Valkiri
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The Valkiri is a South African self-propelled multiple rocket launcher. It is a 127mm system with a wheeled launcher vehicle, disposable pods, and fire control equipment developed by Denel Land Systems.[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 22 km (13 mi) away. A full salvo of 40 127mm ripple fired projectiles with the HE submunition warhead will saturate a 1,500 m2 area with 388,000 anti-personnel bomblets in less than a minute.[3] Other potential warheads include cluster and an anti-tank mine dispenser.[4]
The system is based on the Soviet BM-21 Grad, which was deployed against South African expeditionary forces in Angola during Operation Savannah. Development was completed in 1981.[5] Valkiri's also played a key role in slowing the FAPLA advance in the 1987 Battle of Cuito Cuanavale.[6]
Variants
- Valkiri-22 Mk 1 (original version): 24 launch tubes mounted on a Unimog light 4x4 truck.
- Bateleur (current version): 40 launch tubes mounted on an armoured Samil 100 6x6 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.[7]
Operators
South Africa - South African National Defence Force: 76 in reserve.[8]
References
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Fact file: Denel FV2 Bateleur Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
- ↑ Bateleur
- ↑ Monick, S. The Forging of a Strike Force (Part I): Central themes in the history of the South African Army 1980-1990. Scientia Militaria, 1993, Volume 23 Issue 3 p. 364-377.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
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