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RBU-6000

In today's world, RBU-6000 is a topic of great relevance and interest to many people. Whether due to its impact on society, its influence on popular culture or its importance in history, RBU-6000 has become a point of discussion and debate in various areas. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to RBU-6000, from its origins to its relevance today. We will analyze its impact in various areas, as well as the opinions and perspectives of experts on the subject. In addition, we will reflect on the role that RBU-6000 plays in people's daily lives and its potential to transform the world in the future.

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RBU-6000 system
Indian corvette Kadmatt with two RBU-6000 launchers

The RBU-6000 Smerch-2 (Реактивно-Бомбовая Установка, Reaktivno-Bombovaja Ustanovka; rocket-bomb installation & Смерч; waterspout) is a 213 mm caliber Soviet anti-submarine rocket launcher. The system entered service in 1960–1961 and is fitted to a wide range of Russian surface vessels. It consists of a horseshoe-shaped arrangement of twelve launch barrels, that are remotely directed by the Burya fire control system (that can also control the shorter-ranged RBU-1000). It fires RGB-60 rockets, which carry unguided depth charges. The rockets are normally fired in salvos of 1, 2, 4, 8 or 12 rounds. Reloading is automatic, with individual rounds being fed into the launcher by the 60UP loading system from a below-deck magazine. Typical magazine capacity is either 72 or 96 rounds per launcher. It can also be used for shore bombardment.

The RPK-8 system is an upgrade of the RBU-6000 system, firing the 90R rocket, which releases a 90SG depth charge that is actively guided in the water.[1] This allows it to home in on targets at depths of up to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft). The warhead is a 19.5-kilogram (43 lb) shaped charge, which enables it to punch through the hulls of submarines. It can also be used against divers and torpedoes. System response time is reported to be 15 seconds and a single-salvo has a kill probability of 0.8. RPK-8 entered service in 1991 and was mounted on Project 1154 and 11356 frigates. Serial production of the upgraded 90R1 rocket, featuring a non-contact proximity fuze, was launched in 2017.[2]

RBU-6000 were the most widespread anti-submarine rocket launchers in the Soviet Navy, used on many ship classes.

Specifications

Russian corvette Kalmykia firing a RBU-6000 rocket depth charge
Indian Navy destroyer INS Chennai firing an RBU rocket.

Launcher specifications

Value RBU-6000[3] RPK-8[1]
Empty weight (kg) 3100 3500 + 4700 (autoloader)
Length (m) 2
Height (m) 2.25
Width (m) 1.75
Elevation -15° to +65°
Traverse 180°

Rocket specifications

All rockets are 212 mm in diameter.[1]

Value RGB-60[3] 90R[1]
Weight (kg) 113.5 112.5
Warhead 23 kg, explosive 19.5 kg, shaped
Range (m)
  • Ballistic 1: 350 m to 1700 m
  • Ballistic 2: 1500 m to 5500 m
 600 m to 4,300 m
Target depth (m) 10 to 500 m
  • Submarines: 0 to 1,000 m
  • Torpedoes and divers: 4–10 m[3]
Sink rate 11.6 m/s Unknown
Seek radius N/A (not homing) 130 m

Both versions of depth charges have contact and programmed fuse modes.[3] The guided depth charge released by 90R has its own name, 90SG.[1]

Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket

This section is an excerpt from Armament Research and Development Establishment § Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ERASR).

In the 2020s, ARDE worked with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory and the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory to create ERASR, an extended range version of the RGB-60 rocket that was previously employed in the RBU-6000 and its Indian equivalent, Indigenous Rocket Launchers (IRL). With its twin motor propulsion system, ERASR can launch the rocket 500–8,900 m (1,600–29,200 ft) in both short-range and long-range modes. On April 3, 2023, the rocket was successfully test fired from INS Chennai (D65).[4][5]

The Indian Navy finished the ERASR user trials from the IRL aboard INS Kavaratti (P31) between June 27 and July 3, 2025. During the trials, 17 rockets at various ranges were successfully fired. Every trial goal, such as range performance, electronic time fuze operation, and warhead functioning, was successfully proved. The rocket system is being produced in collaboration with Solar Defence & Aerospace Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited. The ERASR System is anticipated to be introduced by the Navy shortly.[6]

Ships

Two RBU-6000 rocket launchers aboard the Mărășeștiv
Two RBU-6000 rocket launchers aboard a Koni-class

Ship classes fitted with RBU-6000 (list not complete)

Armoured vehicles

  •  Russian Ground Forces
    • MT-LBs and T-80 chassis have been seen with the launcher complex fitted during the Russo-Ukrainian War.[7][8]
    • Ural-4320 trucks have been reported with the launcher complex fitted during the Russo-Ukrainian War. Some were fitted with complete arrangement of twelve launch barrels, other with six or four barrels. Some of those vechicles were reported as destroyed by Ukrainian military and by ORYX. [9][10][11][12]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Anti-submarine rocket launcher system RPK-8 |". Catalog Rosoboronexport roe.ru.
  2. ^ "Indian Navy Kolkata Class Destroyers". Medium. 17 February 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d "RBU-6000 Smerch-2". Weaponsystems.net.
  4. ^ Kulkarni, Sushant (2023-04-06). "Anti-submarine rockets developed by 2 Pune labs successfully tested from INS Chennai". The Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  5. ^ "Anti Submarine Rocket for RBU 6000 Launcher". Defence Research & Development Organisation. Retrieved 4 January 2024.
  6. ^ "User trials of Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket successfully carried out from INS Kavaratti" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 2025-07-08. Retrieved 2025-07-10.
  7. ^ "Russia Modifies T-80 Tanks Into Rocket Launchers; Fresh Proof Of Moscow's Military Might" (video). youtube.com. Hindustan Times. Jan 26, 2024.
  8. ^ "RAROG Battalion destroys Russian RBU-6000 SMERCH-2 rocket launcher". Militarnyi. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  9. ^ Oryx. "Attack On Europe: Documenting Russian Equipment Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine". Oryx. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  10. ^ "93rd Brigade's pilots destroyed the Ural truck with a RBU-6000 naval rocket launcher". Militarnyi. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  11. ^ Axe, David. "Russia Bolted An Anti-Sub Launcher To A Truck & Braced It With Lumber". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  12. ^ "Ukrainian Forces Destroy Rare Russian Smerch-2 Naval Mortar Repurposed for Land Combat, Video". UNITED24 Media. 2025-02-11. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  • The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Systems 1997-1998
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