M-77 Oganj
Overview
M-77 Oganj
M-77 Oganj on display in 2011. Note the M87 heavy machine gun on the cab roof.
Source: Srdan Popovic -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Serbian for "fire"
YMRL-32
NATO reporting name, Yugoslav MRL with 32 tubes
Description
Introduction
The M-77 Oganj is a multiple rocket launch system of Yugoslav origin. It was developed from the late 1960's to the mid 1970's. The name M-77 refers to the year of adoption. The M-77 Oganj can be considered the Yugoslav counterpart to the Soviet BM-21 Grad and Czechoslovak RM-70. Unlike the RM-70 the ammunition is not interchangeable with the BM-21.
Layout
The M-77 Oganj is based on a 6x6 tactical truck and features a 32 barrel launcher at the rear. In a similar fashion as the Czechoslovak RM-70 a second load of 32 rockets are stored between the cab and the launcher. This allows for a fast second salvo in about 3 minutes after the first salvo. The launcher can be covered by tarpaulin, disguising the M-77 Oganj as a regular truck when on the move.
Firepower
The M-77 Oganj fires 128mm caliber artillery rockets. These feature high explosive warheads. Although the caliber is similar to the M-63 Plamen, the rockets are not interchangeable. The M-77 rockets are longer and carry more fuel. This results in a longer range of 20.6 km. For self-defense a 12.7mm M87 heavy machine gun is fitted on top of the cabin.
Mobility
The M-77 Oganj is based on the FAP 2026 6x6 tactical truck. This provides a good all terrain performance. The Mercedes-Benz diesel engine allows for a maximum speed of 80 km/h on roads.
Users
The M-77 Oganj was adopted by the military of Yugoslavia. At least 95 vehicles have been produced. It remains in use with various sucessor states. Serbia offers several types of modernization for the M-77 Oganj. These range from improved ammunition to a modular design that can fire several different kinds of artillery rockets.
Media
M-77 Oganj
Rear view of Serbian army M-77 Oganj in fire position on public display in 2013.
Source: Srdan Popovic
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
M-77 Oganj
M-77 Oganj multiple rocket launcher. Note that the launcher is traversed but the jacks aren't lowered.
Source: Voja1978
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
M-77 Oganj
Left side view of Serbian army M-77 Oganj taking part in a parade in 2016.
Source: Srdan Popovic
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
M-77 Oganj
M-77 Oganj shown in transport configuration. Note the tarpaulin cover that disguises the Oganj as a regular truck.
Source: US DoD
Copyright: Public domain
M-77 Oganj
Top view of M-77 Oganj shown in transport configuration. Note the tarpaulin cover that disguises the Oganj as a regular truck.
Source: Srdan Popovic
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
M-77 Oganj
Serbian army M-77 Oganj taking part in a parade in 2016.
Source: Srdan Popovic
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
M-77 Oganj
Serbian army M-77 Oganj on display after a military exercise in 2011.
Source: Srdan Popovic
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Details
Related articles
BM-21 Grad
The Oganj is easily mistaken for a derivative of the BM-21 Grad. Both systems fulfill a similar role, but the Oganj is of different caliber and design.