PART I
Turkish Surface to Surface Rocket and Missile Systems - I
Contributed by Arda Mevlutoglu
Jun 25, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Being situated in the junction of Middle East, Caucasus and Balkans, Turkey can easily be described to be in a geopolitically harsh environment. This directly affects Turkey's threat perception and thus military doctrine and long-term defence procurement policies.
Following the US arms embargo in the second half of 1970's because of 1974 Cyprus intervention, Turkey decided to build up own national defence industry to be self sufficient in most, if not all, key fields and systems required to keep the army's deterrence and the ability to operate even in harsh sanctions. In addition, the heat of the Cold War in early 1980's, the savage war between Iran and Iraq and almost all neighboring countries' massive investment to weapons of mass destruction, NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) weapons triggered Turkey to start a long-term rocket and missile technology program.
This three-part article aims to give a general overview of the current capabilities in rocket and missile technologies and future plans of Turkey as well as providing near history background to help understand the main motives and experiences behind those projects. It is mostly a compilation of open source materiel, supported by first and second hand experiences and observations.
1. INTRODUCTION
The arms embargo imposed upon Turkey after 1974 Cyprus War is considered as a critical milestone in the re-forming of Turkish defence industry, which was in some sort of hybernation after Turkey's entrance to NATO
(Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization). The embargo and the following difficulties to maintain the almost completely US-based military mechanism of TSK
(Turk Silahli Kuvvetleri; Turkish Armed Forces) gave inspiration and courage to build up a national defense industry capable of providing most, if not all, critical weapon systems and spare parts to TSK, thus decreasing dependancy to foreign systems.
The height of Cold War during early 1980's, the savage war between Iran and Iraq between 1980 - 1988 and finally rocket, missile and CBRN
(Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) programs of neighboring countries resulted in the transformation of the threat perception of Turkey. By the dissolution of Warsaw Pact and Soviet Union and the expansionist policies of Saddam's Iraq undoubtedly contributed to the said transformation. This new threat environment caused Turkey to concentrate onnew programs and projects in rockets and missiles.
This article tries to give an overview of Turkey's near history, current capabilities and future on rocket and missile technology.
2. INSTITUTIONS
Apart from some major contractors such as ASELSAN
(Askeri Elektronik Sanayii; Military Electronics Industries), KaleKalip, Baris Elektronik and research institutions and universities such as ITU
(Istanbul Technical University) and METU
(Middle East Technical University); there are three key actors in rocket and missile technologies in Turkish defense sector, namely the TUBITAK - SAGE, MKEK and ROKETSAN.
2.1 TUBITAK SAGE
Established in 1972, SAGE
(Savunma Sanayii Arastirma Gelistirme Enstitusu; Defense Industries Research and Development Institute) is active in three locations: METU
(Middle East Technical University) Guidance Control Laboratory, Ankara Subsonic Wind Tunnel and Lalahan Site, which is 30 km away from the city center of Ankara. The Institute is a part of TUBITAK
(Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknik Arastirma Kurumu; Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey) and specializes in the field of defense industry.
The main function of SAGE is to perform research and development activities for defense systems including engineering and prototype production, starting with their fundamental research and conceptual design. Most of the projects are performed in coordination with related defense institutions.
The main activities of TUBITAK - SAGE can be listed as follows:
• Development of guided and unguided ammunition systems and related subsystems,
• Software development in areas of specialization such as fire command and control, flight simulations, etc,
• Inspection and measurement services,
• Consultancy services.
TUBITAK - SAGE conducts these activities in the below listed facilities which are distributed to the aforementioned three locations:
• Rocket Motor Ground Test Facilities
• Flight Test Facilities
• Mechanical Production and Assembly Facilities
• Chemical Production Facilities
• Quality Control Facilities
• Warhead and Ammunition Arena Test Facility
• Ankara Subsonic Wind Tunnel
• Materials Laboratory
• Chemistry Laboratory
• Flight Mechanics Laboratory
• Ballistics Laboratories
• Structural Mechanics Laboratory
• Guidance and Control Laboratory
• Sledge Rail Test Facilities
In coordination with KKK
(Kara Kuvvetleri Komutanligi; Land Forces Command), TUBITAK - SAGE has conducted several projects, most notable ones of which are:
• TOROS 230 Medium range artillery rocket
(qv),
• TOROS 260 Long range artillery rocket
(qv),
• Anti-tank rockets,
• Mine clearing rockets,
• 81mm advanced mortar ammunition,
• Artillery ammunition,
• GPS aided inertial navigation systems,
• Air to surface munitions and missile systems
2.2 MKEK
MKEK
(Makina ve Kimya Endustrisi Kurumu; Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation) has its roots in Ottoman Empire, as far as 15th Century. The Ottoman Arms industry, which was administered through Tophane-i Amire starting from the second half of 15th century, which was later reorganized as the Tophane Musavirligi
(Arsenal of Ordonance and Artillery Marshalship) between 1832 and 1908, and in Harbiye Nezareti
(the Ministry of War). The General Directorate of Military Factories was established subsequent to the period of 1919-1923.
