Among the novelties of the military parade in Minsk - a modernized multiple launch rocket system “Hurricane M”
By efforts of OJSC “VOLATAVTO” the combat and transport-loading vehicles of the “Hurricane-M” multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) were modernized. New products with firing range of up to 36 km, which successfully passed firing tests in 2019, are made on the basis of the MAZ-631705 high cross-country chassis with 6x6 wheel arrangement, are equipped with modern means of navigation, communication and guidance process automation of the Belarusian production.
The replacement of the chassis, according to experts, is explained by considerations of economy and ease of operation: two uneconomical gasoline engines with capacity of 180 h.p. are installed on ZIL-135LM.
At the same time, the MAZ–631705–364Р5 vehicle is equipped with 330-horsepower diesel fuel-efficient engine, which allows to drive 1350 km with one refueling. In addition, the cruising range of regular combat vehicle from the “Hurricane” MLRS does not exceed 570 km.
The driving characteristics of the “Hurricane-M” MLRS have also changed for the better: a combat vehicle based on MAZ is capable to move at speed of up to 85 km/h on the highway and can overcome ford with depth of up to 1.5 m, its predecessor based on ZIL - only up to 65 km/h, and force the water barrier with depth of up to 1.3 m. Thus, the passability of the modernized vehicle is much higher than that of the regular one.
The time taken to convert the upgraded combat vehicle from traveling position to combat one comprises 3 minutes, and loading is 15 minutes. The time of changing the firing position after volley will take only 1.5 minutes (excluding the time of movement). All this indicates the high mobility of the advanced MLRS. At an unprepared starting position, the time for preparing a missile strike is 8–10 minutes, which is almost 2 times less than that of regular vehicle.
The 9P140MB combat and 9T452MB transport-loading vehicles of the “Hurricane-M” MLRS were presented for the first time at the 9th MILEX-2019 International Exhibition of Arms and Military Equipment, and on May 9, the upgraded MLRS will go at the military parade at the Minsk Military Parade garrison dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War.
