The RM-70 Vampire is a modernized version of the standard RM-70 122 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) designed and manufactured in the Czech Republic by the Excalibur Army. The first prototype of the RM-70 Vampir was manufactured in February 2015 and successful gunnery trials were held in October 2015.
Country users: Indonesia, Ukraine
Technical Data
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Armament
The RM-70 Vampir is fitted with a 40-round elevatable launcher located at the rear of the truck chassis and an additional pack of 40 122 mm rockets to the rear of the cab for rapid loading. The RM-70 Vampir uses the same launcher as the Russian 122 mm BM-21 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System). The rocket launching is carried out by an operator in the vehicle´s cabin or from a nearby shelter with a remote control device. The rocket projectiles are highly-explosive, rotary with collapsible stabilizers. The maximum firing range is 20,381 m, the aerial effective range of one projectile can reach up to 3,000 square meters and with the multiple rockets launching the area is up to 3 hectares.
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Design and protection
The RM-70 Vampire is based on Tatra T-815-7 8x8 military tactical truck. The new chassis is fitted with an armored cabin with biological and chemical weapons protection capability, which also enables the installation of additional ballistic protection. The crew cabin provides protection against the firing of small arms of 7.62mm caliber and mine blast of 6 kg TNT explosion. The cabin and the vehicle itself have been designed so that various levels of additional armor can be added. The weight of the chassis with the unloaded rocket launcher is 18,080 kg, with a complete firing capacity (80 rockets) of 24,140 kg. The vehicle has a crew of four.
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Mobility
The RM-70 Vampire is based on the 8x8 military truck chassis TATRA T-815-7. This truck is motorized with an eight-cylinder Tatra T3C Diesel engine with 270 kW power output coupled to a Tatra 10 TS 210 N gearbox with a semi-automatic TATRA NORGREN drive system and additional gearbox Tatra 2.30TRS. The driving mechanism used in the T-815-7 vehicle is based on the traditional "Tatra concept" comprising a central tube and swing half-axles with independent suspension, lockable differentials,, and central tire pressure maintenance while driving. The vehicle can run at a maximum speed of 90 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 1,000 km.
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Combat Equipment
The RM-70 Vampire is fitted with a new fire control system. The Tatra 815 chassis is fitted with a central tire-pressure regulation system, which enables the driver to adjust the tire pressure to suit the type of ground being crossed. The vehicle can be fitted with a hydraulically operated BZ-T dozer blade at the front of the hull for preparing fire positions and clearing obstacles. The driver and passenger seats are fitted with a 3-point seatbelt and adjustable headrest.
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