The said facilities were reorganized in 1950 under the name of Makina ve Kimya Endüstrisi Kurumu. The company has the legal entity, and the capital paid by the government completely, under the Law No.5591, for the purpose of producing most of equipment and tool requirement of the Turkish Armed Forces.
Today MKEK has 12 production facilities and around 7000 personnel, and focuses on four main groups of activities as follows:
• Ammunition group
• Rocket group
• Weapon group
• Explosives / powders and pyrotechnic products
These activities are conducted in a total of 11 facilities dispersed mainly around Ankara and Kirikkale:
• Ammunition Factory (Kirikkale)
• Brass Factory (Kirikkale)
• Heavy Weapons And Steel Factory (Kirikkale)
• Machinery and Gas Mask Factory (Ankara)
• Medium Caliber Weapons Factory (Cankiri)
• Nitrocellulose Factory (Kirikkale)
• Pyrotechnics Factory (Ankara)
• Rocket & Explosive Factory (Ankara)
• Scrap Plant (Ankara)
• Small Arms Ammunition Factory (Ankara)
• Small Arms Weapon Factory (Kirikkale)
MKEK has a wide range of products from pistols to 5.56mm and 7.62mm assault rifles to mortars, aircraft munition and most recently, 155mm T-155 Panter towed howitzer. The company also produces 107mm and 122mm artillery rockets
(qv).
2.3 ROKETSAN
Established in 1988 upon a decision of SSM
(Savunma Sanayii Mustesarligi; Defence Industry Executive Committee), ROKETSAN is mainly focused on design, development and production of guided and unguided rocket and missile systems and related subsystems. Some of it's main shareholders are TSKGV
(Turk Silahli Kuvvetleri'ni Guclendirme Vakfi; Turkish Armed Forces Foundation), ASELSAN and MKEK.
Research, design and development activities are coordinated bu MuGe Directorate
(Muhendislik ve Gelistirme; Engineering & Development). This directorate has several project groups for specific expertise areas:
• Internal ballistics
• Structural design
• Thermal design
• Mechanical design
• Guidance & control
• Flight mechanics
• Operational effectiveness analysis
• Aerodynamics
• Weapon systems engineering
• Software engineering
• Systems engineering
• Propellant technologies
• Material technologies
• Composite structures
• Material characterisation
• Warhead technologiesROKETSAN has a composite propellant production line based on Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene
(HTPB). HTPB based composite solid propellant is used as the basic propellant for many rockets and missiles where high ballistic and mechanical performance against extreme environmental conditions is required. A number of critical components required for rocket and missile systems are also produced at ROKETSAN's mechanical, plastic and composite part manufacturing lines.
ROKETSAN's most prominent products are surface-to-surface missile and artillery rocket systems, which are J-600T tactical ballistic missile system; T-107, T-122 and T-300 Kasirga
(Hurricane) artillery rocket systems
(qv).
ROKETSAN Hall in IDEF 2007 defense and aerospace exhibition held in Ankara, 22-25 May 2007. From left to right exhibited systems are: T-122 122mm artillery rocket system, 122mm modified artillery rocket launcher system, triple 20-round 107mm artillery rocket launcher system on a stabilised platform designed for installation on tactical vehicles, ESSM missile mock-up, ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) mortar launcher system mock-up and on the stand, three different versions of 122mm and TR-300 Kasirga artillery rocket mock-ups. (Photo: via Arda Mevlutoglu)
ROKETSAN participated in three important international projects in air defence field:
The first program of ROKETSAN was the production of launch and flight motors of Stinger missiles for the European consortium. The company developed air defence computer simulation programs and took part in the feasibility phase SHORAD / VSHORAD
(Short Range Air Defence / Very Short Range Air Defence) program of NATO.
The second major international project is ESSM
(Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile). ROKETSAN took part in the design and production of the flight termination unit of ESSM in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase. The company currently produces various parts such as thrust vector control, warhead and control sections.
