RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System

RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System

RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System (raketomet vzor 1970) is a Czechoslovakian army version and the heavier variant of the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher system, providing enhanced performance over its parent area-saturation artillery system that was introduced in 1971. RM-70 replaced the Ural-375D 6x6 track by a TATRA 813 8x8 truck as carrier platform for the 40 rocket tubes launcher. The new carrier vehicle provides enough space for carrying 40 additional 122mm rockets pack for reload. Nevertheless, RM-70 performance remains near the same as Grad even in terms of vehicle's speed and range.

RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System

Main advantages of the RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System over the BM-21 are its rapid reloading capability, complete armour protection for the crew from small arms fire, NBC attack and shell splinters and much improved cross-country mobility. The Tatra 813 chassis is fitted with a central tyre-pressure regulation system, which enables the driver to adjust the tyre pressure to suit the type of ground being crossed.

RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System

Standard equipment includes a front-mounted winch with a capacity of 12,000 kg and 85 m of cable and the cab is fitted with an NBC system of the collective and individual type. The unguided 122 mm solid propellant fin-stabilised rocket types available are covered in the table.

RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System

According to Czech Republic sources, the RM-70 122 mm launcher, when elevated at an angle of 50°, has a dispersion of 1/180 in range and 1/110 in traverse. A complete salvo of 40 122 mm rockets can be fired in 18 to 22 seconds. The system takes 150 seconds to come into action and 180 seconds to come out of action.

RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System

The chassis has a central tyre-pressure regulation system that allows the ground pressure at each wheel station to be adjusted to suit the type of terrain being crossed. At the front of the vehicle is an SSP 1000 arrow-type snowplough. A BZ-T815 dozer blade can also be quickly installed.

RM-70 Multiple Rocket Launcher System

Specifications:

• Type: Self-propelled multiple rocket launcher
• Place of origin: Czechoslovakia
• Weight: 33.7 tonnes (74,295 lbs)
• Length: 8.75 m (28 ft 8 in)
• Width: 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
• Height: 2.7 m (8 ft 10 in)
• Crew: 6
• Caliber: 122.4 mm (4.8 in)
• Barrels: 40
• Maximum range: 20 km (12 mi)
• Armor: Steel
• Secondary armament: Universal machine gun vz. 59
• Engine: T-903-3 V-12 multi-fuel; 250 hp (184 kW)
• Suspension: 8×8 wheeled
• range: 400 km (250 mi)
• Speed: 85 km/h (53 mph)