Artillery: December 4, 2001

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Brazil has offered a new version of its Astros-II artillery rocket system. The existing Astros-II is basically a truck with two large (450mm diameter) missiles, which can be used as rocket artillery or for coastal defense (anti-ship) duties. The new Astros-TM (Tactical Missile) has a longer range (300 kilometers, which it reaches by using wings to provide lift) and carries a 500kg warhead. Several types of warhead are available, including unitary high explosive and submunition types. There is an inertial guidance system (presumably using GPS) to ensure accuracy.--Stephen V Cole