The AR-3 rocket launcher is an improved version developed on the basis of the AR-2 rocket launcher. It is one of the AR series of long-range multiple rocket launchers in China. It has two calibers of 370 mm and 300 mm.
The AR3 is a Chinese artillery rocket system, developed specially for export. It was first revealed in 2011. The AR3 is one of the the most powerful multiple launch artillery rocket systems in the world.
Specification
Country of origin: China
Crew: 5
Dimensions and weight
Weight: 44 t
Length: 12 m
Width: 3 m
Height: 3 m
Armament
Caliber: 370 mm / 300 mm
Number of tubes: 8 / 10
Rocket weight: 840 kg
Warhead weight: 200 kg
Firing range: 100 – 220 km / 20 – 130 km
Full salvo duration: 60 s
Reloading time: 20 minutes
Mobility
Engine: diesel
Engine power: 500 hp
Maximum road speed: 60 km/h
Range: 650 km
Maneuverability
Gradient: 60%
Side slope: 30%
Vertical step: 0.6 m
Trench: 2 m
Fording: 1 m
✅ Key Features
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Dual-Caliber Capability | Can fire both 300mm and 370mm rocket pods interchangeably |
| Extended Range | Up to 130 km with 300mm guided rockets; 300 km with FD-480 ballistic missile |
| High Precision | GPS/INS + terminal guidance (on guided variants); CEP <30 m |
| Modular Pod Design | Rapid reload via crane or auxiliary vehicle; launcher can be swapped |
| Automated Fire Control | Fully digital system with inertial navigation, GPS, and automatic laying |
| Shoot-and-Scoot Ready | Elevation and aiming completed in <3 minutes; launch sequence in <2 minutes |
| Networked Operations | Integrates with battlefield C4I systems for real-time targeting |
| All-Weather & Day/Night Operation | Operates in extreme temperatures (-42°C to +55°C) |
| Crew Protection | Armored cabin with NBC protection and bullet-resistant glass |
📊 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Designation | AR-3 MLRS |
| Manufacturer | NORINCO (China) |
| Chassis | 8×8 high-mobility truck (typically Tiema XC2200 or equivalent) |
| Crew | 3 (commander, gunner, driver) |
| Weight (Loaded) | ~45,000 kg |
| Dimensions | 14.5 m (L) × 3.0 m (W) × 3.4 m (H) |
| Engine | Diesel, ~450 hp |
| Speed | 60 km/h (road), 40 km/h (cross-country) |
| Range (Vehicle) | 650 km |
| Launch Tubes | 12 (in two 6-tube pods) |
| Caliber Options | – 300 mm (standard pod)<br> – 370 mm (long-range pod)<br> – FD-480 TBM (single missile in specialized pod) |
| Reload System | External crane or resupply vehicle |
| Fire Control | Digital FCS with GPS, INS, automatic azimuth/elevation |
| Laying Time | ≤ 3 minutes (from stop to ready-to-fire) |
| Launch Duration | < 2 minutes (full salvo) |
| Recovery Time | ~5 minutes (prepare to move after firing) |
🚀 Rocket & Missile Ammunition
The AR-3’s true strength lies in its multi-munition flexibility. It can engage area targets, hardened structures, and even time-sensitive mobile threats with precision.
1. 300mm Guided Rockets
- Type: Fire Dragon 140 / SY-400 (export)
- Length: ~7.5 m
- Weight: ~800 kg
- Range: 70 – 130 km
- Guidance: GPS/INS
- CEP: <30 m
- Warhead: 200 kg (HE-FRAG, submunitions, or thermobaric)
- Use Case: Counter-battery, troop concentrations, airfields
2. 370mm Unguided Rockets
- Type: Extended-range unguided
- Range: ~90 km
- Warhead: 150–180 kg (area saturation)
- Note: Less accurate; used for area bombardment
3. FD-480 Tactical Ballistic Missile
- Designation: Fire Dragon 480
- Caliber: 750 mm (single missile in special pod)
- Range: 200 – 300 km
- Guidance: GPS/INS + terminal seeker (optional)
- CEP: <50 m
- Warhead: 480 kg (unitary HE, bunker-buster, or submunitions)
- Flight Time: ~5–7 minutes to 300 km
- Use Case: Deep strike, command centers, logistics hubs
🔔 The AR-3 can carry either:
- One 12-tube 300mm pod, or
- One 6-tube 370mm pod, or
- One single-cell FD-480 ballistic missile container
🆚 AR-3 vs. Global Competitors
System |
Country |
Caliber |
Max Range |
Guidance |
Mobility |
Export Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AR-3 | China | 300/370 mm + TBM | 300 km | GPS/INS | 8×8 Wheeled | ✅ Widely exported |
| BM-30 Smerch | Russia | 300 mm | 90 km (120 km extended) | Unguided / Limited guidance | 8×8 Wheeled | ✅ Exported |
| M270 MLRS / HIMARS | USA | 227 mm (GMLRS) | 84–150 km (GMLRS ER) | GPS/INS | Tracked / 6×6 | ❌ Restricted (ITAR) |
| PHL-191 (CM-400) | China | 370 mm + DF-12A | 500+ km | GPS/INS + Terminal | 8×8 Wheeled | Limited export |
| AHS Krab + WR-40 | Poland | 122/239 mm | 60–100 km | Unguided / GPS | Tracked/Wheeled | Limited |
💡 The AR-3 stands out due to its rare combination of TBM capability and dual-caliber flexibility in an export-eligible platform.
🛠️ Operational Workflow
- Mission Planning
Target coordinates received via UAV, radar, or forward observer. - Vehicle Positioning
AR-3 moves into pre-surveyed or GPS-located firing position. - Automatic Alignment
Inertial navigation system aligns launcher azimuth and elevation. - Pod Selection & Loading
Appropriate pod (300mm, 370mm, or FD-480) installed via crane. - Firing Sequence
Rockets/missiles launched in rapid succession or ripple-fire mode. - Relocation
Vehicle departs within minutes to avoid counter-battery fire.
🌍 Export Customers & Global Impact
The AR-3 has been exported to several countries, including:
- Ethiopia – Operates multiple batteries; used in regional conflicts.
- Myanmar – Integrated into artillery corps for long-range strike.
- Pakistan – Evaluated and potentially in service under local designation.
- Venezuela, Nigeria, Algeria – Reported interest or limited procurement.
🌐 The AR-3 is often marketed alongside Fire Dragon series munitions and integrated with NORINCO’s ZCC-1 command vehicle for full battery-level coordination.
⚠️ Strategic Implications
- Force Multiplier: A single AR-3 can deliver devastating firepower across hundreds of square kilometers.
- Escalation Risk: FD-480 missile capability blurs the line between rocket artillery and short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs).
- Counter-Battery Vulnerability: Despite shoot-and-scoot design, thermal/radar signature may expose position.
- Export Concerns: Long-range precision rockets raise proliferation concerns under MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime).
✅ Conclusion
The AR-3 Multiple Launch Rocket System is more than just an artillery platform — it is a strategic strike asset in a mobile, export-friendly package. With its unmatched dual-caliber flexibility, 300 km reach via FD-480, and high precision, the AR-3 provides mid-tier militaries with capabilities once reserved for major powers.
Whether used for deep interdiction, area suppression, or anti-armor saturation, the AR-3 ensures that any adversary must reckon with long-range, high-volume firepower — delivered with speed, accuracy, and overwhelming effect.
