- Valkiri
Infobox Weapon
name= Valkiri
caption=
origin=South Africa
type=Multiple rocket launcher
is_ranged=yes
is_explosive=yes
is_vehicle=yes
service=
used_by=South Africa
wars=South African Border War
designer=Denel ,Somchem
design_date=
manufacturer=
unit_cost=
production_date=
number=
variants= "Bateleur" (40 launch tubes)
spec_label=
weight= 6,400 kg (14,080 lbs)
length=
part_length=
width=
height=
diameter=
crew=2
cartridge=
caliber=127 mm (5 in)
barrels=
action=
rate=
velocity=
range= 36 km (22 mi)
max_range=
feed=
sights=
filling=
filling_weight=
detonation=
yield=
armour=
primary_armament=
secondary_armament=
engine=
engine_power=
transmission=
payload_capacity=
fuel_capacity=
pw_ratio=
suspension=4×4 wheeled
clearance=
vehicle_range=
speed=
guidance=The Valkiri (
Valkyrie ) is aSouth African self-propelledmultiple rocket launcher developed in the 1980s bySomchem , a division of the Denel corporation.cite web
url = http://www.somchem.co.za/rockets.html
title = Rockets and Missiles
accessdate = 2006-10-25] cite web
url = http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/valkiri.htm
title = Valkiri Multiple Artillery Rocket
accessdate = 2006-10-25]Development of the system was completed in 1981. It was fielded in 1987 and 1988 by the South African Defense Force (SADF) in southern
Angola againstCuba n supportedFAPLA forces, specifically during operations Hooper and Modular.Description
It is closely based on, but not a copy of, the
Soviet "BM-21 (Grad)". The most significant differences are:
* Different rockets (127 mm versus 122 mm).
* Improved range and accuracy of rockets.
* Smaller, lighter more mobile 4×4 2-ton truck chassis (the SAMIL).
* Could easily be disguised as small canvas covered truck.It was designed to be a self contained system that could be easily transportable in a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft.
The standard 127 mm rocket is 2.68 m long and designed for use against personnel or soft skinned targets. The pre-fragmented warhead is designed with a
proximity fuze for detonation at a certain height above ground.Variants
* Valkiri-22 (original version): 24 launch tubes
* Bateleur (current version): 40 launch tubesReferences
External links
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/Afrique/Afrique_du_Sud/vehicule_artillerie/Valkiri/Valkiri_Afrique_du_Sud_description.htm Army Recognition.com]
* [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/valkiri.htm FAS.org]
* [http://www.geocities.com/sa_bushwar9/ Photos] at SA Bush War—half way down the page
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