LAROM 160mm MLRS

Multiple Launch Rocket System on 6x6 truck chassis Romania

LAROM 160mm MLRS Multipl Launch Rocket System on 6x6 truck chassis Romania army 925 001

Description

The LAROM 160 mm multiple launch rocket system was jointly developed by Aerostar of Romania and Israel Military Industries (IMI) to meet requirements of Romanian MoD. It is an upgrade of the APRA-40, which is indigenously improved variant of the Soviet BM-21 Grad. The LAROM was revealed in 2000. This multiple launch rocket system was accepted to service with Romanian Army in 2002. Currently there are 54 LAROM MLRS in service with the Romanian army.

Variants:

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Technical Data

Armament
The LAROM 160 mm MLRS is equipped with two launch pod containers. Each container holds 13 LAR Mk IV rockets or 20 GRAD rockets. It can fire standard 122 mm rockets, as well as and advanced 160 mm rocket, with a firing range between 20 and 45 km. During firing operations, four hydraulic stabilisers are lowered to the ground to provide a more stable firing platform. These are positioned two either side. The first is positioned to the rear of the cab and the second at the very rear of the chassis.
Rockets
The LAR Mk IV 160mm rockets employ composite solid propellants. The rocket is spin-stabilizing in flight via wraparound stabilizing fins deployed upon rocket exiting launcher. The Mk IV rocket is capable of taking various warheads and commonly fitted with either a HE-COFRAM type or a cluster warhead. The cluster warhead operates by a remotely-set electronic time-fuse which opens the bomblet canister at the calculated height to give area coverage of about 31,400 m2 for each cluster warhead. The LAR Mk IV has a minimum range of 10 km and maximum range of 45 km and can be fired in salvos of up to 1 round/1,8 seconds. A single LAROM 160 mm can fire 26 LAR Mk.4 rockets in 45 seconds. Each LAR disperses 104 clusters in a circular 200 m diameter. One rocket can be fired evry 1.8 second. The system takes 5 minutes to come into action and 3 minutes to come out of action.
Design and protection
The LAROM MLRS is based on a military 6x6 truck chassis with a crew cab at the front that accommodates the launch preparation and firing control equipment. The rocket launcher pods are located at the rear of the truck chassis. It has a crew of five including driver and commander. Operator can launch rockets from the truck cabin or from a remote-control unit connected to the vehicle via a 50 m cable. The latest version of the LAROM is equipped with an armor cab, which provides protection against shell splinters. Before the rockets are launched, shutters are positioned over the windows of the cab to protect its windows from the blast.
Mobility
The LAROM 160mm MLRS is based on a Romanian-made DAC 665T 6x6 military truck chassis. The truck is powerd by a D-2156 HMN 8 6-cylinder Diesel engine developing 215 hp. at 2,200 rpm. It can run at a maximum road speed of 85 km/ with a maximum autonomy of 1,000 km.The latest version of the LAROM is equipped with an armor cab, which provides protection against shell splinters.
Accessories
The LAROM 160mm MLRS incorporates an advanced Artillery Command and Control System (ACCS), supporting all artillery units and types of ammunition. LAROM allows long-range fire capabilities to be maintained within the existing infrastructure of the GRAD units. The LAROM 160 mm is equipped with a modern command and fire control system by using tactical computers with automatic data processing. Latest version of the LAROM The LAROM 160 has an automated FCS with Elbit computers being integrated into the launcher and in the Fire-Control Unit (FCU) which is installed in the fully enclosed forward control cab.

Specifications

Armament Armor
26 LAR Mk IV rockets or 40 BM-21 GRAD rockets. Crew cab protected against artillery shell splinters
Country users Weight Truck
Romania 13,700 kg
Designer Country Range Rocket
Romania 45 km maximum 
Accessories Rocket caliber
Computerized firing control system 160mm
Crew Dimensions truck
5 Length: 7.35 m; Width: 2.4 m; Height: 3.1 m

Details View

LAROM 160mm MLRS Multipl Launch Rocket System on 6x6 truck chassis Romania army front view 002 LAROM 160mm MLRS Multipl Launch Rocket System on 6x6 truck chassis Romania army rear view 002
LAROM 160mm MLRS Multipl Launch Rocket System on 6x6 truck chassis Romania army left side view 002
LAROM 160mm MLRS Multipl Launch Rocket System on 6x6 truck chassis Romania army right side view 002

Pictures - Video