Valkiri
South African multiple rocket launcher
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Valkiri is a South African self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. It is a 127mm system with a wheeled launcher vehicle, and fire control equipment developed by Armscor.[2] Contemporary models consist of a single launch module with five eight-cell rocket pods on a Unimog or SAMIL-100 carrier. Its mission is to engage in counter-battery strikes against hostile artillery and air defences as far as 36 km (22 mi) away. Other potential warheads include cluster and an anti-tank mine dispenser.[3]
| Valkiri | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin | South Africa |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1972–present[1] |
| Used by | South African National Defence Force |
| Wars | South African Border War Angolan Civil War |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Armscor, Somchem |
| Variants | Bateleur (40 launch tubes) |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6,400 kg (14,080 lbs) |
| Length | 5.35 m (17 ft 7 in) |
| Width | 2.3 m (7 ft 7 in) |
| Height | 2.32 m (7 ft 7 in) |
| Crew | 2 |
| Caliber | 127 mm (5 in) |
| Barrels | 24 |
| Effective firing range | 36 km (22 mi) |
| Filling | HE-Fragmentation 2.68 m (8 ft 10 in) |
| Engine | diesel |
| Suspension | Mercedes Benz Unimog 4×4 truck |
Operational range | 400 km (250 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 90 km/h (56 mph) (road) |
Background
In history, there are many examples of the use of these types of vehicles. In the second world war, its use by Soviet Union became famous: Katyusha rocket launcher or "Stalin's organ".
The system is inspired by the Soviet BM-21 Grad, which was deployed against South African expeditionary forces in Angola during Operation Savannah. Development was completed in 1971.[4] Valkiris played a key role in Operation Alpha Centauri and Operation Moduler during the late 1980s.
South Africa developed its arms industry in the follow-up of the international sanctions against apartheid, which foreclosed its access to the international arms market. The UN voted for voluntary sanctions by 1963 and made these compulsory by 1977.
Variants
- Valkiri-22 Mk 1 (original version): 24 launch tubes mounted on a Unimog light 4x4 truck.
- Valkiri-5 a shortened lighter trailer-mounted version for airborne use. It has 12 launch tubes and uses a shortened version of the 127 mm rocket that has a maximum range of 5500 metres.[5]
Operators
South Africa - South African National Defence Force: 76 in reserve.[6]
