Want... China North Industries Corporation is seeking to find new markets in the Middle East by displaying the AR3 multiple launch rocket system at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference in Abu Dhabi between Feb. 22-26, according to the state newswire Xinhua. Described as the most powerful multiple launch rocket system in the world, the AR3 can be fitted with two pods consisting of four launch tubes for 370mm rockets each or five launch tubes for 300mm rockets. It is designed to engage remote strategic targets such as airfields, command centers, support facilities, air defense batteries and large concentrations of troops. The attack range of the AR3 rocket system is up to 280 kilometers.
Operated by a crew of three, it only takes the AR3 five minutes to launch rockets against targets. Crew can prepare for firing without leaving the cabin of the truck upon which it is mounted. Rockets can also be launched from the vehicle by remote. After the rockets are launched, the vehicle can leave its position within a minute. The launch vehicle is designed based on the Wanshan 8x8 high mobility truck chassis and can be operated in battery, battalion or autonomously.
An AR3 battery includes launch vehicles, reloading vehicles, a command post vehicle, a meteorological survey vehicle and other support vehicles.
Other Chinese weapons systems were also on display at the event, including the A300, a type of Weishi multiple rocket launcher, and the FD-2000, the export version of China's HQ-9 surface-to-air missile, Xinhua said.