Military Vehicles

The 9A52 Smerch is Russia’s equivalent to the US Multiple Launch Rocket System.

Twelve launch tubes can fire salvos of 300mm (11.81in) rockets to distances of 70km (43 miles).  Specialist munitions include the Bazalt parachute-retarded warhead which hangs in the air, detects armoured target and shoots a 1kg (2.2lb) penetrator through the weaker upper armour.

The Smerch is carried on a MAZ-543 series 8×8 truck.  This vehicle was developed from the MAZ-535/537 series as a specialist carrier vehicle for missile and rocket systems such as the SS-1 Scud and SS-3 Scaleboard.

For its size, the MAZ-543 has good cross-country capability owing to ground clearance of 0.45 (1.48ft).

Country of Origin    :Russia/Soviet Union
Crew                        :4
Weight                     :43,700kg (96,400lb)
Dimensions             :Length: 12.1m (39.7ft); width: 3.05m (10ft); height: 3.05m (10ft)
Range                      :850km (530miles)
Armour :Not applicable
Armament              :12 x 300mm (11.81in) rockets
Powerplant              :1 x D12A-525 12-cylinder diesel, developing 517hp (386kW)
Performance            :Maximum road speed: 60km/h (37mph);