EDEX 2023: Egypt unveils RAAD-200 Multiple Launch Rocket System.

At the EDEX 2023, the Egyptian defense exhibition, a significant unveiling took place: the RAAD-200, an Egyptian MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) that embodies Egypt's significant technological advancements in the defense sector. This article will focus on the capabilities of this new vehicle.
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Egyptian MLRS RAAD-200 during EDEX 2023. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The RAAD-200 is a tracked vehicle equipped with five tracks on each side, designed for various types of operations and developed by the National Organization for Military Production (NOMP) in Egypt.

One of its most notable features is its armament system – a rocket launcher that significantly enhances its offensive capabilities. The vehicle accommodates a driver and two additional seats and has two doors. This design underscores its role as a compact yet powerful battlefield asset.

The RAAD-200 measures 6.5 meters in length, 2.85 meters in width, and 3.1 meters in height. With a ground clearance of 400 mm, it can navigate challenging terrains. It also has a total weight of 18,580 kg and a curb weight of 16,600 kg, allowing it to carry a payload of 1980 kg.

It can reach a maximum speed of 46 km/h and can handle gradients up to 35° and side slopes of 25°. Additionally, it has a fording depth of 1.1 meters and a minimum turning radius of 12 meters, highlighting its maneuverability in various environments.

The vehicle's power comes from a four-stroke liquid-cooled turbocharged diesel engine, the HD12ZLG-M, made in Germany and assembled in China. This engine, featuring six inline cylinders, delivers an output of 385 horsepower at 2000 rpm. It is equipped with a dry multi-plate clutch and a five-speed mechanical gearbox, with one reverse gear.

The suspension system of the RAAD-200 uses a torsional bar and four shock absorbers. The track is made of steel with an adjustment mechanism, tailored for durability and adaptability. The brake system includes drum and strap mechanisms, and the electrical system operates on a 24V setup with two batteries.

A pivotal feature of the RAAD-200 is its launcher specifications. It employs the BM-21/BS-45 type launcher, capable of reaching up to 45 km. The launcher includes a base plate with a rotary disc and a spiral spindle, offering a wide range of motion - 55° vertically and 60° to 100° horizontally. This system enables a rapid launching rate of 30 rockets in 15 seconds.

The rockets used are of the Grad and Sakr types, 122 mm in diameter and 2870 mm in length. The launcher control unit includes automatic control with two servo motors. Additional features of the RAAD-200 include rear outriggers for stability, a cabin folding system for adaptability, an air conditioning system for crew comfort, and comprehensive communication equipment.

Presented during the EDEX 2023 exhibition, the RAAD-200 is a new yet not entirely novel development. While the launcher is an old BM-21, which is not the most modern, the Egyptian vehicle deserves credit for devising a different and modernized approach to adapt this old launcher to the demands of the modern market while offering a solution that is much less expensive than other MLRS systems.