View source for RM-70 multiple rocket launcher

{{Short description|Czechoslovak self-propelled multiple rocket launcher}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = RM-70
| image              = T813 army2.JPG
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = RM-70 of the [[Czech Land Forces]], mounted on [[Tatra 813]] truck
| origin             = [[Czechoslovakia]]
| type               = [[Self-propelled artillery|Self-propelled]] [[multiple rocket launcher]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_ranged          = 
| is_artillery       = yes
| is_vehicle         = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 1972–present
| used_by            = See ''[[RM-70 multiple rocket launcher#Operators|users]]''
| wars               = [[Western Sahara War]]<ref name = 'CIA polisario'>{{cite report|title=RM-70 MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCHES WITH POLISARIO FORCES AAIN UM SERUSA POLISARIO CAMP, WESTERN SAHARA (SANITIZED)|date=March 26, 1982|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp82t00709r000100120001-3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123204642/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp82t00709r000100120001-3|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2017}}</ref><br />[[Russo-Georgian War]]<br />[[Sri Lankan civil war|Sri Lankan Civil War]]<br />[[First Libyan Civil War]]<br />[[Afghanistan conflict (1978–present)]]<br />[[2013 Kivu Offensive]]<br />[[Yemeni Civil War (2014–present)]]<br />[[2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war]]<br />[[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = 
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = 
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 
| number             = 
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = 33.7 tonnes (74,295 lb)
| length             = {{convert|8.75|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| part_length        = 
| width              = {{convert|2.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height             = {{convert|2.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| diameter           = 
| crew               = 6
<!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->| cartridge          = 
| caliber            = 122.4 mm (4.8 in)
| barrels            = 40
| action             = 
| rate               = 
| velocity           = 
| range              = 
| max_range          = {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| feed               = 
| sights             = <!-- Artillery specifications -->
| breech             = 
| recoil             = 
| carriage           = 
| elevation          = 
| traverse           = <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| armour             = Steel
| primary_armament   = 
| secondary_armament = [[UK vz. 59|Universal machine gun vz. 59]]
| engine             = T-903-3 V12 multi-fuel
| engine_power       = 250 hp (184 kW)
| transmission       = 
| payload_capacity   = 
| fuel_capacity      = 
| pw_ratio           = 
| suspension         = 8×8 wheeled
| clearance          = 
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|400|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| speed              = {{convert|85|km/h|mph|abbr=on}}
| guidance           = 
}}

The '''RM-70''' (''Raketomet vzor 1970'') [[multiple rocket launcher]] is a [[Czechoslovak Army]] version and heavier variant of the [[BM-21 Grad]] multiple rocket launcher, providing enhanced performance over its parent area-saturation [[rocket artillery]] system that was introduced in 1971<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vojenstvi.cz/vasedotazy_83.htm |title=Československé vojenství - Vaše dotazy - Odpovědi na dotazy 1231. - 1245 |publisher=Vojenstvi.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}</ref> (the NATO designation is '''M1972''').

== Overview ==
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Czech RM70 05.jpg|left|thumb|250px|On typical mission configuration RM-70 can fire all 40 rockets within 20 seconds, while taking 2.5 minutes for the preparation.]] -->
RM-70 was developed in Czechoslovakia as a successor for the [[RM-51]], achieving [[Initial operating capability|initial operational capability]] with its [[Czechoslovak People's Army|Army]] in 1972. The launcher was being produced in [[Dubnica nad Váhom]] ([[Slovak Socialist Republic|Slovakia]]). Originally, it was sold to [[East Germany]]. After the Soviet Union collapse and the split of Czechoslovakia into the [[Czech Republic]] and [[Slovakia]], it was sold to several countries in [[Africa]], [[Americas|America]], [[Asia]] and Europe.

