(Pfeil Rockets in comparably large & small launchers)
Diameter: 120 mm and 220 mm (without fins).
Length: 3 m and 5.9 m.
Weight: 70-320 kg.
Warhead: 30-120 kg warhead or container.
Launch Platform: Canister or Box Launcher System, suitable for ground and sea platforms.
Range: 10 to 45 km.
Guidance: INS, GPS assistance, Semi-Active Laser (optional).
CEP(Circular Error Probable): Programable CEP Tolerance feature allows CEP radius between 5 and 600 meters.
Background
The M118 "Pfeil" (Arrow) Rocket Series is an extensive line of advanced spin and fin-stabilized artillery rockets designed by Wolf Armaments for use in Multiple-Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS). Its introduction in 2000 replaced aging systems within the TECT Imperial Armed Forces in use since the 1970s. Pfeil is currently manufactured in two different diameters or "families;" the Pfeil-120, a one hundred and twenty millimeter model; and the Pheil-220, a two hundred and twenty millimeter model. Pheil is as much a delivery system as it is an artillery munition, designed to efficiently deliver cargo payloads alongside using standard explosive warheads. Pfeil has received a number of upgrades since its adoption, some upgrades including new warhead variants while more recent upgrades have introduced significant range and component upgrades. While original A models of the Pfeil have been upgraded or sit in stockpiles, most Pfeil rockets are on their second iterations, or B Models, while the latest models released in 2019 are of the C Model.
Built for the 21st century battlefield, Pfeil was the name originally used by the Imperial Army project that spawned the rocket series. "Project Pfeil" was an early 1990's Imperial Army project to develop artillery rockets for the Imperial Armed Forces. Although the Imperial Army's Research & Development Corps made great strides, their concepts each fell short of the Imperial Army's expectations. Out of the several prototypes undergoing testing, three designs were favored by IAR&D commanders for further development. One was a smaller, short-ranged rocket; the second was both larger and longer ranged; while the third, bigger than the other two, was more or less a tactical ranged ballistic rocket. After a year of development for all three prototypes, the IAR&D came to a crossroads. Everyone eventually asked, which design is actually going to be accepted? It was true that in theory all three could be, but the original aim of the project was one system. Even if all were adopted, the issue with that was the cost to develop and field each system. The first two designs had no guidance other than fins and spin-stabilization, even so they proved to be highly capable with their fairly limited accuracy; while not precise, both rockets proved valuable in bombarding narrow areas. The third rocket was essentially the testbed for every new guidance system the Imperial Armed Forces wanted to shove into a ballistic missile/rocket. Although highly accurate and very capable, designers quickly realized that they had essentially designed a ballistic rocket system and not a tactical-use artillery rocket; while not entirely a bad thing, the prototype had more than exceeded its costs and the underlying concept. All three development teams managing each rocket system came to the same set of conclusions. First, that all three can't pass; second, all three shouldn't pass either under their current circumstances; and third, each prototype held enough merit to develop fully under better circumstances. What was the IAR&D's solution? Bring the matter to Wolf Armaments of course, the people who excelled at developing new weapon systems.
Wolf Armaments' Land Warfare Design Committee was approached by both the Imperial Armed Forces Ministry alongside the Imperial Army's Research & Development Corps. The two entities desired Wolf Armaments' assistance on the matter of developing the Pfeil System, namely which of the three should move on to final development and if the other two should even continue development for the time being. Under the current guidelines given to them, LWDC went to work deciding the Pfeil's fate. Their basic outline was anything but simple. "A rocket-based artillery system capable of short and long range strikes, bombardments, and deliveries of payloads designed to decimate and suppress enemy forces. Variants should be readily available, including at least one for pin-point accurate strikes and another for payload delivery." LWDC figured out quickly why the military couldn't set itself upon one design: It was asking too much for any one system to perform. Solution? Integrate all three into two models. Wolf Armaments made a proposal to both the Imperial Armed Forces Ministry and the Imperial Army's Research & Development Corps stating it could assist or even complete the project as directed by the earlier guidelines under two conditions. The first was to scrap or suspend the third rocket prototype. Reason being that it failed to meet the guidelines provided, or more accurately, blew past them. As for the second condition, both the short and longer ranged systems would need to be developed, citing that both systems would be needed if the Imperial Army wished to strike any target anywhere within a tactical theater. IAR&D's plan may not have been simple but LWDC's plan of action to solve the problem was. Take the resources from the third rocket system in order to not only finish the first two rocket systems, but improve them. Seeing no better options, the Imperial Armed Forces Ministry approved the deal proposed by Wolf Armaments under certain conditions, namely that Wolf Armaments would begin developing its own ballistic rocket system akin to the third prototype within the next five years for the Imperial Armed Forces.
