A Saudi Arabian AV-LMU launching a 127mm SS-30 rocket.
Source: US DOD (Tech. Sgt. H.H. Deffner) -
© public domain
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 battery command vehicle with Fieldguard radar.
Source: US DOD (Tech. Sgt. H.H. Deffner) -
© public domain
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.
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