Ukraine Unveils New 300mm VILKHA MLRS |
International Military - The Ukrainian defense industry introduced the latest version of the VILKHA 300 mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) based on the 8X8 truck chassis. The system was developed by the Luch design bureau. The VILKHA 300 mm MLRS scale model with a new look was brought to the MSPO 2022 international defense exhibition held in Kielce Poland.
The new VILKHA system carries a Soviet-era BM-30 Smerch 300 mm rocket launcher unit consisting of three top and bottom rows of four tubes (12 in total).
Compared to the earlier generation VILKHA, it is capable of firing new guided rockets at high speed with a maximum range of up to 110 km.
The main feature of the new VILKHA new guided rocket is that at the beginning of the trajectory, there is a flight correction of the rocket projectile which can reduce flight deviation to a minimum from the predetermined trajectory. At the end, the rocket projectiles are aimed at the target with the help of an inertial navigation system and precision satellites.
Successful test-launch of modernized Ukrainian-made #Vilkha-R rocket in south Odesa Oblast. While based on the Smerch multiple rocket launch system, the weapon is a much more accurate guided missile that can hit targets up to 70km away. A variant, Vilkha-M, has a range of 130km. https://t.co/B4xOPvoLAs
— Euan MacDonald (@Euan_MacDonald) June 13, 2019
The VILKHA guided rocket has dimensions of a total length of 7.6 m, caliber of 300 mm, and a weight of 923 kg. The system is capable of firing the first rocket in less than 3 minutes and can fire a full 12 rocket salvo in 40 seconds.
VILKHA is designed to destroy armored vehicle groups, command posts, communication centers, military industrial facilities, aircraft on runways, fuel depots and other strategic targets from a distance.
Citing Ukrainian defense industry sources, the first-generation VILKHA has served for the Ukrainian military since 2018 and has been used against the Russian invasion of the country.