With all three sides agreeing to a working relationship, Wolf Armaments' Land Warfare Design Committee assisted by the Imperial Army's Research & Development Corps set out to complete the Pfeil Project. Beginning where the project left off, both development institutions went to work deciding the path forward for both rocket systems. Up until now the Imperial Army relied on howitzer guns or airstrikes for more precise deliveries, meaning its rocket systems were more for area saturation than precision. It was now more evident why it took as long as it did for the Imperial Armed Forces to develop newer systems. Both prototypes were largely comparable to the Grad and Uragan rocket systems. Both development teams had made some progress before Wolf Armaments' takeover, however. Newer warheads, including enough space for payloads were a bonus. But the more ingenuitive components, such as spin-stabilization and folded fins, made each rocket more accurate than its eastern counterparts. Taking the approach of working upwards, the development teams decided it would be much quicker to develop the smaller rocket and scale up from there. Aside from swapping materials and slight changes to the design, the biggest change Wolf Armaments made to the Pfeil was giving it proper guidance. Guidance had been left out purposely for the aformentioned doctrinal reasons with rocket artillery mentioned before. But another key reason were costs. Guidance systems were not only expensive but the ones needed for non-human guidance (such as lasers)
Comparable to the Pfeil are the older Soviet Grad and Uragan rocket systems.. Starting in early 2000, Imperial Army commanders repeatedly asked for a series of multipurpose long range artillery systems that could use variant specific munitions against a wide variety of threats. Old field guns were considered for modernization before missiles were soon discussed as the solution - all parties involved, however, came to the conclusion that rockets were probably the best and cheapest option for long range artillery. Rockets were proven for centuries now of being able to conduct devastating long and close range bombardments - many countries around the world still use rockets based on many world designs. So in the same year, the TECT Government put in a bid for Wolf Armaments to design a rocket that could fill a range of long range artillery needs. Both the government and Imperial Army especially wanted a set of native rocket designs for the Heiliger Blitz MRLS. Tests conducted on initial prototypes were conducted in late 2000 after designers deconstructed Grad and Uragan systems; other western rocket designs were also analyzed. A setback in the tube's design forced reconstruction of the rocket tube and the warhead - the delay allowed designers to perfect the design for future expansion on technology being added to the Pfeil. In mid 2001, both caliber Pfeil rockets, along with variants, were approved for production and large orders were made by the TECT government.
120 millimeter Pfeil Rocket
Built from a refined steel alloy - Pfeil rockets are cheaper to produce and make adding on newer technology less costly. 120 mm Pfeil rockets are notably shorter in length then the 220 mm Series and their warheads reflect that. Rather then higher precision accuracy, 120 mm Pfeil rockets focus on volleys for barrages in order to maximize their potential. To increase the rocket's characteristics, Wolf Armaments focused on improving the shape, design, and technology of the rocket - accuracy and general improvements were the primary focus for the Pfeil rocket series'. A modern aerodynamic construction and extended engine compartment give the 120 mm Pfeil a forty-five kilometer maximum range; its folded deploying rear fins provide excellent stabilization, increasing accuracy of the rocket in flight. Pfeil rockets use a liquid fuel booster for propulsion and IMX-101 explosive mixture for its warhead explosive filler. Depending on the variant, a Pfeil 120 mm rocket can be armed with a warhead or storage space full of sub-munitions up to twenty-five kilograms; the smarter warheads can be programmed to explode or detonate based on timers, allowing warheads to explode close to the ground, high above the ground, or upon impact.
Pfeil-120-HE-Frag: The High Explosive Fragmentation variant of the Pfeil-120 is a standard used all-purpose rocket; it uses a standard twenty-five kilogram warhead using IMX-101 explosives. HE-Frag's typically are used against infantry, anti-defense/structure, and against light skinned vehicles like aircraft and light armored vehicles. With a lethal range of twenty-eight meters, shrapnel can travel up a dozen or more meters in the blast.
