Czechoslovakian self-propelled multiple launch rocket system on a wheeled chassis. It is designed to destroy a variety of targets dispersed over a large area. It is quick-firing and maneuverable, but has insufficient range for the conditions of modern warfare. It is in service with the armies of 21 countries. It was used in eight local conflicts. It has been manufactured and modified since 1972.
The history of the RM-70
The development of a full-fledged replacement for the RM-51 MLRS (the Czechoslovak version of the Grad system) began in the 60s of the XX century. By 1970, the design was completed and the first prototype appeared. A year later, state tests ended, the car was adopted and assigned the RM-70 index, and then mass production began. Responsibility for the production of launchers was assigned to the ZTS plant in Dubnica nad Vagom, and the chassis was provided by the truck manufacturer Tatra from Koprzywnica.
Interesting facts: this MLRS in the NATO classification received the designation M1972. The authentic name of Raketomet vzor 1970 ("Rocket launcher of the 1970 model"). The installation was first presented to the masses at a military parade in Czechoslovakia, which was timed to coincide with the completion of the large-scale exercises "Shield-72". This machine became one of the first carriers of the shell loader, which allows you to recharge the launcher after a salvo in two minutes.
Characteristics and advantages of RM-70
The RM-70 is a synthesis of the BM-21 artillery unit and the chassis of the Tatra-T813 four-axle truck. It is equipped with a 12-cylinder T-930-30 diesel engine with a capacity of 250 hp at 1200 rpm. It allows the car to reach speeds of up to 85 km/h on the highway. A five-speed transmission and speed synchronization are provided. The suspension of all wheels is independent, made according to the principle of a "swinging half-axle". Thanks to the use of longitudinal springs, it was possible to simplify the design and increase its maintainability.
The length of the hull is 8.8 m, width is 2.5 m, and height is 2.9 m. The combat weight is 33.7 tons. The high throughput of the installation is ensured by the use of low-pressure tires and a centralized air control system. The machine can overcome climbs up to 30 °, obstacles with a height of 600 mm and one and a half meter ditches. It is capable of crossing fords up to 1.4 m deep without prior preparation. The combat crew consists of four people and is located in an armored cabin that protects it from bullets and shrapnel.
The artillery part of the MLRS consists of 40 tubular guides and a pivoting device with a manual guidance system. The launcher is located at the rear of the car. An armored cabin and a power plant with transmission units are placed in the front part. It is possible to fire in single mode or in a volley. The fire control system was copied from the Grad MLRS. The installation is adapted to the use of 122 mm unguided rockets, which ensure the destruction of targets at a distance of up to 20 km.
Soviet high-explosive fragmentation ammunition M-21OF (9M22 and M28) or locally produced models – JROF, JROF-K, Trnovnik, Ku, Krizhna-R. are used. They ensure the destruction of targets on an area of up to 30 square kilometers. It is also possible to use all modern ammunition developed by Russia for the BM-21 MLRS. The car is equipped with a radio station, fire extinguishing equipment and protection from the effects of weapons of mass destruction. The crew's self-defense is provided with a 7.62 mm machine gun.
A snowplow (SSP) or bulldozer blade (BZ-T) can be installed in the nose of the machine. These devices are used to prepare a firing position or remove obstacles from the road. A full volley is fired in 20 seconds. The deployment time of MLRS on the battlefield is no more than two minutes. The same amount is required to change positions after firing. In addition, the car is equipped with a winch that allows you to successfully overcome off-road conditions and get out of large pits.
The history of the subsequent development of RM-70
In 1983, the first modification of the RM-70/85 MLRS appeared, made on the Tatra T815 VPR9 platform. It features a more powerful T3-930-51 engine (265 hp) and a reduced combat weight to 26.1 tons. A little later, an upgraded RM-70/85M installation was released with a new SLA, navigation system and an expanded range of ammunition, which increased the firing distance to 36 km. A total of 50 such complexes were produced.
