BM-21MT Multiple launch rocket system

[Zarvan]

The BM-21MT is a modern Czech version of the ageing Soviet BM-21 Grad



Country of origin Czech Republic
Entered service ?
Crew 3 ~ 4 men
Dimensions and weight
Weight 14.85 t
Length 7.38 m
Width 2.55 m
Height ~ 2.73 m
Armament
Caliber 122 mm
Number of tubes 40
Rocket weight 66.35 kg
Warhead weight 18.4 kg
Firing range 20 km
Full salvo duration 20 s
Reloading time 7 minutes
Mobility
Engine Tatra T3C-928-8T diesel
Engine power 362 hp
Maximum road speed 90 km/h
Range ~ 1 000 km
Maneuverability
Gradient 60%
Side slope 45%
Vertical step 0.6 m
Trench 1 m
Fording 1.5 m


The BM-21MT is a recent artillery rocket system, developed by Excalibur Army company of Czech Republic. Its actual name is BM-21MT 4x4. It is essentially a smaller and lighter version of the RM-70 Vampir, developed by the same company. The first prototype was built in 2016. It was first publicly revealed in 2017.

In concept the Czech BM-21MT is similar to the Soviet BM-21 Grad, that was adopted back in 1963, but is still widely used around the world. The BM-21MT has 40 launch tubes for 122 mm rockets and is based on a high mobility truck with 4x4 configuration.

The main role of this artillery system is to engage area targets. It is extremely effective against concentrations of troops and armored vehicles, artillery batteries and other targets.

The BM-21MT fires the same rockets as the RM-70 Vampir and BM-21 Grad. These are standard 122 mm artillery rockets. A standard HE-FRAG rocket is 2.87 m long and weights 66.35 kg. Its warhead weights 18.4 kg. Maximum range of fire is 20 km. Rockets with various warheads are available, including incendiary, smoke, illumination warheads. Also there are cluster warheads with anti-tank or anti-personnel submunitions, as well as specialized warheads. It takes 20 seconds to launch a full salvo of 40 rockets.

This artillery rocket system is operated by a crew of 3 or 4 soldiers.

The BM-21MT is based on a Tatra T815-7 tactical truck with 4x4 configuration. It is a purpose-designed military vehicle, rather than militarized version of commercial truck. It was designed to withstand heavy use and has good cross-country mobility. It is powered by Tatra's T3C-928-8T air cooled turbocharged diesel engine, developing 362 hp. Engine is located behind an under the cab. Such location prevents damage of the engine and reduces overall height of the vehicle. Engine is mated to a 7-speed semi-automatic transmission. This vehicle employs unique Tatra's independent suspension with backbone tube frame and swinging half-axles. Each wheel moves up and down independently, which allows exceptional cross country mobility and higher speeds on rough roads. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre inflation system, which further improves mobility over difficult terrain.

Cab of the BM-21MT does not have armor, however it is prepared for various levels of add-on armoring. Maximum level is against 7.62 mm rounds and 6 kg mine blast anywhere under the hull. The add-on armor kit can be removed at any time.

Each launcher vehicle is escorted by a military truck, based on the same Tatra T815-7 chassis with 4x4 configuration, which carries reload rockets. The launcher is reloaded manually by its crew. It takes around 7 minutes to reload all 40 launch tubes. Reloading usually takes place remotely from the firing position in order to avoid counter-battery fire.

A standard battery consists of 6 launcher vehicles, 6 associated vehicles with reload rockets, command post vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle and logistical support vehicle.

BM-21MT
Multiple Launch Rocket System

BM-21MT
Multiple Launch Rocket System

BM-21MT
Multiple Launch Rocket System

BM-21MT
Multiple Launch Rocket System

BM-21MT
Multiple Launch Rocket System

http://www.military-today.com/artillery/bm_21mt.htm