The WS-2 is a Chinese-made 400mm guided MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) designed and manufactured by China National Precision Machinery Corporation (CPMIEC), based in Beijing, China. The WS-2 was unveiled during the Zhuhai Air Show in 2004. The WS-2 is an advanced rocket system characterized by long-range, fast response, easy operation and maintenance. WS-2 adopts simple control technologies, which increase the accuracy with low cost. The WS-2 artillery system has a preparation time of less than 12 minutes from travelling. In July 2009, the Sudanese government managed to buy an unknown number of WS-2 multi-launch rocket systems from China, according to Kanwa Defense Review Monthly magazine.
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| Armament |
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The rockets launcher system of the WS-2 is mounted at the rear of a 6x6 truck chassis with three tubes in two lines. The six--round launcher is mounted at the rear of the chassis with an elevation range. Manual controls are also provided. In firing position, four stabilizers are lowered to the ground hydraulically to provide a more suitable firing platform. One of these is mounted either side to the immediate rear of the cab with the other two stabilizers mounted at the very rear of the chassis. The system can operate up to a maximum height of 3,500 m above sea level and in ambient temperatures from -40 to +55ºC and with a relative humidity of up to 75per cent (at 15ºC). The rockets are fired from containers.
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| Rockets |
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The 400 mm guided rocket of WS-2 MLRS has a simple inertial guidance system, but can also use indigenous satellite navigation system for mid-course guidance. There is also a capability to use terminal guidance for further increase of accuracy. Firing accuracy is <3% (CEP) at a maximum range. The firing range of the rocket is from 70 to 200 km. The rocket can be equipped with various range of warheads as blast fragmentation, incendiary blast fragmentation, fuel air explosive and anti-personnel & armor-piercing dual-purpose. In 2008, it was revealed that sub-munitions are developed for WS-2, including a specialized anti-radar version, which is a rocket containing three UAVs. The WS-2 rocket is 7.3 m long, a weight of 1 280 kg and a warhead of 200 kg. Rockets can be launched in single or salvo modes with a firing interval of around 6 sec.
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| Mobility |
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The WS-2 MLRS is based on the Chinese TAS-5450A truck chassis. The TAS5450A 8x8 25-tons truck offers good cross country mobility. The truck is motorized with an air-cooled diesel engine. The WS-2 TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) vehicle is usually supported by reloading vehicle, which is fitted with a crane and carries reload containers with rockets. The WS-2 truck can run at a maximum road speed of 80 km with a maximum cruising range of 800 km.
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| Combat use |
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Typical configuration for one MLRS WS-2 battery is as follows:
- 1 command vehicle
- 6 Transporter erector launcher vehicles.
- 6 or 9 loading and transportation vehicles
The WS-2 is mainly used to make a destructive attack on the enemy's area targets in depth, such as military bases, airports, mass fleet, hub of communication, political and economic centers, industry facilities and other important military area targets.
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| Specifications |
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Armament
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6 launch tubes 400 mm calibre
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Country users
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China, Sudan
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Crew
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3 soldiers
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Accessories
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Digital firing computer system
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Weight rocket
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1,250 kg
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Firing Range
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70 - 200 km
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Truck
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Taian TAS-5450 8x8
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Weight vehicle
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Speed Truck
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80 km/h
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Range Truck
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600 km
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Armor
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No armor protection
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Engine truck
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