Astros II multiple launch rocket system

Astros II MLRSs include the following combat vehicles:

Universal AV-LMU launcher, capable of firing 5 types of missiles of different calibers;

• AV-RMD Transport and Charging Machine (TZM), which at full load can carry 2 containers of rockets for each launcher;
• Jet projectiles ;
• Command Vehicle (AV-VCC) designed to provide communication, data transmission and fire control of three Astros-2 batteries;
• Mobile workshop for repair and maintenance;
• Automated Guidance and Fire Control System (AV-UCF), the main purpose of which is calculation of firing settings and flight task data.

All combat vehicles are mounted on three-axle cross-country chassis with carrying capacity of 10 tons, wheel arrangement 6x6. The trucks have a diesel engine "Mercedes-Benz" with an output of 280 hp and can move at speeds up to 90 km/h.

In the front part of the AV-LMU launcher, an armored wheelhouse is mounted on the chassis frame, which accommodates the commander of the PU, the mechanic-driver and the gunner. In the isolated compartment of the cabin there is a power plant and transmission units. Artillery part of the PU is made according to the modular scheme and is a box farm, which can be installed four interchangeable transport and launch containers with bags of tubular rails. Variants with different number of guides in the container are produced. The number of guides depends on the type of jet projectiles used. In this way, the launcher can be a basic element for the development of rocket systems of different military units. Reloading is carried out by means of a transport and charging machine by replacing the transport and launching containers that are equipped in the factory. The container replacement time is 5-6 minutes.

The guidance package is guided by rotary and lifting mechanisms with power drives. Management of all operations on preparation and conducting shooting is carried out from the control desk in the armored cabin. Input data for firing are calculated with the help of the computing device of the control desk or transferred from the command post.

The auxiliary armament of the launcher consists of a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun mounted above the hatch in the cabin roof. The launcher is equipped with radio communication and navigation equipment. Firefighting equipment and night vision equipment are available.

Rocket projectiles

To improve the accuracy of firing, the Astros II rocket launchers are equipped with a flight control system that corrects the pitch and yaw trajectory. Pitch and yaw correction, carried out according to the control system signals, is performed by the gas-dynamic executive body - gas-dynamic rudders, which are driven by high-pressure gas from the onboard gas generator.

Types of rockets:

• SS-30 of 127 mm caliber with a firing range of 30 km (32 rails);  
• SS-40 caliber 180 mm with a firing range of 35 km (16 guides);  
• SS-60, 300 mm caliber, with a firing range of 60 km (4 rails);
• SS-80 caliber 300 mm with a firing range of 80 km (4 guides).

Three types of cluster warheads have been developed for the rockets:

• - shrapnel-like;
• - cassette cluster with cumulative shrapnel warheads (CSBEs);
• - cassette cluster with anti-tank antipersonnel mines;

The combat unit of the SS-40 missile contains 20 COBEs, the combat unit SS-60 has 65 COBEs, the combat unit SS-80 has 52 elements. To destroy runways of airfields, projectiles can be equipped with penetration-type combat units. Due to the delay in detonation, such a projectile penetrates the ground to a depth of 0.5 metres.

The Astros II RSW battery includes: six AV-LMU universal launchers, six AV-RMD TMs, and the AV-UCF control and guidance system. The AV-VCC command machine, together with two mobile workshops, is given to the battalion.