The Vilkha (Ukrainian: Вільха, “alder”) is a heavy 300 mm MLRS developed by the Kyiv Design Bureau Luch. It is based on the BM-30 Smerch and incorporates guided missiles, correction micromotors and an automated fire-control system; it entered service in 2018 and has been actively used in the war in Ukraine.
Vilkha (standard)
- Caliber: 300 mm
- Range: ~70 km
- CEP: ~10 m (highly accurate)
- Warhead: 250 kg
- Missiles per launch: 12
- Launch time: 12 missiles in 45 s
- Guidance: INS + GPS-assisted + correction micromotors
Vilkha-M (modernized BM-30)
- Caliber: 300 mm
- Range: 130 km (exceeds HIMARS GMLRS)
- CEP: ~30 m
- Warhead: 170 kg
- Chassis: KrAZ-7634 8×8
- Production: since 2019
- Confirmed combat use: since May 2022
Vehicle design and features
- Weight: ~33 tonnes
- Crew: 4
- Engine: YaMZ-7511.10 turbo diesel
- Speed: up to 100 km/h
- Configuration: 8×8
- Stabilization: two hydraulic outriggers
- Firing capability: single shot or salvo fire
Features
- Destruction of infantry, armored vehicles, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots.
- High accuracy thanks to micromotors and aerodynamic fins that deploy during the final phase.
- Minimal time in the firing position thanks to the automated control system.