RM-70 replaced the [[Ural-375D]] 6x6 truck by a [[Tatra T813]] "Kolos" 8x8 truck as carrier platform for the 40-round launcher. The new carrier vehicle provides enough space for carrying 40 additional 122&nbsp;mm rockets pack for automatic reload. Nevertheless, RM-70 performance remains near the same as Grad even in terms of vehicle's speed and range. This rocket launcher can fire both individual rounds and volleys, principally by means of [[indirect fire]]. It is designed for concentrated fire coverage of large areas (up to {{cvt|3|hectare|m2}} in one volley) by high explosive fragmentation shells. The fire is robust with almost 256&nbsp;kg of explosives used in one volley of 40 rockets. The rockets used are either the original Soviet 9M22 and 9M28, or locally developed models. These are the JROF with a range of 20.75&nbsp;km, the JROF-K with a range of 11&nbsp;km, the "Trnovnik" with 63 [[HEAT]]-bomblets and a range of 17.5&nbsp;km, the "Kuš" with five [[PP-Mi-Sr mine|PPMI-S1]] [[anti-personnel mine]]s or the "Krizhna-R" with four PTMI-D [[anti-tank mine]]s and a range of 19.45&nbsp;km. Ukraine has also used the RM-70 to fire Serbian G-2000 rockets with a range of 40.5 km.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=Ukraine Is Arming Its Grad Systems With Serbian Rockets - Technology Org |url=https://www.technology.org/2024/02/28/ukraine-is-arming-its-grad-systems-with-serbian-rockets/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian gunners use Serbian ammunition |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-gunners-use-serbian-ammunition/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}}</ref> RM-70 systems have been used by Ukraine to attack the Russian city of Belgorod.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-05-13 |title=Ukraine war briefing: 15 killed in Belgorod after Ukrainian missile shot down, officials say |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/13/ukraine-russia-war-briefing-news-update-today-day-810-kharkiv-belgorod-missile |access-date=2024-08-31 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Times |first=The Moscow |date=2024-05-09 |title=Ukrainian Attacks on Russia's Belgorod Injure 8 as Moscow Marks Victory Day |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/05/09/ukrainian-attacks-on-russias-belgorod-injure-8-as-moscow-marks-victory-day-a85077 |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=代艳 |title=7 killed, 18 injured in Ukrainian rocket attack on Russia's Belgorod |url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202402/16/WS65cdf160a3104efcbdaeae83.html |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=global.chinadaily.com.cn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-28 |title=Zelensky government intensifies shelling of Russia’s Belgorod region in wake of Moscow terror attack |url=https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2024/03/28/owmz-m28.html |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=World Socialist Web Site |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-15 |title=6 people killed in missile strike in Russian city of Belgorod near Ukrainian border, 18 injured, officials say |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/6-people-killed-in-missile-strike-in-russian-city-of-belgorod-near-ukrainian-border-18-injured-officials-say |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=PBS News |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Krasteva |first=Gergana |date=2024-02-15 |title=Ukraine's 'Vampire' projectiles strike Russian shopping centre, killing six |url=https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/15/ukraines-vampire-projectiles-strike-russian-shopping-centre-killing-five-20285636/ |access-date=2024-09-02 |website=Metro |language=en}}</ref>

The vehicle is provided with a central tyre pressure regulation system (to allow its adaptation to the nature of the traversed ground), a headlight with white light on the forward cab roof and, if necessary, with a snow plough SSP 1000 or a dozer blade BZ-T to arrange its own emplacement or to remove obstacles.

==Variants==
[[File:RM-70 Vampire 4D.jpg|thumb|RM-70 Vampire 4D]]

