Description:
The 9K58 Smerch, also known as BM-30, is a rocket launcher artillery system designed to engage a wide variety of targets at ranges between 20 and 70 km. It can engage rocket launchers, howitzers, mortars, strongholds, troops, armored/unarmored vehicles, SAM sites and other targets on the battlefield. It features all-terrain high mobility and operation in all climatic conditions +50C to -50C.
The 9A52-2 vehicle associated to the Smerch artillery system comprises twelve 300mm rocket tubes mounted on a 8x8 wheeled and diesel-powered chassis (MAZ543M). The 9K58 Smerch artillery system is able to fire a complete salvo of 12 rounds within 38 seconds engaging an area of 672,000 square meters. The rockets launch sequence can be controlled from inside the 9A52-2 vehicle and remotely.
The 9M55 rockets are employed on the Smerch providing a maximum range of 90 km and a minimum range of 20 km. In-flight rotation provides 9M55s increased accuracy and range over unguided rockets. Twelve tubes reloading operation takes about 36 minutes. The Smerch artillery system also comprises a re-supply/transloading vehicle based on the MAZ543A all-terrain vehicle and operated by a crew of 3-man.
The Smerch artillery system entered service with the Soviet Army in 1987 and it was deployed in Chechnya. China, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates are the only known export customers for the Smerch artillery system. The Smerch artillery system is available based on Russian MZKT MAZ-543 chassis or a Czech Republic Tatra chassis both wheeled.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 4
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 300 mm
Number of Weapons: 12
Dimensions: Height 3 m, Length 12 m, Width 3 m
Weights: Max Weight 43,700 kg (96,340 lb)
Performance: Cross Country Speed 10 mps (19 kt), Main Gun Max Range 70,000 m (229,659 ft), Max Range 850 km (459 nm), SetUp Time 3 min, Top Speed 17 mps (32 kt)
China
India / 36 
Kuwait
Russia
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates