TOROS artillery rocket system

TOROS artillery rocket system (Turkish: Topçu Roket Sistemi, TOROS) is a Turkish rocket artillery multiple rocket launcher system that has been developed in both 230 and 260 mm calibre. The system was developed by TÜBİTAK-SAGE, and is used by the Turkish Army. The larger calibre rockets have a maximum range of 110 km (68 mi) deliver a 145 kg (320 lb) high-explosive fragmentation warhead containing 30,000 steel balls. It is developed by the Turkish Defense Industry.[1][2][3]

TOROS
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Service history
Used bySee Users
Production history
DesignerTÜBİTAK-SAGE
ManufacturerTÜBİTAK-SAGE
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
Maximum firing range160km

The system consists of four vehicles:

  • Launcher vehicle 6×6
  • Logistics vehicle 6×6
  • Maintenance vehicle 6×6
  • Fire Command-Control vehicle 4×4

Description

This system is in general copy of Military Technical Institute Belgrade M-87 Orkan with some minor modification in rocket design, different fuel for rocket and tubes. It is developed through reverse engineering and plans obtained for Orkan M-87 including launcher M-87 and rocket 262mm used in that process all obtained from BNT Bratstvo Novi Travnik from Bosnia and Herzegovina.[4][5] Sage is also known for reverse engendering of M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System 227mm rocket under designation SAGE 227 a program started because the United States' reluctancy to share technology with Turkey.[6] 230mm rocket is continuation of SAGE 227 rocket program and 260mm rocket is based on 262mm Orkan M-87 rockets.

The 230 mm calibre system consists of six TOROS-230 unguided medium range rockets in a disposable launcher pod. The 260 mm calibre system consists of four TOROS-260 rockets in a disposable launcher pod. The launcher vehicle is designed to accept two TOROS-230 or TOROS-260 launcher pods.

Both rockets use an HTPB/AP solid propellent, and are stabilised in flight by four wrap-around fins. Sabots are fitted to the front of the rocket which fall away shortly after launch. Both rockets use a fin detent system to reduce wind dispersion, and are reported as having a dispersion of between one and two percent of their range. A variety of warheads have been proposed for the system including the basic blast fragmentation warhead, an electronic warfare warhead and a bunker busting warhead.

The launcher pods and advanced fire control system enable fast supply, loading, unloading, positioning and orientation operations. The unloading and reloading operations for two launch pods can be completed in less than twelve minutes. The system can be moved into position, oriented to target, and fired, all without the crew leaving the armoured cab. The launcher has a crew of three, but can be operated by a single person if needed.

Dispersion is reduced by helical rails which provide high roll rate during launch.

Specifications
SAGE-230A[7] SAGE-260A[8]
Diameter 230 mm 260 mm
Length 4.1 m (13 ft) 4.8 m (16 ft)
Mass 326/197 kg 485/280 kg
Operational temperature -30/+55 °C -30/+55 °C
Range 20–100 km (12–62 mi) 25–160 km (16–99 mi)
Dispersion 2% 2%
Propellant HTPB/AP HTPB/AP
Shelf life 10 year 10 year
Launcher pods TOROS-230 TOROS-260
Number of tubes 6 4
Length 4.2 m (14 ft) 4.9 m (16 ft)
Width 1.0 m (3.3 ft) 0.9 m (3.0 ft)
Height 0.8 m (2.6 ft) 0.9 m (3.0 ft)
Empty mass 552 kg (1,217 lb) 647 kg (1,426 lb)
Loaded mass 2,442 kg (5,384 lb) 2,441 kg (5,381 lb)

References
  1. http://www.bnt-tmh.com.ba/vojni_program.htm/
  2. http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/g3763-toros-260-turkey.html
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioYqQlQ2sxc
  4. http://www.bnt-tmh.com.ba/vojni_program.htm/
  5. http://rbase.new-factoria.ru/sites/default/files/gallery/s.gurov/11/01/14/toros_260a.jpg%7C SAGE personnel in front of Orkan M-87 launcher vehicle obtained from BiH Novi Travnih factory with two pods of quadruple TOROS 260A launcher pod
  6. "Royal Artillery".
  7. http://www.ssm.gov.tr/katalog2007/data/396/images/Toros-teknik.jpg
  8. http://www.ssm.gov.tr/katalog2007/data/396/images/Toros-teknik.jpg
  • Jane's Armour and Artillery 2005-2006
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