Romania has transferred to Ukraine an unspecified number of APR-40 MLRS, which are a local analogue of the Soviet BM-21 Grad complex. Some of these installations are in service with the 116th Mechanized Brigade. The unit's fighters spoke about the features and experience of operating this equipment.
The main differences between the APR-40 and the BM-21:
– The sight on the “Grad” is mounted from below, which allows you to work while standing, while on the APR-40 it is mounted from the side, which requires a sitting position.
– The rotation of the package in the “Grad” is carried out by an electric motor, and in the APR-40 - by a hydraulic drive via a remote control with Romanian inscriptions.
– The APR-40 has a cover on the back of the guides, which makes maintenance difficult.
Another problem is the lack of spare parts for the APR-40, as the Romanian manufacturing plant is closed. But Ukrainian mechanics are coping with the repairs.
At the same time, the APR-40 has a number of advantages. The order of firing shells is adjusted to avoid overheating and shaking of the machine. And the Romanian DAC-665 truck has better driving characteristics compared to the Soviet Ural.
The above-listed nuances do not prevent the use of the APR-40 to fight the invaders. The fighters of the Armed Forces of Ukraine positively evaluate the Romanian equipment.
More details are in the video report attached below.