The Tornado is a family of multiple rocket launchers of 122 to 300mm calibre developed by NPO Splav for the Russian Ground Forces[2][1] with the aim to replace previous multiple rocket launchers.[3] Variants of the system, which include the Tornado-G and Tornado-S models, have different capabilities and roles in the battlefield.[4] The Tornado is designed primarily to fire cluster munitions but also can be used to fire thermobaric warheads.
The 9A52-4 Tornado system is a lightweight rocket launcher. There are two other systems. A modular MLRS based on the MZKT-79306 truck, which can carry two BM-27 Uragan or BM-30 Smerch launcher modules, and one based on the Kamaz 6×6 truck. The "Tornado-G" system is an upgrade package for the existing BM-21 Grad. The Russian government ordered 36 new "Tornado-G" based on the Kamaz 6x6 chassis, instead of the old systems based on the Ural-4320 truck.
9A53-G Tornado (2 × 15; 1×40 122mm Upgraded BM-21 Grad Multiple Rocket Launcher Module, based on a Kamaz Truck or on a Ural-4320).
9A53-S Tornado (2 × 6; 2×4 300mm Upgraded BM-30 Smerch Multiple Rocket Launcher Modules, based on a MZKT-79306).
Tornado-G
A 9K51M Tornado-G
The Tornado-G system seen at right has four rows of 10 launch tubes. Each tube launches one 122mm projectile.[5] The Tornado-G model is aimed at replacing the BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launcher. Currently the sole operator is Russian Ground Forces. A version will be approved for export.[6]
Tornado-G received export permission in June 2018 and Tornado-S with 120km range satellite-guided shells in August 2019.[6][8][9] The three upgraded 122mm Grad high explosive (HE) with fragmentation (HE-Frag), and HE with high-explosive anti-tank (HE/HEAT) rocket variants for the Tornado-G multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) codenamed 9M538, 9M539, and 9M541 have a significant increase in firepower, but with less range.[10] BM-21 Grad systems are being upgraded to the level of new-generation Tornado-G systems.[citation needed]
The Tornado-G entered series production in 2013.[11] The system entered service with the Russian armed forces in 2014.[12]
Tornado-S
The improved Tornado-S 9K515 MLRS, which delivers up to 12 missiles of 300mm diameter, was upgraded with the special GLONASS satellite navigation system used in the BM-30 Smerch missile system. The Tornado-S has guided rocket rounds with a range of 72 miles (120km). The Tornado-S has a longer range and increased effectiveness, due to the use of new warhead payloads and a reduced launch readiness time of just three minutes.[13][14]
The Tornado-S was approved for service in July–August 2016 and started its serial deliveries.[15][16] 20 Tornado-S vehicles ordered in summer 2019.[17] A new order was made in August 2020.[18][19] More missiles ordered in August 2022 and again in August 2023.[20][21]
A 9A52-4 launcher vehicle (right) and 9T234-4 reloading vehicle (left), Perm, RussianExpoArms, 2009.
Janes describes the 9A52-4 Tornado as a lighter variant of the Tornado-S launcher.[25] The 300mm multiple rocket launcher was first unveiled in 2007 as a more strategically and tactically mobile launcher, albeit at the expense of a slight reduction in firepower.
The 9A52-4 Tornado system is based on the chassis of the KamAZ-63501 8×8 military truck, which provides good tactical mobility. It is equipped with a single container with six launcher tubes for 300-mm rockets, which can fire all current Smerch rockets, including HE-FRAG, incendiary, thermobaric, cluster with anti-personnel or anti-tank mines. Cluster rounds may also carry self-targeting anti-tank munitions.
The 800kg standard rocket has a maximum range of 90km. A range and direction correction system provides better accuracy compared to its predecessors. The 9A52-4 can launch rockets singularly, by a partial ripple or by a full salvo, which can cover an area of 32 hectares. A full salvo can be fired within 20 seconds. The 9A52-4 launching vehicle can be reloaded within 8 minutes.
Launcher pods are designed for use with 122mm and 220mm rockets. The weapons system is equipped with an automated laying and fire control system, along with an autonomous satellite navigation and positioning system. Positioning and firing data are exchanged between the launch vehicle and the command vehicle.
A new longer range (possibly 200km) high precision missile 9M544 for the Tornado-S system with HEAT-fragmentation munitions was tested in 2020.[45][46]
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