The most current project is the modernization of Rapier short range air defence systems of Turkish Air Force. Final integration of Rapier Mk2 missiles is accomplished and tested by ROKETSAN. The company is also the sole producer of actuators of these missiles.
ROKETSAN is the main contractor of indigenous medium and long range anti-tank guided missile projects, OMTAS
(Orta Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi; Medium Range Anti-tank System) and UMTAS
(Uzun Menzilli Tanksavar Sistemi; Long Range Anti-tank System). OMTAS will be used from 4x4 armored tactical vehicles while the latter is primarily being developed for the T-129 ATAK attack helicopters which will be co-produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries
(TAI) and Agusta-Westland.
One of the newest research and development projects of ROKETSAN is Cirit
(Jereed) 2.75" laser guided rocket system for T-129 attack helicopters. Consisting of a laser seeker, guidance and control unit and moving surfaces installed on a 2.75" unguided rocket, Cirit is expected to enter serial production in 2009.
3. ARTILLERY ROCKET SYSTEMS
3.1 RA-7040
Design and development studies for a 2.75" surface-to-surface rocket system were started in MKEK - ELROKSAN division in early 1980's. First firing test were executed in 1983. By using different rocket designs, considerable range values were achieved, but found not satisfactory by the KKK, because the long term aim was to get a system comparable with the US made M-270 MLRS
(Multiple Launch Rocket System).
As the designation implies, RA-7040
(Roket Atar - 7040; Rocket Launcher - 7040) is a Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher
(MBRL) system for 70mm (2.75") rockets, capable of carrying 40 rounds. It was designed and produced by MKEK, Cansas division and is in service with KKK.
MKEK RA-7040 70mm Multi-barrel artillery rocket system. Note the firing control unit in the open box. (Photo: MKEK)
RA-7040 MBRL system is basically a 40-round launcher box mounted on a two wheel trailer with hydrolically operated stabiliser jacks and firing control unit. The trailer can be mounted to jeeps and wheeled tactical vehicles; there is also a version mounted in the back of a Land Rover 4x4 vehicle instead of a trailer. The total weight of the launcher without rockets is approximately 1,300kg. The launcher has a full 360° traverse capability and is controlled by a remote-control device with 25m of cable.
RA-7040 trailed by a Jeep (Photo: via internet)
RA-7040 uses Mk40 Mod3 and Mk4 Mod10 2.75" rockets with M-151 (anti-personnel), M-229 (anti-personnel), M-427 (anti-personnel), flechette, Mk5 and Mk427 (anti-armour) and M-156 (smoke) warheads and M-423 point detonating or M-429 proximity fuzes. The same rockets are also used from aircraft and helicopters.
RA-7040 (Photo: SSM)
It is reported that the system is effective through a 40-round salvo on a 200m x 300m area target at it's maximum range. This performace is very much similar to that of an Indonesian 70mm MBRL system, NDL-40.
Diameter 70mm (2.75 inches)
Length 1,400mm
Warhead weight 9,300g (M-151)
Burning time 1.42 seconds
Propellant Solid, double base (N5)
Maximum range 7,400m
Operating temperatures -54°C - +65°C
Rate of fire 40 rockets in 10 - 40 seconds
Table 1: Technical specifications of the rockets used in RA-7040 MRL system
RA-7040 mounted on Land Rover 110 4x4 chassis
Though seeming insignificant, in fact, RA-7040 MBRLS is mostly regarded as an important project, since it is one of the very first succesful artillery rocket system programs undertaken in Turkey by utilizing local capabilities. The project was completed in early 90's and entered inservice in yet unconfirmed numbers. However, most sources indicate 22 - 24 launchers delivered in trailer configuration. Other than the above mentioned Land Rover mounted version, no other alternative design studies were released to public, if any were done at all.
3.2 T-107
The development studies of 107mm and 122mm artillery rocket systems started in the early 1990's, after a cooperation aggrement between MKEK and TUBITAK - SAGE was signed under the supervision of MSB (Milli Savunma Bakanligi; Ministry of National Defence)and SSM. According to the cooperation framework, SAGE was to conduct research and development studies on short and medium range artillery rockets and MKEK was to undertake the production process, using double base propellant technology gained by the licensed production of M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon) started in late 1970's. The results were 107mm Anadolu rocket with a 8km of range and 122mm Mizrak (Spear) rocket with 20km of range produced in MKEK - ELROKSAN division (Elmadag Roket Sanayii; Elmadag Rocket Industries).
