War Time Inventions Pt 2 -- Modified GRAD Launchers

BENGHAZI, LIBYA 5/31/2011 -- Continuing with our coverage of improvised weapons in the Libyan civil war, this week Alive in Libya looks at the modified GRAD rocket launchers in use by rebel forces.

Originally designed by the Soviet military, GRAD launchers have around 30 cylinders for rockets mounted on heavy trucks. Rebels will find damaged or destroyed launchers belonging to Gaddafi forces and salvage or repair them, putting them back into service.

The rebels take the 30 cylinder launchers and cut them down to 4, then mount them on their own cars and trucks using trusses designed for anti-aircraft weapons. Each launcher has 3 supporting units; a scout for locating targets, an engineer to calculate the firing angle, and a driver to operate the vehicle itself.

The GRAD launchers used by the rebels are capable of firing two different types of rockets, varying in range from 20km to 40km (12 - 25 miles).

Use of the launchers is controversial under international law, as the weapon system is far from precise. While GRAD systems are not officially banned, their use may still violate international law if used outside the principals of distinction and proportionality. For example, the Gaddafi regime has previously come under heavy criticism for deploying GRAD rockets against civilian targets in Misrata, Ajdabiya, and elsewhere.

In today's episode, Alive in Libya headed out to the front lines to speak with the driver of one of these modified GRAD launchers, to find out how they work, where they come from, and what the implications are for the rebel military efforts.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• War
• Time
• Inventions
• Pt
• modified
• GRAD
• launchers

[toro199999]

@1jilu and you are an insignificant little persian trivial who is much more worthless than a swine's scum that eat filth and shit, go say that infront of an Arabian man and he'll tear your stinking guts apart, go pray for your fake god and lash yourself

[papakilatube]

This modification helped the rebels gain mobility and the ability to spread out their forces. Moreover, if one gets taken out out, you don't lose everything at once. They're not stupid at all.

[1jilu]

stupid arabs