Vilkha

Vilkha (Ukrainian: «Вільха», "Alder tree") is a Ukrainian heavy multiple rocket launcher that fires guided missiles. Designed by the Luch Design Bureau, it was based on the BM-30 Smerch rocket launch system and developed in the 2010s. Vilkha entered service in the Ukrainian armed forces in 2018.[1]

Vilkha
Vilkha in the Kyiv Independence Day Parade, 2018
Place of originUkraine
Service history
In serviceFrom 2018
Used byUkrainian Ground Forces
Wars2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Specifications
Mass33 tons
Width3.05m

Operational use

The Vilkha was developed in the 2010s, based on the 1980s BM-30 Smerch. It entered service in 2018 with the Ukrainian Army. It uses two legs to stabilize the truck during firing. It has a crew of four and can fire all twelve missiles in 45 seconds. The claimed truck speed is 100 km/h using a turbocharged diesel YaMZ-7511.10 engine. The rockets that it fires are claimed to have micromotors that boost the range of the rocket and also keep it stable in flight. It has an automatic and manual fire control system.[2]

The Vilkha has been seen being used by Ukrainian Ground Forces during the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine.[3]

Specifications

Rocket

  • Caliber: 300 mm
  • Maximum range: 70 km Vilkha, 130 km Vilkha-M, 141 km Vilkha-M2 (currently in development)
  • Accuracy: CEP 10-30 m (depending on range)
  • Warhead weight: 250 kg Vilkha, 170 kg Vilkha-M/M2
  • Guidance: Unspecified but not reliant on GPS.[2]

Operators

See also

References
  1. "Novel Capabilities : Ukraine's Vilkha MRL". Oryx. 2021-05-10. Retrieved 2022-03-05.
  2. "Ukraine fires Vilkha missiles with momentum-increasing micromotors". BulgarianMilitary.com. 22 July 2022.
  3. "Ukrainian military already carry out about 50 precision strikes with Vilkha missile systems". 3 March 2022.
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