Tornado-G Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)

Tornado-G is an upgraded version of the BM-21 Grad Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Image courtesy of Vitaly V Kuzmin.

The Tornado-G weapon system is designed and developed by SPLAV Scientific Production Enterprise. Image courtesy of Vitaly V Kuzmin.

The Tornado-G MLRS will replace the existing Grad rocket launch systems currently operational with the Russian Armed Forces. Image courtesy of Vitaly V Kuzmin.

The Ural-4320 6x6 wheeled truck is used as the launch vehicle to carry the Tornado-G weapon system. Image courtesy of Vitaly V Kuzmin.

The Tornado-G multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is designed and manufactured by SPLAV Scientific Production Enterprise, a company based in Russia. It is an upgraded variant of the BM-21 Grad MLRS.

The new rocket system is intended for use by the armed forces of Russia and foreign countries. Meant to replace the age-old BM-21 Grad launch system, the new MLRS will provide improved tactical capabilities over its predecessor.

The Tornado-G rocket system is designed to destroy enemy fortifications and artillery systems with a high degree of precision. Equipped with automated targeting and navigation systems, the MLRS offers superior target engagement capabilities.

The Tornado-G was demonstrated during the ARMY 2018 international defence exhibitions held in August 2018 in Kubinka, Russia. It also took part in the Victory Day Parade 2018 held in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in May 2018.

SPLAV rolled out an upgraded version of rockets with enhanced warhead capabilities to be used on Tornado-G MLRS in August 2018.

Tornado-G orders and deliveries

SPLAV received a contract from the Russian Armed Forces for the development of 36 units of the Tornado-G multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) in 2011. Deliveries of the rocket systems began in 2014.

The weapon system underwent a number of tests and successfully completed official testing by the Russian Armed Forces in January 2017.

Tornado-G weapon system design and features

The Tornado-G multiple launch rocket system is mounted on the rear of Ural-4320 6×6 truck.

The design configuration of the MLRS enables it to carry and launch a wide range of fire-support rockets.

The weapon module is rectangular in shape and has the capacity to accommodate 40 launcher tubes, which can carry 122mm-calibre rockets weighing 70kg each. The rockets can carry a 40kg warhead, which is capable of penetrating through rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) with a thickness of 60mm to 100mm.

The weapon system can be turned away from the crew cabin in firing position to improve crew safety.

The vehicle is equipped with two doors on either side of the crew cabin and a large windshield at the front. The crew cabin of the vehicle houses the firing and the launch equipment.

The MLRS is 7.35m long, 2.5m wide, 3.1m high, and weighs approximately 14t.

Tornado-G multiple launch rocket system performance

The weapon system is capable of firing all artillery rockets simultaneously within a duration of 20 seconds.

The artillery rockets carried by the escorting truck are reloaded manually by the onboard crew into the weapon system within seven minutes.

Tornado-G MLRS can destroy the targets within its firing range of 30km to 40km.

Tornado-G MLRS launch vehicle propulsion and performance

The launch vehicle of the Tornado-G weapon system is powered by a turbocharged YaMZ-238M2 diesel engine, which is rated at 240hp.

The vehicle has a maximum road speed of 85km/h and can travel up to a maximum range of 650km without any supplies.

It is equipped with an advanced central tyre inflation system (CTIS), which enhances the mobility and off-road performance of the vehicle.

The vehicle has the capability to negotiate grades and side slopes of approximately 60% and 40% respectively. It can overcome trenches with a depth of up to 1.2m and can ford water obstacles with a depth of roughly 1.75m.

The launcher vehicle can also immediately move away from its location to avoid counter fire from enemy artillery.