The development of a new MLRS "Sarma" has begun
The first version of the MLRS "Kama" with a transport and launch container. Photo bmpd.livejournal.com
It became known about new plans in the context of the further development of domestic rocket artillery. The industry began to develop a project with the code "Sarma". Its goal is to create a new multiple launch rocket system in 300 mm caliber, which has a number of advantages over existing serial models. The new project will be based on developments on one of the previously created MLRS.
First mention
The development of a promising MLRS "Sarma" on June 1 was reported by RIA News. Information about the project was received from an unnamed informed source. He spoke about the existence of the project and revealed its main ideas. At the same time, other details of the project and ongoing work, as often happens, were not specified.
According to the source, the Russian military-industrial complex has already begun developing the Sarma project. Which enterprises are engaged in this MLRS is not reported. The new system is called a direct continuation of the Kama project, developed in the distant past.
Some technical features of the future MLRS are named. So, she will use 300 mm caliber rockets, incl. guided precision munitions. The combat vehicle itself will be characterized by increased mobility and security. In addition, she will receive an improved automated fire control system.
Modified version of "Kama" with a launch package. In the background - regular TZM. Photo "Motovilikhinskiye Zavody"
The RIA Novosti source did not say whether the Sarma project is being created by order of the Ministry of Defense or is an initiative development. He also did not specify the current state of the project, the approximate work schedule, etc. In fact, so far only the existence of the project, its “origin” and main features are known. However, new interesting details may appear at any time.
Basic sample
Despite the lack of technical details, RIA Novosti points out a curious feature of the new project. It is alleged that the MLRS "Sarma" will be a direct continuation of the old project "Kama" and will be built on the basis of the same ideas. Such information allows us to imagine what the new multiple launch rocket system could be like, and what its combat capabilities will be.
Recall that since the late eighties, the MLRS 9K58 "Smerch" of 300 mm caliber has been in service with our army. The main element of this system is the 9A52 combat vehicle, built on a special four-axle chassis MZKT-7911 or MZKT-7310. The machine is equipped with a launcher with 12 tubular guides for missiles. When using all types of regular ammunition, 9K58 / 9A52 shows high combat qualities.
In the middle of the 2007s, Motovilikha Plants and related organizations began to look for solutions to improve individual characteristics of the system. The first result of these processes was the Kama project, during which the mobility of the system increased, as well as operational and combat characteristics. A prototype of such a MLRS was first shown at the MAKS-XNUMX exhibition.
MLRS "Uragan-1M" with two TPK under 300-mm shells. Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
For "Kama" a new combat vehicle 9A52-4 was developed. It was built on a KamAZ-6350 four-axle truck chassis and equipped with a modified set of special equipment. By replacing the base chassis, the creators of Kama sacrificed the carrying capacity, but received higher driving performance on the highway and off-road. Operational capabilities have also improved - due to higher unification with the existing army fleet.
MLRS "Kama" received a new launcher, devoid of its own guides. It was proposed to put a quick-change transport and launch container 9Ya295 with six missiles on the slewing device. Such a TPK had a length of approx. 7,5 m with a width of 1,1 m and a height of less than 1 m. Gross weight - 6,2 tons. The transport and loading vehicle with a crane-manipulator was supposed to transport and install containers on the launcher.
For a number of reasons, the Kama product in this form did not interest the customer, and a new version of the project was developed. The updated MLRS was shown at the Russia Arms Expo 2009 exhibition. The launcher under the TPK was replaced with a traditional package of six 300-mm pipes. In addition, the original TZM 9T234-4 on the KamAZ chassis was included in the system. She could carry and reload up to six missiles.
According to known data, the MLRS "Kama" in an updated form has reached field tests. For several years, experimental equipment has demonstrated its capabilities and confirmed the calculated characteristics. However, the project did not progress further. Based on the analysis of available capabilities, the Ministry of Defense chose a different path for the development of large-caliber MLRS. It was decided to implement the Tornado-S project, using existing 9A52 combat vehicles.
Serial combat vehicle "Tornado-S". Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
It is curious that not all developments on Kama were abandoned. So, the unified TPK 9Ya295 was used in the 9K512 Uragan-1M project. This MLRS could use two types of containers with 220- and 300-mm guides for 15 and 6 rounds, respectively. "Hurricane-1M" passed all the tests and was put into service, but a large series was not produced.
Estimated appearance
It is reported that the promising Sarma MLRS will be developed on the basis of the previous Kama project, which, in turn, was based on the older Smerch. All this allows us to imagine the possible appearance of the new system. In addition, it can be assumed that the developments on the Tornado-S MLRS, including the newest ones, will be used in the new project.
Apparently, the new MLRS will retain the Kama architecture and the basic approach to components. A multi-axle truck chassis "KamAZ" of one of the current models, which has the necessary carrying capacity and driving characteristics, will be used. In this case, you will have to sacrifice the ammunition load and the volume of the volley. So, in the Kama project, the number of guides had to be halved. However, it cannot be ruled out that the authors of "Sarma" will find the opportunity to install up to 10-12 guides on a combat vehicle.
Plans are reported to introduce an improved fire control and guidance system. The existing MLRS of the Tornado family, including the modernized Smerch, already have similar equipment. It is likely that the new OMS will use a more advanced component base, increase performance, etc. At the same time, the functions should remain the same. The system will have to determine the coordinates of the firing position and calculate the data for pointing guides. In addition, she will have to program rocket autopilots.
Combat work of the MLRS "Tornado-S". Photo by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation
The Sarma will reportedly use 300mm rockets. Apparently, compatibility with the entire range of serial and developed ammunition will remain. In particular, the new MLRS will have to use the latest missiles developed in recent years for the Tornado-S. With the help of the 9M542 projectile or advanced developments of this class, the Sarma will be able to hit targets with high accuracy at ranges of the order of 100-120 km.
It should be noted that the reduction of the transportable ammunition will have a significant impact on the combat capabilities of the complex as a whole. Because of this, "Sarma" may lose the functions of the multiple launch rocket system. At the same time, new ammunition with enhanced performance will allow it to take an intermediate position between the MLRS and tactical missile systems.
Customer position
In general, the idea of creating a new multiple launch rocket system that combines the experience of past projects and the latest developments is of great interest. Such a MLRS can have a number of important advantages and, at a minimum, complement existing samples with new capabilities and an improvement in the overall potential of rocket artillery.
However, the real prospects of such a project are still in question. Our army already has modernized MLRS "Tornado-S", and they continue to develop through the introduction of new systems and ammunition. Whether there is a need for a completely new multiple launch rocket system for the same range of missiles is unclear. The prospects for such a concept and the further fate of the Sarma project will have to be decided by the Ministry of Defense.
Information