Pfeil-120-HE-Frag-II: The High Explosive Fragmentation Mark Two variant of the Pfeil-120 is an improved shrapnel version of the all-purpose rocket; it uses a standard twenty-five kilogram warhead using IMX-101 explosives and carries six thousand tiny ball-bearings for additional damage. HE-Frag II's typically are used against infantry, anti-defense/structure, and against light skinned vehicles like aircraft and light armored vehicles. With a lethal range of twenty-eight meters, shrapnel and ball-bearings can travel up to forty-five meters from the blast site.
Pfeil-120-DSM: The Dual Sub-Munition variant of the Pfeil-120 is a dual-purpose anti-infantry and vehicle sub-munitions dispensing rocket; it uses a twenty-five kilogram storage space to house forty-five bomblets, each using IMX-101 explosives that produce shaped charge shrapnel in all directions. DSM's typically target formations of enemy forces over a wide area using a number of smaller bomblets that deploy over a wide distance (approximately forty meters) to destroy infantry and armored vehicles from multiple directions. Each bomblet is capable of penetrating one-hundred millimeters of armor from one-hundred millimeters away.
Pfeil-120-SMAT: The Sub-Munition Anti-Tank Pfeil-120 is a an advanced anti-tank/vehicle sub-munition dispensing rocket; it uses a twenty-five kilogram storage space to house three smart sub-munitions that use a EEP warhead powered by an IMX-101 explosive. These sub-munitions use infrared and millimeter-radar to spot their intended target - an armored vehicle or main battle tank - as it corkscrews down to the ground. The rocket ignites and separates high above an intended target area, each munition will then float down individually looking for its target; once the target is spotted, the munition floats until it is close enough above the vehicle and detonates - launching its made warhead onto the target's rooftop. This top-down attack targets top armor of vehicles, which is weaker, and finds its target individually rather then with manned assistance.
Pfeil-120-Incendiary: The Incendiary Pfeil-120 is a high explosive incendiary rocket intended to create a sea of flames when launched in full barrages; the twenty-five kilogram warhead features a IMX-101 explosive device that ignites the incendiary warhead, spreading it over a wide area. The warhead itself is built with a kerosene-based fuel mixture, an oxidizing agent, and contains large amounts of white phosphorous. The Incendiary variant is used to defeat defenses, infantry, and destroying a large variety of structures and equipment. Incendiary Pfeil-120 mm rockets have a lethality range of about twenty-eight meters.
Pfeil-120-Smk: The Smoke Pfeil-120 is a smoke dispensing rocket that lays vast amounts of thick smokescreen over an area. The twenty-five kilogram warhead features a white phosphorous fueled smokescreen mixture that burns fast. The wall of smoke is produced in vast amounts quickly, covering a thirty meter area in a wall of smoke. This smokescreen conceals friendly positions, covers friendly armored units, and obscures the enemy's vision.
Pfeil-120-Jammer: The Jammer Pfeil-120 is a noise producing jamming rocket intended to flood enemy radio communications with noise. The twenty-five kilogram warhead features a noise producing device that jams radio communications. Radio jamming is achieved by barraging in the short-wave and ultra-short wave bands for the purpose of disorganization of the hostile control systems in a tactical echelon by suppression of radio-communication lines, troops command posts and ground information processing posts. The Pfeil-120 Jammer is capable of operating for sixty minutes and affects radio systems within a seven-hundred meter range.
Pfeil-120-AGR: Airborne Guided Rocket is a Pfeil-120 variant designed for airborne use; the twenty-five kilogram warhead is a high-explosive fragmentation warhead. Pfeil-120 AGR can be mounted on almost any aircraft from helicopters to attack jets; they are deployed in rocket pods with four slots for rockets. AGR's utilize a laser guidance system that tracks a guided laser beam that "lite up" targets for precision strikes. Pfeil-120 AGR's do not need to be guided by their laser systems and can be aimed like traditional aircraft rockets.
