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ASTROS II
Astros II (Artillery Saturation Rocket System) is developed and manufactured by Avibras Aerospacial S.A. based in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Deliveries of Astros II started during 1983 and the system is operational in the Brazilian Army and with the armed forces of Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The system is battle proven, having been used in action by the Iraqi Army in the Gulf Wars and also Saudi Arabian systems were used during the Gulf conflict in 1991.

The Astros II rocket system includes a fleet of vehicles:

Universal Multiple Launcher (AV-LMU) capable of firing 5 kinds of rockets with different calibers.

Ammunition Supply Vehicle (AV-RMD) for resupply of the AV-LMU, carrying 2 complete loads for each launcher.

Command and Control Vehicle / Fire Control Unit (AV-VCC) to provide the battalion level command with coordination and direction of firing missions for up to 3 Astros batteries.

Mobile Workshops for electronic and mechanic field maintenance of the system.

Optional Electronic Fire Control Unit (AV-UCF) which main task is to facilitate the procedures of fire direction using radar and computer.

Astros II can also be configured as a coastal defence system when deployed with an AV-CBO Searching and Operation Centre.

A typical battery configuration consists of six AV-LMU Universal Multiple Launchers, six AV-RMD Ammunition Supply Vehicles together with an optional AV-UCF Fire Control Unit. An AV-VCC Command and Control Vehicle / Fire Control Unit together with two mobile workshop vehicles which would be stationed at the battalion headquarters.

The system capability includes:

  • High mobility and armour protection.
  • High volume of fire.
  • Short ripple time.
  • Minimum crew.
  • All-weather day and night capability.
  • Wide operational range and longest ranges in its class.
  • High accuracy for efficient use of the ammunition.
  • High saturation firing capability.
  • Deployment against different types of targets.

    • ROCKETS

    The launcher is capable of firing rockets of different calibers armed with a range of warheads.

    The SS-30 rocket, caliber 127 mm, can be loaded with 32 rounds per launcher and has a range between 9 and 30 km.

    The SS-40 rocket, caliber 180 mm, can be loaded with 16 rounds per launcher and has a range between 15 and 35 km.

    The SS-60/SS-80 rocket, caliber 300 mm, can be loaded with 4 rounds per launcher and has a range between 20 and 80 km.

    Avibras is developing a Tactical Missile for launch from ASTROS II. The TM will have a range of 150 km and can be fitted with a variety of warheads.

    Cluster munitions warheads and dual purpose anti-armour and anti-personnel bomblets for increased area saturation are available for the SS-40, SS-60 and SS-80 rockets. A high explosive white phosphorous incendiary warhead provides anti-personnel, smoke deployment and materiel incendiary capability. A mine deployment warhead carries anti-personnel and anti-materiel mines. An anti-runway warhead which is equipped with a delayed action fuse has the capability of penetrating reinforced concrete runways to a depth of nearly 0.5 metre.

    VEHICLE

    All the Astros II vehicles are based on the Astros Standard Chassis AV-VBA 6 x 6, 10 ton off-road vehicle which is supplied by Tectran Engenharia, a subsidiary of Avibras based in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 90 km/hour and is fitted with a Mercedes-Benz 280 horsepower diesel engine.

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    The Astros II combat proven artillery saturation rocket system.
    The Astros II combat proven artillery saturation rocket system.
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    Astros II deployed in the Gulf.
    Astros II deployed in the Gulf.
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    The optional Electronic Fire Control Unit (AV-UCF) whose task is to facilitate the procedures of fire direction using radar and computer.
    The optional Electronic Fire Control Unit (AV-UCF) whose task is to facilitate the procedures of fire direction using radar and computer.
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    The command and control vehicle (AV-VCC) provides the Battalion level with coordination and direction of firing missions for up to 3 Astros batteries.
    The command and control vehicle (AV-VCC) provides the Battalion level with coordination and direction of firing missions for up to 3 Astros batteries.
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    The universal multiple launcher (AV-LMU) with SS-60/SS-80.
    The universal multiple launcher (AV-LMU) with SS-60/SS-80.
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    The AV-LMU with SS-40.
    The AV-LMU with SS-40.
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    The ammunition supply vehicle (AV-RMD) for resupply of the AV-LMU carrying 2 complete loads for each launcher.
    The ammunition supply vehicle (AV-RMD) for resupply of the AV-LMU carrying 2 complete loads for each launcher.
    Specification