Tornado-G (multiple launch rocket system)

2023: Russian MLRS Tornado-G receives new guided ultra-long-range missiles

Innovative shells for the Russian multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) 9K51M Tornado-G began to enter service with the Russian army. This was reported on February 13, 2023 by Izvestia, citing sources in the Russian Defense Ministry.

The main feature of the new 122 mm guided and unguided ammunition was the firing range - it was radically increased compared to 40 km, which provided the previous ammunition for the Tornado-G.

Combat shooting at the targets of the Armed Forces of Ukraine from the Tornado-G multiple launch rocket system of the Russian Armed Forces in the southern sector of a special military operation

We are talking about the modernization of the shell body with folding subplanning elements, which radically increases the range of destruction and the area of ​ ​ destruction without redirecting the guides.

The developer essentially added "wings" to the standard ammunition, as they did with planning bombs, suggested military expert Dmitry Boltenkov. Now the task of fire work on operational rear is being facilitated, the specialist noted and predicted huge problems for the air defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Now it will be possible to strike at the entire operational depth, at the rear... Considering that Tornado-G releases 40 shells in 20 seconds, not a single modern air defense system is able to repel the strike of even a single installation, "Boltenkov emphasized.

He added that 122-mm shells are capable of destroying lightly armored equipment, field fortifications, facilities of important infrastructure and suppressing enemy artillery.

The main difference between Tornado-G and its predecessor, Grad, was a much more advanced fire control system. The new MLRS has satellite navigation, a Baget-41 onboard computer and communication equipment. All 40 rocket guides have equipment installed that allows each ammunition to be programmed before firing. As a result, aiming and the calculations necessary for firing are carried out much faster than on the City. Due to the simplified control of the combat vehicle, the crew was reduced from three to two people.

The system itself has also become more accurate. Guides for missiles received a shield that protects them from the hot gases of flying ammunition and gives more rigidity to the structure. This improved firing accuracy and reduced dispersion over long distances.^[1]

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