[Would you like to see this in-game?]
- Yes
- No
0
voters
TL;DR: An Israeli modernized BM-24 MLRS that mounted the launcher onto a ZiL-157 truck and featured many other improvements.
History:
The MLRS started seeing extensive use during WW2, especially so by the Soviet Union, however, a weapon can only be developed so much during wartime as time and money are always in short supply. As soon as the war ended and the Soviet Union got its military production resituated, it began to look into improving and replacing its old wartime MLRS models. One of said models to be replaced was the heavy 300mm BM-31. Its replacement would be accepted into service in 1951 in the form of the BM-24, which, like the BM-31, would commonly be based on the ZiS-151 (ZiS would later be changed to ZiL) but fire 240mm rockets instead. Simple in its design and purpose, the BM-24 would not only be a domestic success but an international one as well. with the MLRS seeing service in over 20 different countries, one of said countries being Egypt, receiving them between 1964 and 1965. These systems would see service during the Six-Day War in which a decent number were captured by Israeli forces in near perfect condition. These MLRSs would prove themselves very useful to the IDF, so much so that the decision was made to formally integrate them. Before officially entering Israeli service, however, the BM-24s would be modernized by removal of the launcher from the original ZiL-151 chassis and remounting onto the more rugged and capable ZiL-157 chassis. Tool holders, jerry can brackets, and fire extinguishers were added as part of the standard kit and the old firing mechanism was replaced by an original Israeli one. Standard IDF communication equipment was also added. Some sources state that two independent battalions received the new BM-24s, however, only one of them, the 270th, has been actually confirmed to have operated them. The would see service in 1973 on the Syrian front before being moved to the Egyptian front where they would stay until their ammunition ran out. They were then relocated to the northern front but did not see any action as the Syrian cease-fire had taken effect. The modernized BM-24s would again see service in 1982 during Operation Peace for Galilee where they participated in the siege of West Beirut.
Place In-Game:
Direct-fire capable MLRSs are a staple when it comes to War Thunder derp-vehicles. Their high-risk high-reward playstyles attract many players looking for a break from the monotony of the grind. Since every nation has access to at least one of these vehicles, every nation should get one. The ZiL-157 (BM-24) is one such vehicle for Israel. It is a classic example of an Israeli modification of a captured vehicle, meaning that it is technically unique. Playstyle would be very cautious while yet aggressive at the same time. Sticking to roads would be the best course of action as it would allow you to make full use of your mobility. You also have 12 rockets, so getting in close to make them count is a must. They have a poor velocity of 465ms, however, their large warheads would ensure that anything you hit will die in one shot. Like the other in-game MLRS vehicles, the ZiL-157 (BM-24) should be implemented as a premium vehicle, however, it could also work as an event of battlepass vehicle.
Specifications:
Armament: 240mm BM-24 MLRS (12 rockets)
Dimensions: 6.70m, 2.30m, 2.90m (L,W,H)
Weight: 8680kg
Armor: None
Crew: 4
Ammunition: HE (M-24F with a 60.8kg warhead and 16.2kg of propellant, M-24FUD with a 46.5kg warhead and 23.9kg of propellant, MD-24F with a 48.4kg warhead and 44.3kg of propellant)
Speed: 65kph
Horsepower: 109hp
Pictures:
Original BM-24 based on ZiL-151 during a parade (aka before modification):Side View:Rear View:Launcher Close-Up:
Sources:
BM-24 combat vehicle | Missilery.info
BM-24 (Katyusha) 6x6 Wheeled Multiple Launch Rocket System
The BM-24-12 in the IDF – Military In the Middle East
https://soldat.pro/en/2018/07/25/rszo-bm-24-t-240-mm-reaktivnaia-sistema-zalpovogo-ognia/
Katyusha - Russian Multiple Launch Rocket Launchers 1941-Present by Jamie Prenatt