WR-40 Langusta
WR-40 Langusta is a Polish self-propelled multiple rocket launcher developed by Centrum Produkcji Wojskowej HSW SA. The first 32 units of the WR-40 entered service in 2010.
| WR-40 Langusta | |
|---|---|
 WR-40 prototype | |
| Type | Self-propelled multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin |  Poland |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Wojska Lądowe |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2006 |
| Manufacturer | Huta Stalowa Wola |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 17,000 kilograms (37,479 lb) |
| Length | 8.58 m (28 ft 2 in) |
| Width | 2.54 m (8 ft 4 in) |
| Height | 2.74 m (9 ft) |
| Crew | 4 |
| Caliber | 122.4 mm (4.8 in) |
| Barrels | 40 |
| Maximum firing range | 42 km[1] |
| Armor | Steel |
| Engine | Iveco Aifo Cursor 8 EURO 3 259 kW (347 hp) |
| Suspension | 6x6 wheeled |
Operational range | 650 km (400 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 85 km/h (53 mph) |
The Langusta (spiny lobster) is based on a deeply modernized and re-worked Soviet cold-war era BM-21 launcher. Old petrol Ural-375D truck chassis was replaced with a modern one, and the launcher was fitted with a fire control system.[2] The carrier used is Polish 6x6 Jelcz truck model P662D.35 with low-profile armoured cabin for a whole crew.[2][3] Also new ammunition Feniks-Z with 42 km range was adopted.[2]
The prototype was made in 2006 and given to the Army in 2007, after successful trials.[2] A series modernization of 75 vehicles followed.
Another step in the modernization of Polish rocket artillery is project 'Homar', corresponding to HIMARS rocket system, carried on from 2007.
References
- "Langusta WR-40 Rocket Launcher".
- Kiński, Andrzej (2007). "Pierwsza Langusta przekazana". Nowa Technika Wojskowa (in Polish). No. 4/2007. Warsaw: Magnum-X. pp. 16–20.
- Grzegorz Hołdanowicz, Feta z Langustą, RAPORT-wto 04/2007 Archived 2009-03-02 at the Wayback Machine (Polish)
