The 220mm Uragan (Lit; Hurricane) MRL was introduced into service in 1977 and is sometimes referred to in the West as the BM-22 or M1977. The
industrial designation for the complete BM-22 system is 9K57 and launcher is mounted on a modified ZIL-135 (8 x 8) cross-country truck chassis
designated the BAZ-135LM with the complete vehicle being designated 9P140. The vehicle is fitted with a central tire pressure regulation system and
has steering on the front and rear axles.
Before the rockets are launched two stabilizers are lowered at the rear of the vehicle, one either side. The BM-22 provides chemical, high explosive and
submunition supporting fire to maneuver units. The following rocket types are known to be used with the system: unitary HE, APAM bomblets (30
bomblets), AT mines (24 mines), and AP mines (312 mines). The launcher has a traverse of +-30°, maximum elevation of +55°; and consists of
one layer of four tubes and two layers of six tubes.
A rapid reload capability is provided for by another ZIL-135 designated 9T452 that carries 16 rockets arranged in two stacks positioned either side of the
vehicle bed with a single round capacity reloading arm between them. For reloading the launcher is lowered to the horizontal and swung to one side, the
new rockets being loaded with the aid of a rammer. Reloading time is estimated to take up to 20 minutes. Maximum rate of fire is one round every 0.5
seconds.
