• Generalisation and systematisation of data on the MRLS as a sophisticated system, consisting of numerous subsystems, which are strictly correlated and hierarchically subordinated;
• Presentation of scientific and methodological application of the firing theory to the problem of the MRLS characteristics justification;
• Quantitative estimates of the MRLS effectiveness.

The book is divided into four chapters and appendixes.

The first chapter traces the worldwide trends in development of the multiple weapons for different branches of arms, typical for this class of weapons systems are listed and among them the MRLS as a successful realisation of the worldwide trend in development of the multiple weapons.

The current structure of the rocket weaponry of the Russian Army is set forth and the appropriateness of this structure is described. This chapter also deals with design and specifications of the rockets, launch vehicles, transporter-loaders, their interaction with the means of fire preparation and control.

Description of the arsenal and the other auxiliary equipment is given. This part of the book is intended for those studying the design and operation of the weaponry systems and the rocket artillery, in particular.

The second chapter contains the theoretical rationale of the MRLS specifications.

Application is given of the firing theory in respect of justification of the cluster projectiles characteristics basing on the criteria of maximum index of fire effectiveness taking into account the most advantageous methods of engagement of the destruction objectives. The basic objective laws and relationships between the characteristics of the cluster projectiles, firing errors and the indexes of effectiveness are set forth.

The third chapter gives the methodology of justification of cluster projectiles characteristics basing on the criteria of maximum index of fire effectiveness; the general diagram of the simulation and analytical models is given.

The data given in the 3rd and 4th chapters is intended for engineers and specialists.

The fourth chapter presents the quantitative estimates of the effectiveness of the MRLS firing of wide range of rockets.

The materials given make it possible to compare various MRLS both in this class of weapons and the other weaponry systems and can be used by the foreign customers of the Russian combat materiel to be well-orientated in this field and for the foreign specialists who are busy in development of the multiple systems, cluster projectiles to give them possibility of making a correct comparison.

The total volume of the book is 340 pages, including 35 tables and 81 drawings. The bibliography contains 97 sources.

The release price of one book is 99 US$. Proforma request for the book (in case of order of more than 50 copies which grant the right for the 5% discount from the cost of the order) can be effected to the website (.................) of the Publishing House to facilitate planning of the yearly output.

Brief information about authors:

Nicolai A. Makarovets, Director General of the FSUE “SPLAV” SRPA, Dr.Sc. (technology), Professor. Nicolai A. Makarovets was born on the 21st of March, 1939, in the town of Krolevets (Ukraine). Graduated from the Tula Mechanical Institute, speciality “Motors of Aircraft” in 1962. Nicolai A. Makarovets is a recognised specialist of the rocket artillery. He is the author of more than 200 scientific publications and inventions, the full member of the Russian Academy of the Rocket Production and Artillery, honorary Dr.Sc. of the Tula State University. He is one of the founders of the Tula Scientific School of Designing and Production of Rocket Artillery Systems. Among his pupils there are 10 Doctors of Science (Technology) and 15 Candidates of Science. In 1996 he founded and headed the Chair “The MRLS Launch and Technical Complexes” in the Tula State University. According to his deserts in development of the MRLS in 1997 he was awarded a title of Hero of the Russian Federation. Nicolai A. Makarovets conferred the decorations upon Lenin, the October Revolution, the Red Banner of Labour, “For services before the Motherland” (1st and 3rd degree). He is the State Prize Laureate.

Lev A. Ustinov, Deputy Head of the Chair “The MRLS Launch and Technical Complexes” of the Tula State University, Dr. Sc. (technology), Professor. Ustinov was born on the 19th of February, 1938, in Tula. Graduated from the Tula Mechanical Institute in 1962. He is the author of 75 scientific publications and 12 inventions, Adviser of the Russian Academy of the Rocket Production and Artillery, the honorary member of the higher professional education of the RF, the Mosin Prize Laureate for 2002.

Boris A. Avotyn’, Deputy Chief of the research department of FSUE “SPLAV” SRPA, Dr. Sc. (technology). Boris A. Avotyn’ was born on the 28th of March, 1951, in the town of Chechov , the Moscow Region. Graduated from the Tula Polytechnical Institute in 1974. Boris A. Avotyn’ is the author of 61 scientific publications and 15 inventions. He is the Ganichev Prize Laureate for 1996, the Mosin Prize Laureate for 2004 , «Engineer of the Year” in the nomination of “Combat and Special Equipment” for 2001.