RM-70
Introduced in Czechoslovakia in 1972, the RM-70 is a multiple rocket launcher featuring an armored 8x8 truck chassis equipped with an integrated 40-rocket reload pack.
| Sub-type | Multiple rocket launcher |
| Crew | 6 personnels |
| Range | 400 km |
| Mass | 33.7 tons |
| Height | 2.7 m (8.9 ft) |
| Width | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) |
| Length | 8.75 m (28.7 ft) |
| Max. speed | 85 km/h (53 mph) |
| Engine | Tatra T-903-3 V12 multi-fuel, 250 hp (184 kW) |
| Weapon 1 | 40x 122 mm rockets (BM-21 Grad-type launcher) |
| Weapon 2 | 7.62 mm vz. 59 universal machine gun |
Description
The RM-70 (Raketomet vzor 1970) is a Czechoslovak 122 mm multiple rocket launcher based on the Soviet BM-21 Grad. Developed in Czechoslovakia as a replacement for the RM-51, the system achieved initial operational capability with the Czechoslovak Army in 1972 and received the NATO designation M1972. Production was carried out in Dubnica nad Váhom, Slovakia.
The vehicle replaces the Ural-375D 6x6 truck used by the BM-21 with a Tatra T813 "Kolos" 8x8 chassis. The platform mounts a 40-round launcher and provides space to carry an additional 40-round pack of 122 mm rockets for automatic reloading. The system operates primarily via indirect fire, launching individual rounds or full volleys capable of covering up to 3 hectares (30,000 m²) in a single 40-rocket barrage delivering nearly 256 kg of explosives. In addition to original Soviet 9M22 and 9M28 rockets, the RM-70 fires locally developed ammunition, including the JROF (20.75 km range), the JROF-K (11 km range), the Trnovnik carrying 63 HEAT bomblets (17.5 km range), the Kuš carrying five anti-personnel mines, and the Krizhna-R carrying four anti-tank mines (19.45 km range). The chassis incorporates a central tyre pressure regulation system and can be equipped with an SSP 1000 snow plough or BZ-T dozer blade for obstacle clearance and position preparation.
Several variants exist. The RM-70/85 uses an unarmored Tatra T815 8x8 truck. The Slovak RM-70/85M adds modernized fire control and navigation equipment, enabling the use of rockets with a 36 km range. The German-Slovak RM-70 Modular project introduced a fully armored crew cab and a containerized launch system capable of firing either twenty-eight 122 mm rockets or six 227 mm rockets compatible with the M270 MLRS. The Vz.92 "Križan" VMZ engineer variant utilizes a lightly armored Tatra T815 chassis fitted with a 40-round rocket launcher, a mechanical anti-tank mine layer, and anti-personnel mine dispensers. The RM-70 Vampire upgrade features a digital fire control system and an armored, NBC-protected crew cab on a Tatra 817 chassis.
Originally exported to East Germany, the RM-70 was later distributed to numerous armed forces across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia. Inherited East German vehicles were subsequently transferred to Greece and Finland. The system saw deployment prior to and during the 2011 Libyan Civil War. During the Russo-Ukrainian War, Ukrainian forces operated the RM-70, adapted it to launch extended-range Serbian G-2000 rockets (40.5 km range), and used the platform in strikes against Belgorod.