KAMAZ Tornado-G

History of KAMAZ Tornado-G

The KAMAZ Tornado-G is a mobile, self-propelled, wheeled Multiple Launch Missile System (MLRS) developed by local Russian industry for the Russian Army. It was used to follow the aging route of the Cold War-era BM-21 "Grad" MLRS (detailed elsewhere on this site) on the same battlefield.

It is believed that there are currently (2018) more than 150 systems in service with the Russian Army.

The name "Tornado" is used to cover a range of related rocket launchers in Russian inventory, including the "Tornado-U" and "Tornado-S" models - which function slightly differently on the battlefield than their rocket launches ability.

Model G uses a proven six-wheel truck arrangement (KAMAZ or Ural-4320 model) with the engine and cab at the front and the chassis part at the rear of the chassis. At the rear is the 122mm rocket launcher package on a removable/lifting stand for a true 360 ??degree shooting range.

This makes tactical sense as the truck does not have to face the direction of fire at any point during the operation. Launcher components come in two different forms - a 1x40 version and a 2x15 version.

The chassis is based on a 6x6 wheel arrangement with a steerable axle at the front and two fixed axles at the rear, which carry most of the weight of the rocket launcher assembly. Ground clearance is excellent, and the chassis is designed for off-road mobility.

However, protection is very low, as these weapon systems are not suitable for direct combat use on the front lines.

Tornado-G fires 9M538, 9M539 and 9M541 missiles and can carry a variety of warhead types including High Explosive (HE-FRAG), Anti-personnel (AP) and more. The launch system is simplified to the point that the missile leaves the launch unit in seconds, and rearmament takes place in a fraction of the time (supported by the supplied resupply vehicle).

Combined with the inherent mobility of a 6x6 powered vehicle, the Tornado-G is an all-in-one long-range combat solution.

Mass production started in 2013, and an export license was obtained in 2018.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Performance

Performance

Armor

1 x 40 or 2 x 15 122mm rockets.

Changes