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ASTROS II



Overview


AV-LMU

A Saudi Arabian AV-LMU launching a 127mm SS-30 rocket.
Source: US DOD (Tech. Sgt. H.H. Deffner) - © public domain

Origin
Brazil
Type
Multiple rocket launcher
Entered service
1980's
Status
In service
Development
Early 1980's
Developer
Brazil - Avibrás
Production
Early 1980's - late 1990's, but still available
Producer
Brazil - Avibrás
Number produced
At least 168
Designations
Sajeel 60 (Iraqi designation)
Notable users
Brazil
Indonesia
Iraq

Description


Introduction

The ASTROS II is a multiple rocket launcher of Brazilian origin. It was developed in the early 1980's by Avibrás for Brazilian and export use. The ASTROS II design is unique as it was the first system to offer multiple types of artillery rockets from the same launch system. The name ASTROS is short for "Artillery SaTuration Rocket System".

Design

The ASTROS II is based on the TECTRAN family of armored 10 t trucks. The launch vehicle has a launch installation on the flatbed which is reloaded with four boxes that may feature various kinds of rocket types. Four jacks stabilize the vehicle in the launch position. The target coordinates are relayed from the command vehicle and the fire mission is carried out from within the vehicle.

Firepower

The ASTROS II launch vehicle may carry 32 127mm rockers, 16 180mm rockets and 4 300mm rockets. The maximum range of the 127mm rockets is 30 km while the longest range 300mm rocket may reach up to 90 km. The small 127mm rockets have a unitary warhead while all other models feature 20 to 65 dual purpose anti-personnel and anti-tank bomblets. A 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is mounted on the roof for self-defense.

Protection

The TECTRAN trucks feature an armored cab that protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. The vehicle is operated from under armor protection. Six smoke grenade launchers are fitted on the roof ring mount. The presence of a NBC system is likely. The ability to shoot and move away quickly reduces the risk of counter battery fire.

Mobility

The ASTROS II is a highly mobile system with high speeds on road. The 6x6 chassis provides a good cross country performance. A Mercedes 280 hp diesel engine provides propulsion.

Users

The first user of the ASTROS II was Brazil. The majority of the ASTROS II systems were exported, mainly to the Middle East. The ASTROS II was extensively used by Iraq during the Iran-Iraq war and by Iraq and Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Gulf War. The ASTROS II remains available for production.

System composition


The ASTROS II system consists of several vehicles which are all based on the TECTRAN VBT-2028 6x6 10 t truck chassis. Usually a battery consists of 6 launchers, 6 transloaders and a radar vehicle. Other variations include 4 launchers, 2 transloaders and a radar vehicle.

AV-UCF

AV-UCF battery command vehicle with Fieldguard radar.
Source: US DOD (Tech. Sgt. H.H. Deffner) - © public domain

ASTROS vehicle types

AV-LMU
The AV-LMU is the launch vehicle that carries and launches all types of ASTROS rockets. The launch vehicle may carry 32 SS-30, 16 SS-40 or 4 SS-60 and SS-80 missiles.
AV-RMD
The AV-RMD is a transloader that carries two full loads for the AV-LMU on its flatbed and uses a hydraulic crane for reloading.
AV-UCF
The AV-UCF is a radar fire control vehicle which may be used to track and adjust the ASTROS rockets and identify enemy launch positions. The radar system used is the Contraves Fieldguard system.
AV-VCC
The AV-VCC is a command and control vehicle with a shelter body. It can be used to command several batteries.
AV-MET
The AV-MET is a mobile weather station that provides atmospheric data to improve the targeting process.
AV-VBA
The AV-VBA is the maintainance vehicle of the ASTROS system. As with the AV-VCC it is not present in every battery.
AV-CBO
The AV-CBO is a radar vehicle to search for ships and provide targeting data for the ASTROS in the anti-shipping role. Only Brazil uses this vehicle.

Artillery rockets


ASTROS

The ASTROS II system is able to use four kinds of spin stabilized artillery rockets. The rockets are carried in long square reloading boxes of which four are carried on the launch vehicle and eight on the transloader. The rockets have the same sleek design with wrap around folding rear fins and only differ in size. The available warheads include high explosive, incendiary white phosfor, concrete piercing, mixed bomblets, AP and AT mines.

Details


Facts AV-LMU
General
Origin
Brazil
Type
Multiple rocket launcher
Crew
3
Dimensions
Weight
20 t combat load
Length
7 m
Width
2.9 m
Height
2.6 m
Main armament
Type
ASTROS launcher on flatbed
Ammunition
4 reloading boxes with 1 to 8 rockets each, all ready to fire
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun
Mount
Pintle mount on cabin roof
Ammunition
100 rounds ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Chassis
Chassis type
Wheeled chassis, 6x6
Automotive
Engine model
Mercedes OM442
Engine type
8-cylinder diesel
Power output
280 hp
Fuel
250 L
Mobility
Speed
90 km/h on road
35 km/h cross country
Range
480 km
Power to weight ratio
14.0 hp/t
Obstacle crossing
Wall
1 m
Trench
2.3 m
Gradient
60 %
Slope
20 %
Fording
1.1 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
About 7 mm
Smoke system
6x smoke grena

Media