| During the WW II years the multiple launch rocket system BM-13-16 gained the immortal glory and was high esteemed as the symbol of Soviet rocket artillery power. The first attempt to improve combat characteristics of famous “Katiusha” after the war end was installation of launch system on new Soviet ZiL–157 truck with high cross-country capabilities.
The artillery part of the system was formed by 8 rail-type bilateral launch guides. The laying equipment– elevating and traversing mechanism– was hand-operated. “Katiusha” was able to fire all 16 rocket projectiles of M-13 (132mm) or M-82 (82mm) type with fragmentation charge within 7-10 seconds.
The tactical role of the MLRS BM-13-16 was to destroy enemy forces at the battlefield, including armor and fortifications. The BM-13-16 “Katiusha” were in service with Soviet and Warsaw Pact armies, armed forces of soviet orientation countries.
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