RBU-6000 Smerch-2
RPK-8
Overview
RBU-6000
RBU-6000 Smerch-2 launcher on Udaloy class destroyer.
Source: Hunini -
© GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Russia
Russian for "reactive charge installation"
Smerch
Russian for "waterspout"
RPK-8 (variant with 90R rocket)
India
Description
Introduction
The RBU-6000 Smerch-2 is a naval anti-submarine warfare rocket depth charge system of Soviet origin. It was developed in the 1950's and remains in widespread use today. The RBU-6000 proved to be a major upgrade over the rudimentary designs of World War 2 and early post war designs.
Design
The visible element of the RBU-6000 is the distinctive pedestal mounted 12-tube launcher. This remote controlled launcher is fed from a below deck magazine using a hoist system. The launcher is controlled by a fire control system that uses sonar input. Older fixed mounting launchers required the entire ship to be steered in order to aim. The RBU-6000 can rotate and elevate, and is stabilized for both pitch and roll.
Firepower
The RBU-6000 uses the RGB-60 rocket powered depth charge. This is a lightweight unguided depth charge with impact fuse and 25 kg high explosive warhead. In the mid 1960's a proximity fuse option was introduced. Upon explosion nearby depth charges are triggered, adding to the concussive effect. The more recent RPK-8 upgrade uses a smart 90R self-guiding depth charge with shaped charge warhead capable of penetrating double hull submarines. Unlike the RBU-6000 the RPK-8 can also be used in a torpedo defense role.
Fire control
The RBU-6000 is operated using the Burya fire control system, which is also used in conjunction with the RBU-1000 Smerch-3. Sonar input is used to plot a firing solution. The operator selects a ripple of 1 to 12 rockets to be fired. The unmanned 12-tube launchers are unmanned and stabilized for pitch and roll. Various types of sonar systems can be used. These range from simple systems for use on corvettes to advanced sonar suites used on dedicated anti-submarine warfare destroyers.
Platforms
The RBU-6000 is the most common type of rocket depth charge systems for blue water use. The RBU-6000 was installed on many Soviet corvettes, frigates, destroyers and cruisers introduced since the early 1960's and it remains in Russian service today. Many of these systems were exported, both on ships built in the Soviet Union and integrated on local designs.
Factsheet
Media
RBU-6000
Two RBU-6000 Smerch 2 Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers of the INS Kadmatt, a Kamorta class Corvette of the Indian Navy
Source: Rhk111
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
RBU-6000
Russian navy Kalmykiya firing RBU-6000 in Baltiysk in 2015.
Source: mil.ru
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
RBU-6000
RBU-6000 Smerch-2 launcher on Russian navy Udaloy class destroyer.
Source: Hunini
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
RBU-6000
RBU-6000 system launching a RGB-60 anti-submarine depth charge.
Source: Unknown author
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
RBU-6000
RBU-6000 launcher on Indian navy INS Trikand.
Source: Brian Burnell
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
RBU-6000
RBU-6000 launcher on display in a German museum.
Source: Werner Willmann
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
RBU-6000
RBU-6000 launcher on display in a German museum.
Source: Werner Willmann
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Ammunition types
Related articles
RBU-2500 Smerch
The RBU-6000 is the more capable successor to the RBU-2500. The RBU-6000 has twice the range, an improved fire control system and does not have to be manually reloaded on deck.
RBU-1000 Smerch-3
The RBU-1000 is derived from the RBU-6000 design. It fires much larger rockets at much shorter ranges. The fire control, launcher and reloading mechanism are very similar to the RBU-6000.