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BM-21 Grad vs BM-30 Smerch

BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system side profile drawing
🇷🇺 BM-21 Grad
BM-30 Smerch multiple launch rocket system side profile drawing
🇷🇺 BM-30 Smerch
Change comparison vs
Specifications
BM-21 Grad BM-30 Smerch
Origin country 🇷🇺 Russia 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Multiple Launch Rocket System Multiple Launch Rocket System
Type Self-propelled 122 mm multiple rocket launcher Heavy self-propelled 300 mm multiple rocket launcher
Manufacturer Motovilikha Plants Splav State Research and Production Enterprise
Number produced 100,000 units 550 units
Estimated unit price $-- million $-- million
Combat weight 13.7 tons 43.7 tons
Maximum speed 75 km/h -- km/h
Operational range 750 km 90 km
Crew three-member crew 4 members
Performance Radar Chart
Armament & Powertrain
BM-21 Grad BM-30 Smerch
Main armament 40 launch tubes 300mm rockets (9M55 or 9M528)
Secondary weapon 122 mm M-21OF rocket 12-round launch tube cluster
Engine water-cooled V8 180 hp gasoline engine --

Overview

The BM-21 Grad and the BM-30 Smerch are both Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, manufactured by Motovilikha Plants and Splav State Research and Production Enterprise respectively.

At 43.7 tons, the BM-30 Smerch is 3.2:1 the BM-21 Grad's 13.7 tons. Operational range is 750 km for the BM-21 Grad vs 90 km for the BM-30 Smerch. The BM-21 Grad is armed with a 40 launch tubes, while the BM-30 Smerch carries a 300mm rockets (9M55 or 9M528).

The BM-21 Grad has been produced in 100,000 units vs 550 for the BM-30 Smerch. The BM-21 Grad entered service 26 years before the BM-30 Smerch (1963 vs 1989).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the BM-21 Grad or BM-30 Smerch?
The BM-21 Grad is faster with a maximum road speed of 75 km/h compared to the BM-30 Smerch's 0 km/h.
Which has longer operational range, the BM-21 Grad or BM-30 Smerch?
The BM-21 Grad has a longer operational range at 750 km compared to the BM-30 Smerch's 90 km.
Which is heavier, the BM-21 Grad or BM-30 Smerch?
The BM-30 Smerch is heavier at 43.7 tons combat weight compared to the BM-21 Grad's 13.7 tons.
How many crew members do the BM-21 Grad and BM-30 Smerch require?
The BM-21 Grad requires a larger crew of three-member crew compared to the BM-30 Smerch's 4 members crew members.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the BM-21 Grad or BM-30 Smerch?
The BM-21 Grad has been produced in greater numbers with 100,000 units compared to 550 units of the BM-30 Smerch.
What are the main armaments of the BM-21 Grad and BM-30 Smerch?
The BM-21 Grad is armed with 40 launch tubes while the BM-30 Smerch carries 300mm rockets (9M55 or 9M528) as its main armament.