Documents
Splav
9A54 Tornado-S
A modernized, longer-range successor to the BM-30 Smerch heavy multiple rocket launcher, adding satellite-corrected guided rockets and an automated fire-control system for improved precision at extended range. It has been used extensively by Russian forces against Ukraine.
In service since 2016
Compiled from public sources ·primary reference ↗ ·last verified 2026-07-02
60
km/h
900
km range
300
mm gun
44,000
kg
Pricing: No public unit cost
Procurement snapshot
Availability & export
Russian state channel
Rosoboronexport monopoly; Western sanctions exposure and payment/logistics risk for many buyers.
Channel: Rosoboronexport (state)
Fielded & proven
Operator data not public
In service since 2016. Status: active.
Lifecycle cost (est.)
No public unit price to model from. Why so few systems publish one →
Interoperability
No standardised NATO calibre / datalink detected in public specs.
Derived guidance from public data, export regime by country of origin, lifecycle from the GAO ~30% acquisition rule. Verify eligibility, pricing and offsets with the manufacturer and your acquisition authority.
Full specifications
Performance
Speed, range, altitude and engagement capability.
| Max speed Maximum level speed. For aircraft this is at optimal altitude; for ground vehicles, top road speed. Higher means faster response and better kinematic performance. | 60 km/h |
|---|---|
| Range Maximum distance: ferry range for aircraft, operational range for vehicles, maximum engagement distance for missiles. Higher means more standoff or persistence. | 900 km |
| Rate of fire Rounds per minute (cyclic). Higher increases suppression and hit probability. | 12 rpm |
Firepower
Armament, payload and guidance.
| Main armament Primary weapon: main gun, cannon or missile type. | 12-tube 300 mm guided rocket launcher |
|---|---|
| Caliber Bore diameter of the main gun or rifle. Larger throws heavier projectiles; not simply better, ammunition commonality matters. | 300 mm |
| Ammunition Rounds carried (main gun) or standard magazine capacity. | 12 |
| Max firing range Maximum range of the main gun or rocket artillery (with assisted/extended-range munitions where noted). Higher extends reach. | 120 km |
Physical
Dimensions, weight and crew.
| Combat weight Fully loaded weight. Lighter eases transport and bridging limits; heavier often means more armor. | 44,000 kg |
|---|---|
| Crew Personnel required to operate. Fewer reduces exposure; autoloaders trade a loader for mechanical complexity. | 3 |
Propulsion
Engine, power and fuel.
| Engine Powerplant model and type. | KamAZ-6560 truck chassis diesel |
|---|---|
| Propulsion type Turbofan, turboshaft, diesel, gas turbine, solid-fuel rocket, ramjet… | Diesel |
Specifications compiled from public Splav and reference sources ↗. Published defense figures are approximations, treat comparisons as directional. Last verified 2026-07-02.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the top speed of the Splav 9A54 Tornado-S? +
The Splav 9A54 Tornado-S has a maximum speed of 60 km/h.
What is the range of the Splav 9A54 Tornado-S? +
The Splav 9A54 Tornado-S has a maximum range of 900 km.
How much does the Splav 9A54 Tornado-S weigh? +
The Splav 9A54 Tornado-S has a combat weight of 44,000 kg.
How many crew does the Splav 9A54 Tornado-S require? +
The Splav 9A54 Tornado-S requires a crew of 3.
What is the main armament of the Splav 9A54 Tornado-S? +
The Splav 9A54 Tornado-S's primary weapon is the 12-tube 300 mm guided rocket launcher.
What engine does the Splav 9A54 Tornado-S use? +
The Splav 9A54 Tornado-S is powered by the KamAZ-6560 truck chassis diesel.
What is the Splav 9A54 Tornado-S used for? +
The Splav 9A54 Tornado-S is a artillery & mlrs typically used for deep strike.
How much does the Splav 9A54 Tornado-S cost? +
Splav 9A54 Tornado-S: No public unit cost. Defense program costs are rarely fully public and vary by contract and configuration.
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Related coverage
9A54 Tornado-S in the news
News conflict · Aug 16, 2026
Ukraine Hits Russian Rocket-Fuel Plant Feeding Iskander, Smerch
ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles struck the Kamensk-Shakhtinsky plant that makes solid fuel for Uragan, Smerch, Tornado-S and Iskander missiles.
Article guide · Jul 18, 2026
What 'Rate of Fire' Means on an Artillery Spec Sheet
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