RM-70
NATO: M1972
Overview
RM-70
RM-70 showing its off road capability.
Source: Adamicz -
© copyright lies with original owner
Slovakia
M1972 (NATO reporting name)
122 RakH 89 (RM-70/85 in Finnish service
RM-70M (alternative name for RM-70/85)
East Germany
Finland
Greece
Libya
Description
Introduction
The RM-70 is a multiple rocket launcher of Czechoslovak origin. It was developed in the late 1960's to replace the old RM-51. The RM-70 uses the same 122mm rockets as used in the Soviet BM-21, which is the world's most common rocket artillery system. Although it is not as cheap and light as the BM-21 the RM-70 is seen as a more capable with its armor, second ammunition load and better off road performance.
Layout
The RM-70 is based on the Tatra T-813 8x8 heavy duty military truck and is fitted with an armored cab and the same 40 round 122mm rocket launcher as used on the Soviet BM-21 Grad. Between the armored cab and the launcher a second load of 40 missiles is stored which can be reloaded much faster than on the BM-21. The later RM-70/85 uses the T-815 chassis and has no armored cab.
Firepower
The RM-70 fires the same spin stabalized 122mm rockets as used in the Soviet BM-21 Grad. A variety of warheads is available, including various Czechoslovak versions. The standard rockets have a range of 20 km and longer range rockets have been developed. The 40 rockets can be ripple fired in 20 seconds. The time in and out of action is 2.5 and 3 minutes respectively.
Protection
The original RM-70 features an armored steel cab that protects the crew from small arms fire and shell splinters. In order to fire at least one crew member must exit the vehicle. An NBC system is fitted, also on the RM-70/85 that has a standard truck cab.
Mobility
The original RM-70 is based on the proven T-813 heavy off road truck. The later RM-70/85 uses the newer T-815 chassis. The 8x8 chassis provides good mobility both on road and off road. The maximum road speed is 75 km/h for the RM-70 and 85 km/h for the RM-70/85.
Users
The RM-70 was widely used in Eastern Europe during the Cold War era. After the Cold War war large quantities became surplus and exports increased. The RM-70 is used all over the world including in Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and South America.
Variants
RM-70
The RM-70 is the first production model and the most common version. The RM-70 is based on the Tatra T-813 military 8x8 truck chassis and is easily identified by its armored forward control cab. The RM-70 can be fitted with a large metal dozer blade for digging fire positions or clearing obstacles. The 40 round 122mm rocket launcher is identical to the one used on the BM-21 Grad.
RM-70/85
The RM-70/85 is a new version of the RM-70 that was introduced in 1985. The original Tatra T-813 chassis is replaced by the newer and more capable similar size T-815 chassis. Instead on an armored cab the original T-815 softskin military truck cab is fitted. The optional dozer blade can still be fitted. The RM-70/85 is also known as the RM-70M, but should not be confused with the Slovakian RM-70/85M which is equipped with a new navigation system and longer range rockets.
Details
Media
RM-70
RM-70 in alternative paint scheme on the move.
Source: www.kvala.ucoz.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
RM-70
Sri Lankan RM-70 with full secondary ammunition load and dozer blade attached.
Source: www.lankadailynews.com
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
RM-70
Original RM-70 fitted with dozer blade which can be used to dig a firing position.
Source: Jozef Kotulic
Copyright: GNU Attribution - Share Alike license
Related articles
BM-21 Grad
The Czechoslovak RM-70 is a domestic and improved variant of the Soviet BM-21 Grad. Both systems use the same launcher and artillery rockets.
RM-70 Modular
The RM-70 Modular is a Slovakian upgrade of existing RM-70 systems.