Designation:

M-63 Plamen VBR 128

Info
Manufacturer: BNT-Tvornica Masina i Hidraulike D.D.  
Product type: Weapons & Weapon Systems  
Name: Multiple rocket launcher  

In 1995, the M-94 Plamen-S system was produced and mounted on the Steyer-Deimler 6x6 truck. Based on old M-63 towed MLRS, using new 12.8km range missile and other improvments. This missile is not to be confused with 128mm missile for M-77, beacause M-94 missile is shorter, and having a range of 12.8 km, weight 23.1kg and weight of the warhead 7.5kg and 2.3kg of explosives. Set of 32 tubes are loaded and another load of 32 missiles in automatic loader is giving the system total of 64 missiles. Firing mode of .2, .4 or .6 seconds for launching one missile gives total of only 5 seconds for firing total of 32 missiles, giving the M-94 system great firepower. The system based on the Steyer-Deimler truck is very mobile, and it can be used on allmost any terrain. M-94 system can occupy and leave the firing site within minutes, and so it is very dificult to targeting by enemy artillery or airforces.

Development

The 128 mm (32-round) M-63 'Plamen' (Flame) MRS was developed in the former Yugoslavia (today Serbia) to meet the requirements of the then Yugoslav Army. It is normally found in MRL battalions of three batteries, each with four launchers. It is estimated that total production of this system amounted to about 500 units.

Description

The 128 mm (32-round) M-63 'Plamen' launcher 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 solid propellant 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 tracked or wheeled self-propelled system.

All versions of the M-63 launcher can be adapted for towing by animals.

Variants

128 mm (32-round) 'Plamen' (6 × 6)

This is based on a locally manufactured chassis and is covered in detail in a separate entry. It is also referred to as the 128 mm Plamen-S.

128 mm M-71 'Partizan' single-tube rocket launcher

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.

Time required for emplacement is 5 minutes and for displacement (in fired state) 3 minutes. The 128 mm unguided rocket type used is the M-63 type previously described.

It is understood that the correct designation of this system is the LRL 128 M-71 'Partizon'.

128 mm M-87 Improved Rocket

In 1980, the former Yugoslavia introduced the improved M-87 HE unguided rocket for use with both the M-63 and M-71 launchers. This weighs 25.5 kg in total, is 0.96 m long and uses an M-84 point detonating fuze with super quick inertia action. The warhead contains 3.3 kg of HE filler.

Maximum velocity is increased to 740 m/s with 7.8 kg of solid-propellant fuel carried giving a minimum range of 800 m and a maximum range of 12,800 m.

128 mm M-92 Improved version

This is an improved model used by Bosnia-Herzegovina and is fitted with a carrying handle.

128 mm (24-round) LOV RAK 24/128

This system was developed in Croatia and marketed by RH ALAN. Details are given in a separate entry. As far as it is known, this system has not been exported by Croatia.

128 mm (12-round) VLR 128 M91A3 RAK 12

This system was also developed in Croatia and marketed by RH ALAN. Details are given in a separate entry. As far as it is known, this system has not been exported.

Specifications:
Property Value
Firing range (m)
12800
Number of rocket lunchers
32
Main weapon caliber (mm)
128
Length (mm)
3682
Width (mm)
2212
Height (mm)
1260
Ground clearance (mm)
268
Weight for transportation (kg)
1395
Weight (kg)
2134
Firing range (m)
8545
Traverse arc (degree)
30
Elevation (degree)
48



M-63 Plamen VBR 128 quantities:
Country Qnt
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA
5
Qnt:
5

   
M-63 Plamen VBR 128
M-63 Plamen VBR 128
M-63 Plamen VBR 128
M-63 Plamen VBR 128
M-63 Plamen VBR 128
M-63 Plamen VBR 128