At the end of 2000, a joint Slovak-German project was launched to modernize the basic MLRS models. The launcher was adapted for the use of 227 mm shells (28 pcs.) and ammunition for MLRS M270 (6 pcs.). Five years later, 26 such machines were produced. In addition, this platform was used by Technopol International J.S.C. to develop the Vz.92 Krian VMZ prototype minelayer.
In 2015, the latest modification of the RM-70 Vampir system appeared on the Tatra T-815-7 platform with a T3C V8 powerplant. Two years later, it was first introduced by the Czech company Excalibur Army to the Greek army. The MLRS received an automated fire control system (FMS), which provided the ability to aim the launcher from the cockpit. This car has become even more maneuverable, as it can reach speeds of up to 90 km / h on the highway.
The spread of RM-70 in the world
During the existence of the ATS, RM-70 MLRS were actively supplied to the GDR. By 1989, East Germany had 265 installations. Subsequently, 158 of them were sold to Greece, and 36 to Finland. The rest have been decommissioned. After the collapse of Czechoslovakia, the Czech Republic had 60 cars left, but in 2011 they were decommissioned. Slovakia still uses 30 installations of various modifications. Libya received 36 copies in 1982, and Bulgaria received 12 units in 2009.
An unspecified number of RM-70s were spotted at one of Algeria's military bases in the early 1980s. 40 copies are registered in the Angolan armed forces. Azerbaijan acquired 18 "Vampires", and Cambodia – 70 installations of the basic version. Several cars were delivered to the Congo. Ecuador and Uganda received six units each. Finland has 34 installations in service. The Georgian army has 18 copies, and 108 MLRS of this model ensure the security of Greece.
The Indonesian Marine Corps operates 17 RM-70 of various modifications. Seven units were sold to Nigeria and 29 to Poland. An unknown quantity was purchased by North Korea with the help of intermediaries. Rwanda uses five installations. 22 cars were sent to Sri Lanka, and 60 to Zimbabwe. After the start of its military operation, Ukraine received 20 RM-70 from the Czech Republic. In addition, Turkmenistan, Uruguay and the Saharan Republic are the operators of this system.
Modern use and combat use of the RM-70
These vehicles first entered combat as part of the conflict in Western Sahara in the early 1980s. They were used by the Georgian army during the 2008 war in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. They were used to suppress the Unita movement in Angola and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka. They were involved by government forces during the first Libyan Civil War. They took part in the war in Afghanistan, the suppression of insurgents in the Congo, the civil war in Yemen, as well as in the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and its.
Interesting facts: this system is presented in the computer games of the series "Confrontation", as well as in the projects ArmA 2: ACR, People Playground. The Czech company PanzerShop and the Polish YK 3D Home produce prefabricated RM-70 models in 1/35 scale. The American brand World War III: Team Yankee offers miniatures made in 1/100 scale. One decommissioned copy of the MLRS is in the collection of a private museum on the demarcation line in Rokitsani.
In April 2022, the Czech Republic transferred 20 RM-70 MLRS to Ukraine and organized the training of crews recruited from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These installations were used to attack the positions of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, as well as the shelling of Belgorod. But due to the limited firing range, they have become a convenient target for Russian artillery and aviation.
The first "Vampire" was destroyed in March 2023 in the Avdiivka area with the help of a kamikaze drone "Lancet". In July, another installation and several American vehicles were hit in the Donetsk direction. It was also reported that one RM-70 was destroyed directly near Donetsk in December. A month later, three cars were eliminated in the Kupyansk direction. The gradual reduction of their number, as well as their dispersion along the entire front line, do not allow these installations to have a significant impact on the course of hostilities.
Conclusion
The time of the RM-70 has already passed, and the SVO has allowed the Czech Republic to profitably get rid of outdated weapons. The shells of this MLRS are intercepted by modern air defense systems, and the vehicles themselves are extremely vulnerable to Russian drones. One of the few advantages of this system is compatibility with existing Grad ammunition, which is why there is no shortage of shells. However, the machine has insufficient combat range and can only be used for a limited time.
