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Surface Vessel Weapon System RBU-6000 / RPK-8 / IRL - ASW Rocket Launcher |
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The RBU-6000 Smerch-2 is a 213 mm caliber Soviet anti-submarine rocket launcher. The system entered service in 1960-1961 and is fitted to a wide range of Russian and other international Navies surface vessels. It consists of a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of twelve launch barrels, that are remotely directed by the Burya fire control system (that can also control the shorter-ranged RBU-1000). It fires RGB-60 rockets, which carry unguided depth charges. The rockets are normally fired in salvos of 1, 2, 4, 8 or 12 rounds. Reloading is automatic, with individual rounds being fed into the launcher by the 60UP loading system from a below-deck magazine. Typical magazine capacity is either 72 or 96 rounds per launcher. It can also be used for shore bombardment. The RPK-8 Zapad is an upgrade of the RBU-6000 system, firing the 90R rocket, which releases a 90SG depth charge that is actively guided in the water. This allows it to home in on targets at depths of up to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). The warhead is a 19.5-kilogram (43 lb) shaped charge, which enables it to punch through the hulls of submarines. It can also be used against divers and torpedoes. RPK-8 entered service in 1991 and was mounted on Project 1154 and 11356 frigates. Serial production of the upgraded 90R1 rocket, featuring a non-contact proximity fuze, was launched in 2017. It is exported under the designation RPK-8E and is part of the armament of the new Indian Shivalik class frigates. The magazine capacity of the RPK-8 stores 25 or 61 additional rockets. RPK-8 rocket launcher weighs 9,000 kilogram fully loaded and 3,500 kg empty. Indian Navy's Indigenous Rocket Launcher (IRL) & Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR): In the 2020s, ARDE worked with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory to create ERASR, an extended range version of the RGB-60 rocket that was previously employed in the RBU-6000 and its Indian equivalent, Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRL). With its twin motor propulsion system, ERASR can launch the rocket 500-8,900 m (1,600-29,200 ft) in both short-range and long-range modes. On April 3, 2023, the rocket was successfully test fired from INS Chennai (D65). The Indian Navy finished the ERASR user trials from the IRL aboard INS Kavaratti (P31) between June 27 and July 3, 2025. During the trials, 17 rockets at various ranges were successfully fired. Every trial goal, such as range performance, electronic time fuze operation, and warhead functioning, was successfully proved. The rocket system is being produced in collaboration with Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited. The ERASR System is anticipated to be introduced by the Navy shortly. Dual-Purpose Operational Utility: Though primary optimization targets anti-submarine warfare (ASW), the Navy utilizes the system for close-in anti-torpedo hard-kill protection and coastal shore-bombardment roles. Launcher and Rocket Specifications: RBU-6000 and Indian Navy's Indigenous Rocket Launcher (IRL): Number of Barrels: 12 Caliber: 213 mm Dimensions (L x W x H): 2.0 m x 1.75 m x 2.25 m Empty Weight: 3,100 kg (3.1 tons) Elevation: -15° to +65° Traverse: +/-180° Rate of Fire: 2.4 rockets per second; selectable salvos of 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 rounds Reloading System: Automatic via the 60UP below-deck loading system; magazine capacities of 72 or 96 rounds RPK-8: Number of Barrels: 12 Caliber: 213 mm Length: 1.8 meters System Weight: 9,000 kg Elevation: -15° to +65° Traverse: +/-180° Rate of Fire: 2.4 rockets per second; selectable salvos of 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 rounds Reloading System: Automatic via the 60UP below-deck loading system; magazine capacities of 72 or 96 rounds RGB-60 Rocket: Diameter/Caliber: 213 mm Length: 1.83 meters Rocket Weight: 113.5 kg Warhead: 23 kg total weight with a 19.5 kg high-explosive charge Range: 350 m to 5,800 meters Target depth: 10-500 meters Sink rate: 11.6 m/s Fuze: contact and programmable depth/proximity 90R / 90R1 Rocket: Diameter/Caliber: 213 mm Length: 1.85 meters Rocket Weight: 112.5 kg Warhead: 19.5 kg high-explosive charge Range: 600 m to 4,300 meters Target Depth: Submarines: 0-1,000 meters / Torpedoes and combat divers: 4-10 meters Sink rate: ? Fuze: contact and programmable depth/proximity MG-94E Reactive Torpedo Defense Rocket: Role: Hydroacoustic torpedo countermeasure (decoy/resistance module) Caliber: 213 mm Projectile Mass: 113 kg Range: 600-4,300 m Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR) - Indian Navy: Diameter/Caliber: 213 mm Length: 1.85 meters Rocket Weight: 113.5 kg Warhead: 25 kg High-Explosive (HE) Range: 500 m to 8,900 meters Target Depth: Submarines: 0-1,000 meters / Torpedoes and combat divers: 4-10 meters Sink rate: 11.6 m/s Fuze: electronic time fuze sources: wikipedia, Indian MoD, other |
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