Ukrainian private company Techimpex offered main characteristics upgrade for the ZIL-135LM eight-wheeled military transport from BM-27 Uragan (Hurricane; GRAU index 9P140) self-propelled multiple rocket launcher systems designed in the Soviet Union. It began its service with the Soviet Army in the late 1970s, and was its first modern spin and fin stabilized heavy multiple rocket launcher.
Modernization allows to extend the service life of ZIL-135LM and improve the following characteristics; Dynamic – to reduce fuel consumption and increase power reserve; Maintainability – assigned life of the engine between overhauls is significantly increased. The main differences from the basic version are: 2 gasoline ZIL-345 engines are replaced with 2 diesel D-245 engines. The vehicle is powered by a two D-245.30E2 engines l four-cylinder in-line vertical engine.
The BM-27 Uragan is capable of launching 220 mm rockets from 16 launch tubes mounted on the rear of a ZIL-135 8×8 chassis. This vehicle is extremely similar to that used in the FROG-7 free flight rocket system. It has two gasoline engines that power its 20 tonnes to a maximum speed of 65 kilometers per hour. One engine drives the four wheels on the left of the truck, while the other engine drives the four wheels on the right. The ZIL-135 has eight wheel drive, but only the front and rear axles are used for steering. It has a maximum cruising range of 500 kilometers.
The Scientific-Production Company “TECHIMPEX Ltd” is a Ukrainian private sector company, founded in 2003. The main fields of the Company’s activities are manufacture, repair, upgrade, sales and disposal of the military equipment and military weapon, as well as non-military fire arms, ammunition, cold weapon and air gun weapon. Techimpex has evolved from a contractor for renovation and repair of automotive, armored and engineering vehicles to a system integrator in the field of comprehensive military equipment modernization supported by the Company’s in-house R&D capabilities. SPC TECHIMPEX Ltd is registered with the State service of export control of Ukraine as an entity engaged in foreign economic activities with military goods and dual use goods.