BM-30 Smerch

The BM-30 Smerch (Russian: Смерч, "tornado", "whirlwind"), 9K58 Smerch or 9A52-2 Smerch-M is a heavy self-propelled 300 mm multiple rocket launcher designed in the Soviet Union to fire a full load of 12 solid-fuelled projectiles. The system is intended to defeat personnel, armored, and soft targets in concentration areas, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots. It was designed in the early 1980s and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989. When first observed by the West in 1983, it received the code MRL 280mm M1983. It continues in use by Russia; a program to replace it with the 9A52-4 Tornado began in 2018.

BM-30 Smerch
9A52-2 "Smerch" launch vehicle
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Place of originSoviet Union, Russia
Service history
In service1989–present
Used bySee Operators
WarsSecond Chechen War
War in Donbas
Syrian civil war
2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Production history
DesignerSplav State Research and Production Enterprise
Designed1980s
ManufacturerSplav State Research and Production Enterprise
Produced1989–present
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Mass43.7 t
Length12 m (39 ft 4 in)
Width3.05 m (10 ft)
Height3.05 m (10 ft)
Crew3

Caliber300 mm
Barrels12
Maximum firing range120 km (75 mi) (9M542 rocket)
200 km (120 mi) (9M544 rocket)

Main
armament
9M55 or 9M528 rockets
EngineD12A-525A V12 diesel engine
525 hp (391 kW)
Suspension8×8 wheeled
Operational
range
850 km (530 mi)
Maximum speed 60 km/h (37 mph)
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