T-107 107mm MBRL System (Photo: SSM)
The launcher system, designated as T-107, is in fact a reverse engineered copy of China's Type 63 MBRLS produced by NORINCO(Chinese North Industries Corp.), as seems to be the case with Mizrak 107mm rocket being a derivative of Chinese-made Type 63-II 107mm rocket. The Type 63 MBRLS is a system, being in service with a large number of countries and also reverse-engineered by Iran (Fadgr), North Korea (VTT-323) and South Africa (RO-107).
T-107 MBRL System (Photo: SSM)
The T-107 is a 12-round lightweight towed artillery rocket system designed to be used in support of infantry and commando units. The system is promoted to be easily disassembled with basic hand tools and having the capability to be carried in rough terrain, especially for fire support missions of commando units. The launcher has three banks of four 107mm barrels and is mounted on a rubber-tyred split pole-type carriage. When in firing position, the wheels are removed and the launcher is supported by the two trails at the rear which are fitted with spades, which are carried on the top of the trails when travelling, and two short legs in the front of the carriage. Vehicle mounted applications are also possible, as is the case with Otokar 4x4 Cobra, AM General HMMWV, etc.
Number of barrels 12
Barrel diameter 107mm
Barrel length 880mm
Weight, empty 385kg
Weight, loaded 620kg
Elevation range 0° - 60°
Azimuth range -15° - 15°
Launcher length (in travelling mode) 2.60m
Launcher width (in travelling mode) 1.40m
Launcher height (in travelling mode) 1.20m
Rate of fire 12 rockets in 7 - 9 seconds
Reload time 3 minutes
Table 2: Technical specifications of T-107 MBRL system
Otokar Cobra 4x4 armored vehicle with T-107 MBRL system installed. Note the 40mm grenade launcher. (Photo: Otokar)
In addition to the MKEK produced Anadolu, the T-107 system also employs TR-107 series of 107mm spin stabilised rockets, TR-107, TRB-107, designed and produced by ROKETSAN. Both rockets can be fired from different types of 107mm MBRL systems as well. The TR-107 rocket has a reduced smoke solid propellant to provide the extended range. It is fitted with High Explosive (HE) warhead consisting of 500 fragments, which is activated with a point detonating fuze. TRB-107 has proximity fuze which detonates a Steel Ball(SB) warhead with some 2,800 steel balls, which makes the weapon effective against dispersed soft targets such as enemy personnel and encampments.
Anadolu TR-107 TRB-107
Manufacturer MKEK - ELROKSAN ROKETSAN
Warhead type High Explosive Blast Fragmentation
Explosive type TNT TNT+RDX
Fuze Point detonation Proximity
Range, minimum 3km
Range maximum 8km 11km
Diameter 107mm
Propellant type N5 (Double base) HTPB Composite)
Length 840mm
Weight, total 18.80kg 19.50kg
Weight, warhead 8.50kg 8.40kg
Table 3: Technical specifications of 107mm rockets used by the T-107 MBRL system.
T-107 during firing tests (Photo: SSM)
MKEK delivered at least 48 T-107 MBRL units to KKK and production is underway in KKK's 3. ABMK (3. Ana Bakim Merkezi Komutanligi; 3rd Main Maintenance Center Command). T-107 systemsare being used in battery level sized units of commando and infantry battalions. Each MBRL battery consists of 2 fire teams with four launchers. Typical missions of 107mm MBRL batteries include general support, maneouver fire support and in some cases direct fire support. Almost all of the missions are executed by individual fire teams. Since introduction into service, T-107 has seen extensive use in Southeastern Turkey during internal security operations against seperatist terrorist organization, PKK. Because of it's high mobility, the system is popular among commando units.
Video footage showing a T-107 artillery rocket battery of a mountain commando battalion in Cukurca, Hakkari, firing against a PKK camp from a forward base close to Turkish - Iraqi border during Turkish Army's incursion into Northern Iraq under "Operation Gunes", February 2008. Turkish Joint Chief of Staff frequently reported in press releases extensive use of "long range fire support systems" in coordination with air strikes conducted by Turkish Air Force F-16C/D's and F-4E 2020's during the operation, suggesting T-122 and T-300 systems (qv). However, the above photos are the only released & unclassified visual material of artillery rocket systems used in the operation. Note the 155mm/52 T-155 Firtina (Thunder) self propelled howitzers in the background. (Footage: IHA News Agency)
One of the notable applications of T-107 is the HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) mounted twin 12-round launcher design. The system was first shown to the public during IDEX Defence Exhibition held in Abu Dhabi in 2005. It was reported that the launcher was developed for an undisclosed country in the Middle East, hence the desert camouflage of the vehicle. ROKETSAN's strong relations and export successes in the United Arab Emirates suggests that this country may well be the customer. It was reported that the primary mission of the vehicle would be providing rapid fire support to special forces units.
