Pampero MRL
| SLAM Pampero | |
|---|---|
| Type | Rocket artillery – Multiple rocket launcher |
| Place of origin |
 Argentina |
| Service history | |
| In service | since 1980s |
| Used by | Argentine Army |
| Production history | |
| Designer | CITEFA |
| Manufacturer | DGFM |
| Specifications | |
| Caliber | 105 mm |
| Rate of fire | 16 rockets in 7.5 secs |
| Maximum firing range | 10,200 metres (6.3 mi) |
| Feed system | manual |
The SLAM (Sistema de LAanzadores Múltiples – Multiple Launcher System) Pampero is an Argentinian multiple rocket launcher (a type of rocket artillery) from Cold War and modern eras. It is usually mounted on the chassis of an all-terrain Unimog 4x4 vehicle to provide mobility, in a similar way to the soviet Katyushas.
Development
The SLAM Pampero MRL was developed by CITEFA in the early 1980s, and was subsequently manufactured during the 1980s by the DGFM “Fabrica Militar Fray Luis Beltran” in Rosario, Argentina.
Service history
The self-propelled variant is currently in service with the Argentine Army artillery branch. It is now being replaced with the new CP30 MRL, which is able to use either the 105mm rockets from the Pampero or the new 127mm rockets, also called CP30.
Variants
- Surface-Surface: self-propelled 16-tube MRL, mounted on top of a Mercedes-Benz Unimog 416 chassis.
- Air-Surface: 4 or 6-tube pod.
Rocket Specifications
- Caliber: 105 millimetres (4.1 in)
- Length: 1,530 millimetres (5.02 ft)
- Motor: Solid-fuel rocket
- Weight: 30 kilograms (66 lb)
- Maximum range: 10,200 metres (6.3 mi)
- Dispersion: 68% of projectiles within an area of 300 m by 200 m
- Warhead:
- Types: Rocket Types: HE, HE-I (HE-Incendiary), Inert (for training).
- Weight: 10.5 kilograms (23 lb)
(NOTE: some specifications differ slightly from source to source)
Launcher specifications
- Entered service: 1980s (Argentine Army)
- First used in action: ?
- Chassis: Mercedes-Benz Unimog 416 4x4 truck
- Crew: ?
- Weight loaded: 6110 kg
- Length: ? m (? Ft ?? in)
- Width: ? m
- Height (stowed): ? m
- Height (max elevation): ? m
- Max road speed: ? km/h
- Cruise range: ? km
- Engine: ?
- Transmission: ?
- Number of tubes: 16
- Launch Rate: 16 rockets in 7.5 seconds
- Reload time: 10 minutes
- Loader Type: Manual
- Launcher Drive: Electric
- Launcher Traverse: 90°
- Launcher Elevation: 0 to +52°
- Average unit cost: ?
Users
See also
- Artillery rockets, in "List of artillery"
- Argentina, in "List of artillery by country"
- Multiple rocket launcher
- EDESA Yarará
References
Sources
- Foss, Christopher F. (July 2004). Jane's Armour & Artillery, 2004-2005 (25th ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-7106-2616-9.
- Information from the websites detailed in the "External Links" section.
External links
- (Spanish) Official Argentine Army website - Artillery Branch, field artillery equipment webpage (specifications and picture).
- (Spanish) Official website of the Argentine Army 3rd Artillery Group (page with picture and basic specifications)
- Official CITEFA website (Air-Surface version pictures with some specifications)
- Unofficial website (providing Description, Pictures and Specifications)
- (Spanish) Unofficial website (with organization and equipment of the Argentine Army, including details on the “Pampero”)
- Unofficial website (providing Specifications (with some differences))