MAR-290

History

After seizing a large number of Soviet-made BM-24 Katyusha unguided missile launch systems from a neighbouring enemy, the state of Israel restored these weapons to its own service. This resulted in a new series of Tracked Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), designated "MAR-290".

Modifications began in the late 1960s and eventually included two main battle tank chassis - the American M4 Sherman Medium Tank (WWII) and the British-built Centurion Main Battle Tank (MBT) - used as launch vehicles.

Modification for placing a four-barreled launcher on top of the existing tank chassis - as a result, the vehicle retains its capabilities, including favorable off-road mobility. The launcher is designed to point towards the rear of the vehicle, while the height is controlled by a hydraulic arm that adjusts the angle of the launcher to the desired degree.

The four launch tubes have a caliber of 290 mm and are loaded with high-explosive fragmentation fragmentation (HE-FRAG) or anti-personnel cluster munition rockets, are 5.45 meters long and weigh approximately 600 kilograms each. The attack range is up to 25,000 meters and requires only a 10-second firing window. Reloading can be done in 10 minutes.

The vehicle is fitted with a typical crew of four and is partially defended by a 7.62mm medium machine gun and all personal weapons carried by the crew.

The MAR-290 vehicle was first used during the Rampage War in Lebanon in 1982.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Variable - Depends on rocket launcher installation and reload carried by accompanying support vehicle (if any).

Changes