China presents new SR5 MLRS rocket launcher able to launch loitering munitions.

At AirShow China 2022, Chinese Defense Company NORINCO displays a new version of its SR5 multi-caliber MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) which is now able to launch loitering munitions as well as different calibers of guided and unguided rockets.
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The new generation of SR5 multi-caliber MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System at AirShow china 2022. (Picture source Weibo China Social Network)

At AirShow China 2022, different types of rockets and loitering were displayed near the SR5 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System). The new version can be fitted with different types of rocket launcher pods able to fire Fire Dragon 40 122mm guided and unguided rockets, 220mm Fire Dragon 70 guided rocket (GR70), 220mm King Dragon 60 (GR1) Terminal Guided Rocket, 300mm King Dragon (GRS7) Terminal Guided Rocket, 610mm Fire Dragon 300 Guided Rocket as well as Dragon 60A and 60B loitering munition also called suicide drones.

The SR-5 MLRS was unveiled in 2012 during the Eurosatory defense exhibition in France and is now in service with China and Venezuela. The layout of the SR-5 is conventional for a modern rocket launcher vehicle and is based on 6x6 military truck chassis Taian TA5310. The rocket pod launcher is mounted at the rear of the truck chassis. It can be configured according to the mission’s requirements and to fire different types of rockets or loitering munitions.

At AirShow China 2022, the SR-5 was displayed with one launcher system fitted with two types of rocket launchers, one with twenty launcher tubes and one with six launcher tubes able to fire the Dragon 60B loitering munitions.

The SR5 rocket launcher vehicle is equipped at the rear with a traversable platform fitted with two pods of launcher tubes that can launch surface-to-surface rockets. The powered launcher station has an elevation from 0 to 60° and a maximum traverse of 70°. In the firing position, two stabilizers are lowered to the ground at the rear of the truck chassis to provide a more stable firing platform.

The SR5 is fitted with a two doors crew cab located at the front of the truck which is able to accommodate five men. At AirShow China 2022, the protection of the crew cab was increased and each window as well as the roof of the crew cab was fitted with mesh guards.

The SR5 can be ready to fire its first rockets in less than 5 minutes. Once a fire mission has been carried out, after 1 minute, the SR5 is normally redeployed to a new position to avoid any potential counter-battery fire. New rocket pods can be rapidly loaded in about five minutes using the onboard mechanical handling system fitted inside each pod of the launcher platform. Additional rockets pods are carried by reloading truck carrying a total of 4 pods. Reloading is made by the crew in less than 10 minutes.

The SR5 is now able to launch loitering munition. (Picture Weibo China Social Network).

The SR5 MLRS is able ti fire different calibers of guided and non-guided rockets as well as loitering munitions. (Picture source Weibo China Social Network)