Ukraine unveils its new Vilkha 300mm MLRS rocket launcher at MSPO 2022 Poland
Ukrainian defense industry unveils the latest version of its VILKHA 300mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) based on a new 8×8 truck chassis using the launcher unit of the Soviet-made BM-30 Smerch 300mm rocket launchers and able to launch new guided rockets at a range of up 110 km. Citing Ukrainian defense industry sources, the new Vilkha is now deployed by the Ukrainian army to fight the Russian army.
The first version of the Vilkha 300mm MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) was based on the Soviet-made BM-30 rocket launcher using the same truck chassis and the launcher pod consisting of three rows of four tube launchers.
At MSPO 2022, a defense exhibition that was held in Poland, the Ukrainian defense industry presented a scale model of the latest version of its Vilkha rocket launcher but now based on a new 8×8 military truck chassis with the launcher pod of a BM-30 Smerch protected by armored plates in road configuration. During the firing operations, the armored plates are deployed on each side of the vehicle.
The VILKHA rocket launcher is designed to destroy armored, lightly armored and unarmored vehicles, enemy manpower, command posts, communication centers, military-industrial facilities, above ground facilities used for storage, and other targets at long distances.
The VILKHA is able to launch new guided rockets at a firing range of up to 110 km. The main feature of the new Vilkha guided rocket is that at the initial part of the trajectory a rocket projectile flight correction is provided with the help of pulse engines that reduce to minimum rocket projectile fly deviation from the preset trajectory. In the final part, the rocket projectile is aimed at the target by an inertial and satellite navigation system using aerodynamic control surfaces. The Vilkha also ensures forming of individual flight tasks for each rocket projectile that makes it possible to defeat several targets by one salvo.
The VILKHA guided rocket has a length of 7.6 m, a caliber of 300mm, and a weight of 923 kg. The rocket launcher system is able to fire the first rocket in less than 3 minutes and can fire a full salvo of 12 rockets in 40 seconds.