The most prominent feature of the proposed system is it's computerized fire control and launcher stabilization systems. The fire control system is fed by an INS (Inertial Navigation System) unit, which dramatically reduces reaction time of the launcher well under one minute. The TR-107 family as well as other 107mm rockets can be fired from the launcher.
T-107 mounted on AM General HMMWV chassis (Photo: ROKETSAN)
3.3 T-122 Sakarya
The second fruit of the cooperation aggreement between MKEK and TUBITAK - SAGE in the early 1990's was the 122mm medium range artillery rocket project. By using the double based solid propellant technology of MKEK, SAGE developed a 122mm artillery rocket designated as Mizrak (Spear) with 20km range: Some sources claim that considerable technological assistance was received from Romania to some extent during the design and development of Mizrak and possibly of the launcher system.
After the conclusion of design and development of the 122m rocket, for the launcher system two proposals were evaluated. TUBITAK - SAGE with MKEK - CANSAS division offered the Bora design, which very much resembled Yugoslavian M-77 Oganj MBRLS, especially by the reloading system of the launcher, while ROKETSAN with KaleKalip offered the Sakarya design. Eventually ROKETSAN & KaleKalip's design was selected by the advantage of the computerized fire control system by Savronik and hyro-pneumatically controlled launcher. The prototype 122mm MBRLS on a MAN 26.281 6x6 tactical vehicle was first revealed to public in 1995 and fire tests were executed the same year in Karapinar Firing Range, Konya. Limited series production systems were delivered to KKK for evaluation in 1996 and full scale production deliveries commenced in 1997.
MKEK Cansas - TUBITAK SAGE proposal, T-122 Bora for the 122mm MBRLS project. The launcher design was considerably changed in the prototype vehicle. (Drawing: MKEK, via Arda Mevlutoglu)
MKEK Cansas - TUBITAK SAGE T-122 Bora prototype. Note the interesting launcher box design. The extension is supposed to house crane system for ease of reloading. (Photo: SSM)
T-122 Sakarya MBRLS on MAN 26.281 6x6 chassis seen in a parade during 30 August Victory Day celebrations, 2004 (Photo: Tolga Yuksel)
It is worth noting that by the self confidence gained after the succesful development of Mizrak and then the launcher system, Turkey rejected an attractive offer made by Germany including the transfer of around 130 110mm LARS (Light Artillery Rocket System) MBRL systems under CFE (Conventional Forces in Europe) Treaty in mid 1990's.
The T-122 Sakarya MBRL System is an autonomous, artillery rocket system used for indirect fire support mission during day and night, and in all weather conditions against area targets, mostly with "hit-and-run" style attacks. There are two versions of T-122 MBRLS in KKK service: MAN 26.281 6x6 (earlier production models) and MAN 26.372 6x6 mounted systems; the latter is also the launcher vehicle of T-300 Kasirga (qv).
T-122 Sakarya MBRLS during firing tests (Photo: ROKETSAN)
Launcher vehicle MAN 6x6 26.281 or MAN 6x6 26.372
Number of barrels 2 sets of 20 (=40)
Barrel length 3m
Barrel diameter 122mm
Weight, loaded ~22.20tons
Length, overall 9.20m
Width, overall 2.50m
Height, overall 3.10m
Elevation range 0° - 55°
Azimuth range -110° - +110°
Rate of fire 40 rockets in 80 seconds
Max. gradient 60%
Max. road speed 75km/h
Max. road range 970km
Crew 5
Table 4: Technical specifications of T-122 Sakarya MBRL System
There are two banks of 20-round tubes on the launcher, which is hydraulically traversed and elevated with a panoramic M-115 sight mounted to the left of the launcher. The rockets can be fired singly or in salvo. A full salvo of 40 rockets can be launched in 80 seconds. Reloading is via a hydraulic loading crane which is mounted on the launcher. When deployed in the firing position, four stabilisers are lowered to the ground under hydraulic control to provide a more stable firing platform.
