The Flatbed Terror

April 12, 2013: A UAE (United Arab Emirates) company (Jobaria) has developed a unique artillery system. The MCL (Multiple Cradle Launcher) is an armored tractor hauling a flatbed trailer on which is mounted three automatically aimed launch turrets, each holding two pods each containing 40 122mm or 107mm rockets. Thus one MCL system can carry and launch 240 rockets in less than a minute. Reloading is fast (less than ten minutes) but requires tucks, with a crane, carrying 20 tons of rockets (in six pods). The big savings is in manpower, as each MCL only requires a crew of three.

The MCL uses rockets that are made by dozens of manufacturers. The 122mm rockets are based on the Russian BM-21 design. Each of these rockets has a range of 20-40 kilometers. The 122mm rockets weigh 68.2 kg (150 pounds) and are 2.9 meters (nine feet) long. These have 20.5 kg (45 pound) warheads but not much accuracy because they are unguided. These rockets are only effective if fired in salvos or at large targets (like cities, large military bases, or industrial complexes). The longer range ones have smaller warheads and larger rocket motors, giving them a range of up to 40 kilometers.

The smaller 107mm rockets of less range (six kilometers) and are based on the Russian BM-12 design. The 107mm rocket weighs 19 kg (42 pounds) and is 84 cm (33 inch) long. This rocket has a range of 6-12 kilometers and 1.35 kg (three pounds) of explosives in its warhead. There are BM-12 variants which have a smaller warhead and larger rocket motor which gives it a max range of 12 kilometers.

What could make the MCL truly terrifying would be the use of the GPS guided rockets that are becoming increasingly common. It was not easy getting the mechanical and electronic components to fit effectively in these small unguided rockets, but in the last few years several companies (including one in the UAE) have turned 70mm unguided rockets (long popular as aircraft and helicopter weapons) into laser guided missiles. Turning the 122mm rockets into GPS guided missiles would enable an MCL to hit over 200 targets with great accuracy in less than a minute. That would be a formidable artillery weapon.

For the last decade the UAE has been encouraging local companies to develop weapons for use by local forces and export markets. So far this has resulted in UAE firms manufacturing military trucks, guided missiles and small arms

http://strategypage.com/htmw/htart/a.../20130412.aspx

The new Jobaria Defense System MCL Multiple Cradle 107/122mm Rocket Launcher at IDEX 2013.

he Jobaria Company of United Arab Emirates has designed a new concept of artillery system which is presented for the first time at IDEX 2013, defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The JDS Multiple Cradle Launcher (MCL) is a 6x6 tractor truck with semi-trailer armed with four power-operated rocket launchers. Each rocket launcher has three blocks of 20 122 or 107 mm launcher tubes, in four lines.
The JDS MCL is a Multiple Cradle Launcher used for close fire support as well as striking and suppressing hostile targets. The launcher can serve multiple purposes in modern warfare and is able to attack with high volume fire power. The launcher can engage any targets by using 240 x 122 or 107 mm rockets from a distance of 16 km to 40 km accurately.

The launcher is deployed in an autonomous role and with own on-board Launcher Command Post, navigation system and accurate laying system, engages targets within this range. The launcher has an acceptable cross country capability, due to a high mobility wheeled tractor vehicle.

The launcher has its own dedicated support vehicle. The ammunition is of pod technology for rapid and easy employment.

The JDS MCL is an advanced rocket system characterized by high volume application, easy operation and crew maintenance, with a crew of only three. It is therefore an internationally advanced ultra-modern weapon system.

The JDS MCL is a requirement of artillery from United Arab Emirates armed forces to put one battery of artillery rocket launcher to one vehicle, and replace six vehicles to do the same missions. Another advantage is the number of soldiers to operate the vehicle, only three in place of 40 for the same fire power.

The system is completely manufactured in the United Arab Emirates, the truck is supply by Oshkosh, but the cabin is a local design and provides a protection against firing of small arms.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/index...k=view&id=6605


JDS Multiple Cradle Launcher (MCL) at IDEX 2013 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates


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