major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt) (02/13/91)
From: bcstec!shuksan!major@uunet.UU.NET (Mike Schmitt)
Soviet BM-21 Multiple Rocket Launcer - in Iraqi inventory
The BM-21 is the standard artillery rocket launcher of the Soviet Forces,
and I suspect, the Iraqi forces also for direct support of ground forces.
It consists of a launching rack with a bank of 40 x 122mm rockets mounted
on a URAL-375 wheeled truck, has a crew of 6 and takes 10 minutes to
reload.
The fin-stabilized rocket has a maximum range of 20,500 meters and can
be fired singly or in salvos (ripple fire). Each rocket carries an HE
warhead of 19.35kg. There are 6 launchers in a battery, 18 launchers in
an MRL battalion. The BM-21 is usually deployed in batteries supporting
regiments - all 40 rockets can be fired in less than 30 seconds.
(that's 240 incoming rounds on your position!). If a battalion
were to fire at you - that's 720 incoming rounds - in one salvo!!)
Wheeled vehicles like roads and have limited off-road manueverability.
A lateral road network is required for relocation and resupply.
Soviets (ergo Iraqis) like to line up their batteries hub-to-hub in
an open field behind a hill.
The problem with the BM-21 is resupply. Each launcher has one truck
and trailer carrying an extra 80 rockets. In addition, the MRL battalion
has 18 more trucks and trailers carrying 80 rockets each. All their
ammunition could be expended within 45 minutes if firing flat out.
Then the battalion would have to be totally resupplied - 45 truck and
trailer loads of new rockets. Now THAT's a target!
mike schmitt