Ukrainian operational and tactical missile system “Grom”, capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 500 km
“Grom” is an operational and tactical missile system based on a solid-fuel ballistic missile. It was developed by the well-known Pivdenne Design Bureau. Impressive technical characteristics allow the system to effectively engage targets on land, at sea and in the air, depending on the type of munition and control system.
The missile has a maximum range of 500 km, which makes it ideal for destroying strategically important enemy targets such as headquarters, bridges, air defense systems, missile and artillery systems, military and technical equipment, buildings, radar stations and airfields. The effective operation of the “Thunder” missile at a distance of up to 500 km allows it to accurately hit targets over large areas, including important points on enemy territory.
As part of the modernization, the Ukrainian defense industry is working on an improved export version of the missile system equipped with smaller fuel tanks. This modification will provide a range of approximately 280 km with a warhead weighing up to 480 kg. This version is being developed in compliance with international restrictions on arms exports, which include a distance limit of 300 km and a payload of 500 kg.
“Grom also has the capability to use the launch system for Korshun missiles, which can cover a distance of 280 to 700 km. “The Korshun-2 is a Ukrainian project for a subsonic cruise missile that can be mounted on a land-based landing gear, a sea vessel, or even on a suspension under an airplane.
“The Korshun-2 is based on the technology of the Soviet X-55 cruise missile, and its engine is a twin-circuit turbojet MS400 developed by Motor Sich in Zaporizhzhia, which in turn is based on the design of the R95-300 turbojet.
According to the press service of the Yuzhnoye Design Bureau, the latest Korshun-2 cruise missile is equipped with the ability to maneuver at extremely low altitudes, reaching only 50 meters above the ground. This allows the missile to avoid detection and obstacles by following the contour of the terrain. The missile is equipped with a 480 kg warhead and has a flight speed in the range of Mach 0.7-0.8. It was announced that the maximum range of Korshun-2 is 280 to 300 km.
In terms of deployment, the Korshun-2 fits compactly into a transport and launch container that can be easily adapted for both mobile land-based platforms and installation on sea vessels. There is also a variant of using the missile without a container, with the possibility of mounting it directly on the aircraft’s outboard pylons.
The Grom launch vehicle uses a 5-axle chassis with a high degree of cross-country ability and off-road capability. It carries two missiles. Each missile is guided independently. The unit is operated by a crew of three.
Each Grom launcher is supported by a corresponding reloading machine, which is equipped with a crane and carries reloadable missiles. The battery of these launchers is supported by a command vehicle, as well as maintenance and repair vehicles.
Modifications:
- “Grom” is an operational and tactical missile system designed to destroy targets located in the enemy’s operational and tactical depths at a distance of up to 280 km from the launch point, namely: enemy firepower (batteries of anti-aircraft missile systems, missile systems); aircraft and helicopters at airfield parking lots; air and missile defense facilities; command posts and communication centers.
- “Grom-M” is a tactical missile system designed to destroy only ground targets located in the enemy’s tactical depth at a distance of up to 100 km from the launch point.
- “Grom-2 is a mobile launcher with two surface-to-surface missiles on the chassis of a five-axle all-terrain truck developed for the Grom complex.
