Multiple Launch Rocket System – Langusta WR-40

Langusta WR-40 is produced by Huta Stalowa Wola for the Polish Army. The WR-40 MLRS is a heabily modified variant of the BM-21 Grad artillery rocket system. It can be used to target enemy firing equipment, hostile fortifications and army posts of resistance.

The design of the vehicle uses heavy industry, six axle truck complete with an armored cabin for the crew and an integrated flatbed mounting a pivoting rocket projecting system. The vehicle weighs in at 18.74 tons, sports ten off-road rubber-tired wheels and fires 40 x 122mm rockets within seconds of activation. The rockets are seated in individual launch tubes in a four-tube-high and ten-tube-cross arrangement. The hydraulic tiltable cab offers STANAG 4569 Level 1 ballistic protection and is equipped with an NBC system and an air conditioning system.

Langusta WR-40 is equipped with modern fire control and navigation systems. The system components include a DD9620T terminal, layer’s display unit, stationary firing device, Talin 5000 navigation system, RRC-9311 AP VHF radio station, and FONET digital intercom system. The battalion of Langusta includes WR-40 MLRS, Automated command and Fire Control Sytem, Command-Staff Vehicles, Command and Reconnaissance Vehicles, weather station, and Logistical Vehicles.

The WR-40 can fire rockets fitted with high explosive warheads at a maximum range of 42km. the rear mounted 122.4mm 40-round launcher can fire standard and newly developed rockets. The launcher has an elevation ranging from 0° to +55° Traverse angle from the midline of the chassis is 70° towards right and 102° towards left. The rockets with cargo warheads can strike targets at the range of 32km. the multiple launch rocket system is manually reloaded within seven minutes by the crew. The launcher can fire full salvo (40 rounds) in 20 seconds.

Langusta WR-40 is powered by IVECO aifo CURSOR 8, four stroke, six cylinder diesel engine. The EURO 3 compliant engine develops a maximum power of 259kW and torque of 1,280Nm at 1,080rpm to 1,930rpm. Langusta features 14.00 R20 tyres with run flat tire insert systems. The onboard central tyre inflation system allows the driver to adjust the tyre pressure according to the terrain being crossed by the vehicle. The vehicle has a maximum on road speed of 85kmph and a range of 650km with full fuel tanks. It can negotiate a gradient of 30o and side slope of 20o. The vehicle has a ground clearance of 410mm and can ford a depth of 1.2m. The WR-40 can be transported by C-130 Hercules transport aircraft.