[Timur_kz]

For this, the shells of the Chimera are different. If you want to hit the column or disrupt the enemy's offensive, you hit with a cluster rocket. If you want to break through a strong point or a warehouse, you hit with a 300 mm rocket. I see no reason to keep a zoo of chassis (hail, tornado, tornado) when you can just change the package. To 300 mm, which are essentially tactical, I would add a package of 150 mm (pieces 25-30 in a package), with a detachable warhead, or similar 220 mm (pieces 12-18 in a package).

[Vladimir Mskvchev]

modernization? ... moved from one chassis to another, and what, something changed in the power of the projectile, something changed in the accuracy of the projectile hit, what changed in the range of destruction? .... - Nothing !
Hymars, once was also the same as our GRAD (beat the squares), but it was in the 1980s. But in the United States, tank bialons were not held and feature films were not shot in space. Every penny was treasured and used for its intended purpose. Today, Hymars can be hit at certain coordinates, even on a mobile phone number, and he will fly right on target, plus or minus one meter. ... one missile - one target. But what about our GRAD, even if it is on a new chassis? His shells do not fly at the target, but over the area, and their dispersion is at a distance of 30 km. plus, minus, well, just not very decent. A volley from the third, if you're lucky, the target can and will be destroyed. Grad is an improved "Katyusha" (was developed in 1959), and after 60 years, it remains in the same technical parameters.
If there is a development on the KRASNOPOL high-precision projectile, then why is there still no high-precision projectile for GRAD? ..... after all, the principle here is the same, it was only necessary to invest in production, the development was already there. And there is only ONE answer, everything, for everything - they scored and enjoyed the game of "tanks" (tank biathlon). I would like to ask - have you played enough?

[Proctologist]

Yes, that's just it, that Hymars is not a MLRS at all! And thanks to his projectile, he does not hit the squares in one gulp, but precisely on the target. Each GMLRS missile has its own purpose. It's not so much about the launcher as about the guided precision missile. Moreover, induced not by laser illumination (go ahead and deliver that laser to the target!), But by coordinates.

Therefore, we say Hymars, but we mean GMLRS.

[TermNachTer]

Yeah, you forgot to mention that one "chimars" projectile costs as many packages of "hail". Many people cannot afford such a cost, so there is no need to talk about high efficiency.

[Bolt cutter]

one "himars" shell, worth

And how much does it cost to deliver hail packages to the line of contact? And you have to pay not only with money, but also with lives.

[Lako]

If we compare it with Hymars, then the Belarusian Polonaise and not Belgrade.

[Tim666]

Quote: D16

the presence of hydraulic supports

These are crutches associated with the use of a high and long chassis. Just like the gunner's footboard. All that extra clotting time after firing.

Don't disgrace yourself, expert, the hydraulics are almost instantaneous, removing the outriggers is like pressing a button. If you don't understand, go to a car dealership and ask them to show you how a hydraulic jack folds up.

[olezhek]

The outriggers on the combat vehicle will most likely be drowned out when folded so that they do not interfere with work.

[Tim666]

Quote: TermNachTER

Yeah, you forgot to mention that one "chimars" projectile costs as many packages of "hail". Many people cannot afford such a cost, so there is no need to talk about high efficiency.

Quote: Proctologist

Yes, that's just it, that Hymars is not a MLRS at all! And thanks to his projectile, he does not hit the squares in one gulp, but precisely on the target. Each GMLRS missile has its own purpose. It's not so much about the launcher as about the guided precision missile. Moreover, induced not by laser illumination (go ahead and deliver that laser to the target!), But by coordinates.

Therefore, we say Hymars, but we mean GMLRS.

If the German MLRS, due to the rotation of the missiles, hit three times more accurately than Katyushas, ​​then what were they not MLRS? Hymars can fire a volley of rockets, which means MLRS. Or Tornado-s or Ukrainian Alder when unguided RS bullets are MLRS, and when they are not controlled?

[solar]

If the German MLRS, due to the rotation of the missiles, hit three times more accurately than Katyushas, ​​then what were they not MLRS?

The main use of MLRS is firing in a salvo at a single target in order to increase the probability of hitting a target.
Hymars fires every projectile at its target, even if it is launched in a short amount of time.
You don’t call nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles MLRS, do you? And they also shoot in one gulp.

[svarog77]

And what about M-13-UK with the same rotation and accuracy than to count?

[Tim666]

Quote: Vladimir Mskvchev

modernization? ... moved from one chassis to another, and what, something changed in the power of the projectile, something changed in the accuracy of the projectile hit, what changed in the range of destruction? .... - Nothing !
Hymars, once was also the same as our GRAD (beat the squares), but it was in the 1980s. But in the United States, tank bialons were not held and feature films were not shot in space. Every penny was treasured and used for its intended purpose. Today, Hymars can be hit at certain coordinates, even on a mobile phone number, and he will fly right on target, plus or minus one meter. ... one missile - one target. But what about our GRAD, even if it is on a new chassis? His shells do not fly at the target, but over the area, and their dispersion is at a distance of 30 km. plus, minus, well, just not very decent. A volley from the third, if you're lucky, the target can and will be destroyed. Grad is an improved "Katyusha" (was developed in 1959), and after 60 years, it remains in the same technical parameters.
If there is a development on the KRASNOPOL high-precision projectile, then why is there still no high-precision projectile for GRAD? ..... after all, the principle here is the same, it was only necessary to invest in production, the development was already there. And there is only ONE answer, everything, for everything - they scored and enjoyed the game of "tanks" (tank biathlon). I would like to ask - have you played enough?