T-122 Sakarya MBRLS (Photo: Tolga Yuksel)
ROKETSAN promotes the tactical advantages of T-122 as:
• Enters the battle field and takes firing position in several minutes
• Fulfills its mission independently or under battery organisation of six T-122 MBRL's
• Completes the firing mission of 40 rockets in 80 seconds
• Delivers 740kg of warhead in a ripple firing
• Creates harassment on 500m x 500m target area using 40 high explosive warheads within 3-40km range
• Creates surprise effect with short response time without "Adjust Fire"
• Is operated by 5 men crew in regular usage or 3 men crew in emergency case.
T-122 Sakarya MBRLS mounted on MAN 26.372 6x6 chassis (Photo: silivri.net)
The firing mission of the launcher is controlled with an onboard FCS (Fire Control Computer) which is assigned to: • Accomplish Built In Test (BIT) before and during firing,
• Calculate firing data automatically for 122 mm rockets with different warheads using a precise flight simulation software,
• Automatically aim and stow the launcher,
• Fire the rockets in single or ripple in 2 sec. intervals,
• Store up to 20 target locations,
• Utilize metorological information in METCM or equivalent formats.
Negotitiations between KKK and ROKETSAN are underway for sealed launcher pods, which are specifically designed to resist severe environmental conditions such as high or low temperature, humidity, sand, etc. These maintenance free pods are loaded at factory level. The rocket fuses are set remotely by the FCS.
Sealed launcher pod design of ROKETSAN, on display at IDEF 2007 exhibition (Photo: trmilitary.com, via Arda Mevlutoglu)
The T-122 is capable of firing MKEK produced Mizrak and ROKETSAN produced TR-122, TRB-122, TRK-122, SR-122, SRB-122 and SRK-122 as well as other 122mm rockets. Technical specifications of the rockets used by T-122 are given below:
Mizrak TR-122 TRB-122 TRK-122 SR-122 SRB-122 SRK-122
Manufacturer MKEK ROKETSAN
Warhead type High Explosive Blast Fragmentation Submunition (50+ Anti Personnel / Anti Materiel Mines) High Explosive Blast Fragmentation Submunition (50+ Anti Personnel / Anti Materiel Mines)
Explosive type TNT TNT+RDX RDX/wax TNT+RDX RDX/wax
Fuze Point detonation Proximity Electonic Timer Point detonation Proximity Electronic Timer
Range, minimum 3km 10km 16km 3km
Range maximum 20km 40km 30+km 20km
Diameter 122mm
Propellant type N5 (Double base) HTPB (Composite) N5 (Double base)
Length 2.87m 2.90m 3.24m 2.90m 3.20m
Weight, total 67.50kg 65,90kg 71.60kg 66.70kg 69.25kg
Weight, warhead 18.70kg 18.60kg 22.90kg 18.60kg 22.70kg
Table 5: Technical specifications of 122mm rockets used by the T-122 Sakarya MBRL System.
T-122 Sakarya MBRLS on MAN 26.372 6x6 with desert camouflage patern on display at IDEF 2007 exhibition (Photo: trmilitary.com, via Arda Mevlutoglu)
The serial production of T-122 Sakarya MBRLS is continuing and as of 2008, more than 72 system has been delivered to KKK, including more than 18 systems to KTBK (Kibris Turk Baris Kuvvetleri Komutanligi; Cyprus Turkish Peace Corps). Current plans include procurement of sealed launcher pods and TRK / SRK series of rockets with submunitions. T-122 Sakarya is deployed either in artillery rocket battalions in artillery regiments of corps sized units or as batteries under mechanized or armored brigades with missions including suppression of enemy artillery, supporting muzzled artillery fire, providing direct fire support into depths of enemy lines and engaginghigh value targets such as air defence systems, command & control centers, supply lines, etc.
T-122 Sakarya MBRLS of KTBK (Kibris Turk Baris Kuvvetleri Komutanligi; Cyprus Turkish Peace Corps) on MAN 26.372 6x6 chassis during Victory Day Parade in Lefkosa (Nicosia), 30 August 2007 (Photo: mucahit.net)
ROKETSAN achieved successful export of TR-122 series to United Arab Emirates with the sale of 10,000 TRB-122 and TRK-122 rockets to be used from Italian made FIROS-25 122mm MBRLS. The company also promotes different versions of T-107, T-122 and T-300 in Middle Eastern market.
SOURCES
Jane's Armour and Artillery
Savunma ve Havacilik (Defence and Aerospace) Magazine
http://www.sage.tubitak.gov.tr/en/proje_urun.asp
http://www.mkek.gov.tr/english/main.aspx
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Last Updated ( Jul 08, 2008 at 02:00 PM )