===Czech Republic and Slovakia===
*'''RM-70''' - Basic model, as described.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/12582/title/CZK-vz-70-122mm-raketomet |title=CZK - vz. 70 (122mm raketomet) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Raketomety a taktické raketové systémy |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}</ref>
*'''{{vanchor |RM-70/85|RM-70M}}''' - Unarmored version of the RM-70, based on the [[Tatra T815]] VPR9 8x8.1R truck with 265&nbsp;hp engine T3-930-51. Combat weight: 26.1 t. Sometimes called '''RM-70M'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/19889/title/CZK-vz-70-85-122mm-raketomet |title=CZK - vz. 70/85 (122mm raketomet) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Raketomety a taktické raketové systémy |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}</ref>
*'''{{vanchor |RM-70/85M|85M}}''' - Modernised vehicle with new fire control and navigation equipment, can use a new type of rocket with a range of 36&nbsp;km. Slovakia has ordered 50 upgrade packages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/12993 |title=SVK - RM 70/85M (122mm raketomet) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Raketomety a taktické raketové systémy |date=26 May 2004 |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}</ref>
*'''{{vanchor |RM-70 Modular}}''' - In December 2000, the [[Slovakia|Slovak]] Ministry of Defense and Delta Defence started the RM-70 Modular German-Slovak modernization project. RM-70 Modular allows this artillery system to launch either twenty-eight 122 mm rockets, or six 227 mm rockets as used on the [[M270 MLRS]]. This way the system became fully [[NATO]] interoperable. The truck cabin is entirely armored. The Slovak Republic signed for 26 upgraded artillery systems with the first one delivered on May 20, 2005. RM-70 Modular is being offered as an upgrade for RM-70 owners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/12992/title/SVK-DEU-RM-70-Modular-122mm-227mm-raketomet/sid/e95ba955c3793b2a072e25f41f0d7740 |title=SVK/DEU - RM 70/85 Modular (122mm / 227mm raketomet) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Raketomety a taktické raketové systémy |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}</ref>
{{anchor |Vz.92|VMZ vz.92 Križan}}
*'''Vz.92 "Križan" VMZ''' (''velkokapacitní mobilní zatarasovač'') - Engineer vehicle, based on the [[Tatra T815]] 36.265 with a lightly armoured cabin. The vehicle comes in different configurations, the standard being a 40-round rocket launcher (for "Kuš" and "Krizhna-R" rockets), a mechanical mine layer for anti-tank mines (PT Mi-U or PT Mi-Ba-III) and two dispensers for anti-personnel mines (PP Mi-S1).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forum.valka.cz/viewtopic.php/t/13335/highlight/ |title=CZK - VMZ vz.92 Križan (velkokapacitní mobilní zatarasovač) :: Československo / ČR / SR (CZK/CZE/SVK) :: Speciální nástavby |date=9 June 2004 |publisher=Forum.valka.cz |access-date=2014-05-05}}</ref>
*'''{{vanchor |RM-70 Vampire}}''' - Upgraded version with digital fire control. [[Tatra 817]] truck chassis powered by a [[Tatra T3C]] [[V8 engine]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tatratrucks.com/why-tatra/tatra-vehicle-design/tatra-engine/|title=TATRA engine :: Tatratrucks.com|website=www.tatratrucks.com}}</ref> with 270&nbsp;kW of output, coupled with a Tatra 10 TS 210 N [[gearbox]], with semi-automatic Tatra Norgen drive system and an additional gearbox Tatra 2.30TRS. It has a range of around {{convert|1,000|km|mi|abbr=on}} and a top speed of {{convert|90|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} with an armored and NBC-protected crew cabin.<ref>[http://armyrecognition.com/april_2016_global_defense_security_news_industry/excalibur_army_offers_a_modern_version_of_the_rm-70_rocket_artillery_system_41304163.html Excalibur Army offers a modern version of the RM-70 rocket artillery system] - Armyrecognition.com, 13 April 2016</ref>

== Operators ==
[[File:RM-70 operators.png|thumb|300px|Map of RM-70 operators in blue with former operators in red]]
[[Image:Slovakia army 889.jpg|thumb|RM-70 Slovak army.]]
[[File:RM 70 in Indonesia.jpg|thumb|Indonesian ''[[Indonesian Marine Corps|Korps Marinir]]'' RM-70 unit firing]]

===Current operators===
*{{ANG}} − 40 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=433}}
*{{AZE}} − 18 RM-70 Vampire {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=173}}
*{{CAM}} − 20 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=236}}
*{{flaglist|Democratic Republic of the Congo}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=447}}
*{{ECU}} − 6 as of 2024.<ref name="IISS202322">{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2024 |date=February 13, 2024 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032780047 |edition=1st |pages=432}}</ref>
*{{FIN}} − 34 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=88}}
*{{GEO}} − 18 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=177}}
*{{GRE}} − 108 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=98}}
*{{INA}} − 9 RM-70 and 8 RM-70 Vampire used {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}. Used by the Marines{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=256}}
*{{NGA}} − 7 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=470}}
*{{PRK}} − Unknown number purchased from second-hand sources during the Cold War and domestically produced<ref>[http://armyrecognition.com/april_2017_global_defense_security_news_industry/analysis_new_combat_vehicles_and_tanks_at_military_parade_in_south_korea_by_army_recognition_11704172.html Analysis: New combat vehicles and tanks at military parade in North Korea by Army Recognition] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418082622/http://armyrecognition.com/april_2017_global_defense_security_news_industry/analysis_new_combat_vehicles_and_tanks_at_military_parade_in_south_korea_by_army_recognition_11704172.html |date=2017-04-18 }} - Armyrecognition.com, 17 April 2017</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/2015/10/analysis-of-new-updated-equipment-in-october-10-parade/|title = N.Korea's 'conservative' display contrasts with past WPK celebrations &#124; NK News|date = 10 October 2015}}</ref>
*{{POL}} − 29 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=121}}
*{{RWA}} − 5 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=472}}
*{{SADR}}<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cooper |first1=Tom |last2=Grandolini |first2=Albert |last3=Fontanellaz |first3=Adrien |title=Showdown in Western Sahara, Volume 2: Air Warfare Over the Last African Colony, 1975-1991 |date=2019 |publisher=Helion & Company Publishing |location=Warwick, UK |isbn=978-1-912866-29-8 |page=66}}</ref>
*{{SVK}} − 4 RM-70 and 26 RM-70/85 Modular {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=131}}
*{{SRI}} − 22 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=289}}
*{{TKM}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=200}}
*{{UGA}} − 6  {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=485}}
*{{Flag|Ukraine}} − 20 RM-70 Vampire {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|page=202}} At least 5 destroyed or damaged as 27 April 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=Attack On Europe: Documenting Ukrainian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/02/attack-on-europe-documenting-ukrainian.html |access-date=2025-04-27|website=Oryx Blog}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Uruguay}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=UNROCA (United Nations Register of Conventional Arms) |url=https://www.unroca.org/czech-republic/report/1998/ |website=www.unroca.org}}</ref>
*{{ZIM}} − 60 RM-70 {{as of|2023|lc=yes}}{{sfn|IISS|2023|p=488}}

