T-122 Sakarya

The T-122 Sakarya is a Turkish multiple launch rocket system developed by ROKETSAN.

T-122 Sakarya multiple rocket launcher
T-122 Sakarya
TypeSelf-propelled multiple rocket launcher
Place of originTurkey
Service history
In service1997–present
Used byTurkish Army
WarsSyrian Civil War
2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war
Production history
DesignerROKETSAN
Designed1990's
ManufacturerROKETSAN
Produced1995 (prototype)
Specifications
Mass22.2 tonnes
Length9.20 m (30 ft 2 in)
Width2.5 m (8 ft 2 in)
Height3.1 m (10 ft 2 in)
Crew5
Caliber122.4 mm (4.8 in)
Barrels40
Maximum firing range40 km (25 mi)[1]
Secondary
armament
M2 Browning
Suspension6x6 or 8×8 wheeled
Operational
range
970km
Maximum speed 75km/h

Overview
T-122 Rocket Pods on Display

As part of the modernization drive undertaken by the Turkish Military in the 1980s and 90's several new rocket systems were developed for the needs of the Turkish army. Prototypes of the system were revealed in 1995 with the first vehicles undertaking trials and evaluation in 1996. Production commenced in 1997.

The system consists of two pods of 122-mm launch tubes which are hydraulically traversed and elevated. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art fire control system which calculates firing data automatically for rockets with different warheads and is capable of storing up to 20 target coordinates. The vehicle can fire rockets singly or in salvo, with a full forty rocket launch taking less than 80 seconds and blanketing a target area of 500 m × 500 m. In addition the later versions of the T-122 features an integral hydraulic crane which allows reloading of rockets pods within five minutes.

The rockets for the system were developed and manufactured by MKEK and ROKETSAN, though the T-122 can fire 122mm rockets from the BM-21 and associated systems. Indigenous rockets are available with HE-FRAG or cluster warheads which can contain either anti-personnel or anti-tank submunitions. Maximum range of fire with extended-range rockets is up to 40 km.

Variants
  • TR-122
  • TRB-122
  • TRG-122

First production models of the T-122 Sakarya launcher vehicle were based on the German MAN 26.281 heavy utility truck. An improved variant of the system was revealed in 2005 which is based on the MAN 26.372 truck which is also used as the launcher vehicle for the J-600T Yıldırım short-range ballistic missile. The improved system is fitted to use factory-sealed disposable rocket pods that are specifically designed to be maintenance free, resistant to handling and environmental conditions and allow rapid reloading. The updated system can also be fitted with armour and an NBC system.

Operators
Map with T-122 operators in blue

Current operators

See also

References
  1. "T-122 Sakarya rocket artillery". ArmedForces.eu. Archived from the original on 23 November 2016.
  2. "Turkish firm exports $244m worth of weapons to Azerbaijan". www.news.az. 18 April 2011. Archived from the original on 23 January 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
  3. "T-300 Kasirga (Hurricane)". Asian Defence. 3 February 2009. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 22 January 2018.
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