M-63 Plamen

Plamen S

M-63 Plamen is first Yugoslav made towed MLRS. The M-63 is purpose for fire support for the front units. In the Army of Serbia and Montenegro was self-propelled system M-63 Plamen-S, mounted on TAM-150 6x6 military truck. The Plamen was used in Yugoslav wars by all sides (except KLA).

Description

The 128 mm (32-round) M-63 `Plamen' (Flame) MRS was developed in Yugoslavia to meet the requirements of the then Yugoslav Army. It is normally found in MRL battalions of three batteries, each with four launchers. The M-63 is mounted on a split trail carriage with elevation, traverse, launch controls and sight on the left side of the launcher. The spin-stabilised M-63 unguided rockets fired by the M-63 are 0.814 m long, weigh 23.1 kg, have a maximum velocity of 444 m/s and are fitted with a 7.55 kg warhead that is filled with 2.3 kg of high explosive. A UTI M63(OV) point detonating fuze with super quick inertia action is used. A practice round of similar dimensions and weight for loading and unloading training is also used. The rockets are either fired singly or in a ripple salvo with set intervals of 0.2, 0.4 or 0.6 seconds. An improved version of the M-63 with a wider carriage (2.212 m in travelling position) was also manufactured, and both 8- and 16-round launchers are available for export. If required, these can be mounted on a self-propelled system. All versions of the M-63 launcher can be adapted for towing by animals.

Variants

M-71 Partizan - A 128 mm M-71 lightweight single-tube rocket launcher known as the `Partizan' was also produced for use by commando, special forces and territorial defence units. It is known to be in service with Syria.

Specifications

Calibre: 128 mm
Number of barrels: 32
Length:
- (barrel) 1.03 m
- (rocket) 0.814 m
- (travelling) 3.682 m
- (firing) 3.65 m
Weight:
- (rocket) 23.1 kg
- (in firing position, unloaded) 1,395 kg
- (in firing position, loaded) 2,134 kg
Max range: 8,545 m
Max velocity: 444 m/s
Reload time: 5 min
Crew: 7
Carriage: split trail
Width:
- (travelling) 2.212 m
Height:
- (travelling) 1.278 m
Ground clearance: 0.268 m
Track: 1.892 m
Tyres: 8.25 x 20
Elevation/depression: +48/0º
Traverse:
- (total) 30º (15º left, 15º right)
Reload time: 3 min
Towing vehicle: TAM 1500 (4 x 4) truck

Operators

Former operators

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Reference

Jane's Armour and Artillery 2002-2003