===Former operators=== 
*{{BUL}} − 12 imported in 2009<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.un-register.org/HeavyWeapons/CountryDetail.aspx?Register_Id=1782|title=Bulgarian arms imports, 2009 calendar year|publisher=[[UNODA]]|access-date=14 June 2013}}</ref> (re-export, not commissioned in the Bulgarian Army)
*{{CZE}} − 60 RM-70 (decommissioned as of end of 2011 without replacement){{citation needed|date=January 2019}}
*{{flag|Czechoslovakia}} − Passed on to the Czech Republic and Slovakia after its dissolution{{citation needed|date=January 2019}}
*{{GDR}} − 265 RM-70 received between 1975 and 1989;<ref name="SIPRI"/> 158 delivered to Greece after the collapse of East Germany and 36 sold to Finland in 1991<ref name="SIPRI"/>
*{{DEU}} − Inherited from East Germany, donated to Greece.{{sfn|Military Balance 2016|p=104}}
*{{flag|Libya|1977}} − 36 (delivered by Czechoslovakia between 1981 and 1982).<ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web |title=Trade Registers |url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |website=armstrade.sipri.org |publisher=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=7 September 2023}}</ref> Estimated 100 RM-70 in service prior to the [[2011 Libyan civil war]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2011 |date=2011 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-85743-606-8 |page=320 |language=en |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies }}</ref>
===Unknown operational status===
*{{ALG}} – Unknown number observed at Mers Al-Kebir Naval Base in the early 1980s. Operational status unknown.<ref name = 'CIA polisario'>{{cite report|title=RM-70 MULTIPLE ROCKET LAUNCHES WITH POLISARIO FORCES AAIN UM SERUSA POLISARIO CAMP, WESTERN SAHARA (SANITIZED)|date=March 26, 1982|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp82t00709r000100120001-3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123204642/https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp82t00709r000100120001-3|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2017}}</ref>
== See also ==
* [[BM-21 Grad]]
* [[WR-40 Langusta]]
* [[M-77 Oganj]]
* [[T-122 Sakarya]]
* [[Fajr-5]]
* [[RS-122]]

==Bibliography==

*{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2023 |date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |pages=201−204 |isbn=978-1032508955 |edition=1st |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |ref={{SfnRef|IISS|2023}}}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|RM-70}}
* [http://www.diehl-bgt-defence.de/index.php?id=551&L=1 Diehl BGT Defence RM-70 Modular]
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/czech_army_artillery_vehicle_weapon_systems_uk/rm-70_m1972_122mm_mlrs_multiple_launch_rocket_system_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html RM-70 M1972 122mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System on armyrecognition.com]
* {{cite book|title=The Military Balance 2016|date=February 2016|volume=116|isbn=9781857438352 |publisher=Routlegde|ref={{harvid|Military Balance 2016}}|author=International Institute for Strategic Studies|author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}
*[http://www.deagel.com/pandora/rm-70_opm0077001.aspx Deagel, RM-70] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061207200952/http://www.deagel.com/pandora/rm-70_opm0077001.aspx |date=2006-12-07 }}
*[http://www.armyrecognition.com/europe/Tchecoslovaquie/vehicule_artillerie/RM-70/RM-70_Tchecoslovaquie_description.htm Army Recognition, RM-70]
*[http://www.army.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=6051 Ministry of Defence of Czech Republic, Rocket Launcher 122 mm type 70]

{{ModernPOLAFVsNav | style= wide }}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Wheeled self-propelled rocket launchers]]
[[Category:Multiple rocket launchers of Czechoslovakia]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1970s]]
[[Category:Self-propelled artillery of Czechoslovakia]]
[[Category:Eight-wheeled vehicles]]