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21 June 2000
The LAROM Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), developed by Aerostar of Romania in a collaborative programme with Israel Military Industries (IMI), the Romanian Ministry of Defence (RMoD) and ROMTEHNICA R.A. is making its international debut at the Eurosatory 2000 defence exhibition. This follows its initial premiere at the Expomil'99 defence show in Bucharest last October.
LAROM is an advanced upgrade of the existing APRA-40 system (a GRAD launcher for 40 rockets of 122mm) mounted on a Romanian-built DAC APRA 40 truck. The existing system is in Romanian military service.
LAROM provides a substantial upgrade of the hydraulic, stabilisation and fire control systems and has the added capability of launching both standard 122mm and IMI's LAR 160mm family of rockets from 26 launch tubes in two tactical launch pod containers. It also has future growth potential to accommodate IMI's ACCULAR Trajectory Corrected Rockets.
The system also incorporates an advanced Artillery Command and Control System (ACCS), supporting all artillery units and types of ammunition. LAROM allows long-range fire capabilities to be maintained within the existing infrastructure of the GRAD units.
Under this programme, Aerostar is the launcher contractor responsible for producing/upgrading the LAROM launchers while IMI is responsible for finalisation of the GRAD/LAR concept, developed at the request of the RMoD and implemented by Aerostar. Aerostar can now upgrade any GRAD system to LAROM configuration. The upgrade resulting in the new LAROM system covers five main areas:
- A general survey of the equipment to be upgraded covering both the artillery system and the vehicle chassis on which it is mounted;
- A reduction of weight to compensate for the difference in weight resulting from the change of type of pod and ammunition;
- Modernisation of the command and fire control system by using tactical computers with automatic data processing;
- Modernisation of the electric and hydraulic systems of the launcher;
- Modernisation of the stabilisation system to give increased stability during firing, with a consequent improvement in accuracy.
LAROM has been demonstrated in live firings of LAR Mk.4, a 45 km range rocket with a cluster payload of IMI's dual effect AP/AM bomblets. A single LAROM launcher can fire 40 GRAD rockets in 20 seconds or 26 LAR Mk.4 rockets in 45 seconds. Each LAR disperses 104 bomblets in a circular 200m diameter footprint.
For live training and fire adjustment purposes LAR practice rockets can be used. Instead of the cluster payload they have a smoke signature charge clearly visible to the crews and forward observers. Their use facilitates overall field training and significantly safer practice firing, while using actual operating procedures. A training pod is also available. This pod has the same shape, dimensions and weight of the tactical pod launch container. It is loaded with 13 inert rockets and has identical simulated electronics for all operational modes and re-loading exercises.
The tactical computer (GTAC, FTAC or ATAC) has an advanced man-machine interface that reduces crew workload and allows quick and effortless actuation of the aiming and sighting main controls and weapons systems of the launcher. It also allows computerised feed-back reaction for corrections between the launcher, advanced observer and commander's point. The Fire Control Unit (FCU) is operated from the truck cabin or from a nearby shelter by a remote control 50m cable.
The launcher can fire single shots, or automatically in partial or complete salvos at variable firing rates in four stages from 0.5 sec through to 1.8 sec. At the 1.8 sec firing rate, the complete battery of 26 projectiles would be launched in 46.8 sec. LAROM is deployed with a five-man crew of soldiers.
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