As for Hymars, you are wrong in the 80s, Hymars appeared after the US operation in Panama, since the MLRS MLRS could not be transported by light transport aircraft, but it turned out that there are places on earth where there are no airfields for receiving heavy transport workers. The MLRS has 12 rockets from Hymars 6, but it was originally sharpened for adjustable ammunition, although it can use the entire range of MLRS ammunition

[Ivan_91]

If desired, 12 MLRS missiles can be manually distributed over a certain area like a tornado, it's just about money.

[Tim666]

Quote: Vladimir Mskvchev

modernization? ... moved from one chassis to another, and what, something changed in the power of the projectile, something changed in the accuracy of the projectile hit, what changed in the range of destruction? .... - Nothing !
Hymars, once was also the same as our GRAD (beat the squares), but it was in the 1980s. But in the United States, tank bialons were not held and feature films were not shot in space. Every penny was treasured and used for its intended purpose. Today, Hymars can be hit at certain coordinates, even on a mobile phone number, and he will fly right on target, plus or minus one meter. ... one missile - one target. But what about our GRAD, even if it is on a new chassis? His shells do not fly at the target, but over the area, and their dispersion is at a distance of 30 km. plus, minus, well, just not very decent. A volley from the third, if you're lucky, the target can and will be destroyed. Grad is an improved "Katyusha" (was developed in 1959), and after 60 years, it remains in the same technical parameters.
If there is a development on the KRASNOPOL high-precision projectile, then why is there still no high-precision projectile for GRAD? ..... after all, the principle here is the same, it was only necessary to invest in production, the development was already there. And there is only ONE answer, everything, for everything - they scored and enjoyed the game of "tanks" (tank biathlon). I would like to ask - have you played enough?

Krasnopol actually appeared even under the USSR, this is not a new development, and compared to Excalibur it is quite backward, although now with the advent of gunner drones it can be effective, the option that somewhere in the bushes a commando will sit and illuminate the target with a laser already in 1990 looked like this yourself.

[garri-lin]

Krasnopol can work great where the escalibur will not see the target.

[Ivan_91]

In terms of? What do you mean you can't see? Excalibur is guided by GPS.

[garri-lin]

No GPS signal how will Excalibur be guided ???

[bravo77]

When I remember the words of Shoigu 18 years old that he grew up. the army is 71% armed with modern equipment and this is the first indicator in the world. then I remember his exhibitions with wooden handicrafts.

[Xnumx vis]

Quote from: bravo77

When I remember the words of Shoigu

Something sick of this comrade .. his words and deeds. He was going to build million-plus cities in Siberia ... He has already built an army .... They say that during the war you can’t scold your own ... But, damn it !!!

[Sergei N 58912062]

There have been similar upgrades before.

I believe that the MLRS needs to be upgraded by making them multi-caliber. Like MLRS Lynx.

But the most important thing is the modernization of the SLA and the NURS themselves. We need new guided 122-mm missiles with a range increased to 50 km.

[Nordsc0l]

For what ? There is a Hurricane 1M. Let it be produced, there just packages can be changed.

[Arigin]

Everything is correct, and this was mentioned here more than once, I’ll just add that instead of the three existing calibers, two should be made. Three hundred to leave and to her still a single new caliber to replace 122 and 220. Everything that is now in these calibers is hopelessly outdated.

[Tim666]

Quote: garri-lin

No GPS signal how will Excalibur be guided ???

An inertial guidance system, and in the latest versions there is already automatic target capture and tracking, so that it will hit a moving target

[Tim666]

Quote: Sergei N 58912062

There have been similar upgrades before.

I believe that the MLRS needs to be upgraded by making them multi-caliber. Like MLRS Lynx.

But the most important thing is the modernization of the SLA and the NURS themselves. We need new guided 122-mm missiles with a range increased to 50 km.

And what accuracy will be at 50 km? This is a completely new rocket needed ...

[Tim666]

Quote from solar

If the German MLRS, due to the rotation of the missiles, hit three times more accurately than Katyushas, ​​then what were they not MLRS?

The main use of MLRS is firing in a salvo at a single target in order to increase the probability of hitting a target.
Hymars fires every projectile at its target, even if it is launched in a short amount of time.
You don’t call nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles MLRS, do you? And they also shoot in one gulp.

So Tornado S and Alder MLRS or not? Actually, for serious targets, they basically hit with full packets, if gps is jammed, then the rocket switches to inertial guidance, and there the accuracy is lower

[Tim666]

Quote from Nordsc0l

For what ? There is a Hurricane 1M. Let it be produced, there just packages can be changed.

It does not exist, only a demonstration sample has been made, it has not been adopted for service.