Directions for modernization of the Tornado-S MLRS
Several years ago, the Russian army received the 9K515 Tornado-S multiple launch rocket system, a deeply modernized version of the older 9K58 Smerch product. By replacing some units and introducing new devices, it was possible to improve all the main tactical and technical characteristics. At the same time, the potential of such a rocket artillery complex has not yet been exhausted, and new improvements are possible aimed at increasing the basic parameters and expanding capabilities.
Advanced Platform
The modernization project for the Smerch MLRS, called Tornado-S, was developed by the Tula NPO Splav and the Perm Motovilikha Plants in the early XNUMXs. By the middle of the decade, the finished equipment was brought to testing, and later serial modernization of the combat vehicles available in the troops began according to new projects. As previously planned and reported, the complete transition to the new Tornado-S will be completed within the twenties.
The possibility of using existing combat vehicles is due to the nature of the 9K515 Tornado-S project. It provides for the preservation of the basic platform and part of its equipment while simultaneously replacing key units and instruments, as well as introducing new devices. In addition, the development and introduction of new types of missiles is becoming an important area of development.
The basis of the 9K515 complex is the 9A54 combat vehicle. As in the basic design, it is built on a Belarusian-made four-axle chassis and carries a launcher with 12 300 mm caliber guides. There are two cabins for the crew with the necessary instruments and controls. Despite all the modifications and improvements, the running, technical and operational characteristics of the platform do not change.
During the modernization, the combat vehicle received a new automated guidance and fire control system. Satellite navigation, communications, launcher guidance drives, etc. are connected to it. The processes of topographical reference, obtaining target designation, calculating data for firing and preparing for launch are maximally automated and accelerated. It is also possible to enter data into the missile electronics.
Based on the results of the modernization, Tornado-S retains all the basic capabilities of the basic Smerch. In particular, full compatibility with the old range of rockets remains. This increases the efficiency of their use. In addition, the groundwork has been created for the introduction of new ammunition with improved characteristics.
Range Issues
The Smerch system uses 9M55 series rockets. Products with a caliber of 300 mm and a weight of 800-810 kg carry different combat load options and deliver them to a distance of up to 70 km. Using several types of warheads, these missiles can hit various targets, including armored vehicles, and also carry out remote mining.
One of the main ways to increase the combat potential of the Smerch / Tornado-S is to increase the firing range. Work in this direction has been going on for quite some time, and new results are regularly reported. So, a few years ago it was reported about the creation of 9M528, 9M534, etc. projectiles. with a flight range of 90 km.
It was noted that a longer-range system could be made in the caliber used. In recent years, Tornado-S developers have talked about designing a missile with a range of at least 100 km. In November-December 2022, domestic media reported the start of production and delivery of such missiles to the troops. In addition, they have already been used as part of the Special Operation - received news about the successful destruction of a target at a distance of 105 km.
Detailed information about the latest production models of long-range 300 mm missiles has not yet been received. Their exact tactical and technical characteristics, combat load, controls, etc. remain unknown. However, the lack of open information can be considered only a temporary problem. The main thing in this situation is the appearance of new ammunition in the troops.
Previously, industry representatives have repeatedly reported that the range of a projectile in the existing caliber can be increased to 200 km. There are several known ways to solve this problem. First of all, this is an improvement in the design of the engine - an increase in the solid fuel charge and/or its energy characteristics will give the rocket more momentum. In addition, the possibility of introducing a kind of two-stage scheme with an additional engine providing impulse at the top of the trajectory is being considered.
Management tools
The accuracy and accuracy of fire from rockets is of great importance. Due to certain decisions, it is necessary to compensate for the possible deviation of the missile from the aiming point or to ensure the emergence of new functions and capabilities.
Initially, 300-mm projectiles for the Smerch were stabilized only by the rotation imparted to the launch tube guide. In recent projects, a full-fledged correction system is being introduced. The rocket's instruments are guided by satellite navigation signals and control the rocket's flight using aerodynamic rudders.
In 2021, it became known about the development of a rocket for the Tornado-S with a full-fledged homing head. It should have had television, thermal imaging and semi-active laser channels. Due to such a seeker, a promising missile will be able to hit remote small targets, incl. moving. At the time of news about such a project, preparations were underway for bench testing of the key components of the seeker. There was no further news about this project. The work is probably ongoing, but the results cannot be shown yet.
Payload
300-mm shells for Smerch / Tornado-S can carry a fairly large and heavy combat load. Thus, within the 9M55 family, several equipment options with different features and capabilities have been developed. There are a monoblock high-explosive fragmentation warhead of large mass, a thermobaric charge, as well as several versions of the cassette warhead - with fragmentation, cumulative fragmentation and self-aiming anti-tank elements. In addition, there is a remote mining projectile with PTM-3 anti-tank mines.
The latest projects of 300-mm projectiles for Tornado-S use ready-made warheads from existing missiles or their upgraded versions. Depending on customer requirements, monoblock charges or cassettes with updated filling are stored. New submunitions are being developed, including self-aiming ones.
More daring projects were also proposed. Thus, the 9M534 projectile is the carrier of a reconnaissance UAV of the Tipchak type. Rocket ensures fast delivery drone to a given area, where it begins an independent flight to reconnaissance targets and adjust fire. Progress in the field of unmanned aviation contributes to the emergence of new projects of this kind. At the same time, modern UAVs will provide higher technical and performance characteristics.
Potential for modernization
Deliveries of modernized Tornado-S MLRS and new ammunition for them began in the mid-9s. The complete transition of domestic rocket artillery from Smerch to such equipment is planned for the current decade. Based on the results of these processes, the modern 515KXNUMX complex will be able to remain in service for a long time, incl. undergoing new upgrades.
Current processes and plans for the future show that Smerch / Tornado-S has great modernization potential. Thus, by replacing some of the launcher’s devices, NPO Splav and Motovilikha Plants were able to significantly expand the functions and capabilities of the basic MLRS. Now the system as a whole is being developed through the creation of more advanced ammunition with certain features. At the same time, the development of projectiles is proceeding in several directions at once, with an increase in both individual characteristics and their potential as a whole.
The existing family of 300-mm rockets, as well as new types of ammunition, are now actively used during the Special Operation to protect Donbass. For example, last year the first use of a missile with a range of more than 100 km was reported. During combat operations, our army gets the opportunity to use the new capabilities of modern MLRS to solve real problems, and also accumulates the experience necessary for further effective use and for future stages of development of the Tornado-S.
Information