Pfeil-120-Spatz: A modified submunitions variant - the Spatz variant is a special made carrying bus for Sptaz submunitions. Stacked one after another, eight Spatz submunitions are carried in a bus system that has four submunitions per level. Upon entry the submunitions are deployed at optimal altitude and engage targets autonomously.
Pfeil-120-Spatz Rocket: An upgraded variant of the standard HE-Frag model - the Spatz Rocket variant is a smart guided high explosive artillery rocket that incorporates enhanced guidance and communication technology used in the Sptaz submunition. The upgraded rocket features a redesigned main body with deploying fins for improved maneuverability during flight. A new cone assembly (or warhead area, if you wish to call it) includes the electro-optical system and laser rangefinder assembly, a high explosive warhead, and additional guidance equipment (GPS, IMU, laser altimeter rangefinder, and the rocket's guidance computer). The incorporation of smart guidance and tracking technology allows the rocket to coordinate with other munitions in flight to maximize lethality during barrages; such coordination factors in the munition's size, blast area, and the other munitions traveling with the rocket. Rockets, for example, can carpet an area evenly, maximize the casualty/damage potential using blast areas for reference, or work together to single out targets of opportunity they can independently identify. Essentially, this is a smart, guided, and improved artillery rocket based off the Spatz's technology.
220 millimeter Pfeil Rocket
Built from a refined steel alloy - Pfeil rockets are cheaper to produce and make adding on newer technology less costly. 220 mm Pfeil rockets are notably longer and heavier then the 120 mm Series and their warheads reflect that. 220 mm Pfeil rockets focus on high accuracy with improved warheads in volleys for barrages in order to maximize their potential; the larger more guided munitions are more effective then the lighter 120 mm Series. To increase the rocket's characteristics, Wolf Armaments focused on improving the shape, design, and technology of the rocket - accuracy and general improvements were the primary focus for the Pfeil rocket series'. A modern aerodynamic construction and extended engine compartment give the 220 mm Pfeil a forty-five kilometer maximum range; its folded deploying rear fins provide excellent stabilization during flight. Two additional guidance features to improve accuracy are laser and GPS guidance systems. 220 mm Pfeil rockets posses a laser tracking device or SALH, Semi-Active Laser Homing, that tracks and guides the munition to a 'lit up' target. As a secondary guidance feature, a GPS guidance allows a 220 mm Pfeil rocket to be accurately guided onto targets no matter the weather condition using satellite guidance; in the event the GPS signal is blocked, Inertial guidance takes control, which has just has slightly improved guidance over unguided munitions. Pfeil rockets use a liquid fuel booster for propulsion and IMX-101 explosive mixture for its warhead's filler. Depending on the variant, a Pfeil 220 mm rocket can be armed with a warhead or storage space full of sub-munitions up to one-hundred kilograms; the smarter warheads can be programmed to explode or detonate based on timers, allowing warheads to explode close to the ground, high above the ground, or upon impact.
Pfeil-220-HE-Frag: The High Explosive Fragmentation variant of the Pfeil-220 is a standard used all-purpose rocket; it uses a standard one-hundred kilogram warhead using IMX-101 explosives. HE-Frag's typically are used against infantry, anti-defense/structure, and against light skinned vehicles like aircraft and light armored vehicles. With a lethal range of forty-two meters, shrapnel can travel up to a dozen or more meters in the blast.
Pfeil-220-HE-Frag-II: The High Explosive Fragmentation Mark Two variant of the Pfeil-220 is an improved shrapnel version of the all-purpose rocket; it uses a standard one-hundred kilogram warhead using IMX-101 explosives and carries thirteen thousand tiny ball-bearings for additional damage. HE-Frag II's typically are used against infantry, anti-defense/structure, and against light skinned vehicles like aircraft and light armored vehicles. With a lethal range of forty-two meters, shrapnel and ball-bearings can travel up to sixty-two meters from the blast site.
Pfeil-220-DSM: The Dual Sub-Munition variant of the Pfeil-220 is a dual-purpose anti-infantry and vehicle sub-munition dispensing rocket; it uses a one-hundred kilogram storage space to house four-hundred bomblets, each using IMX-101 explosives that produce shaped charge shrapnel in all directions. DSM's typically target formations of enemy forces over a wide area using a number of smaller bomblets that deploy over a wide distance (approximately eighty meters) to destroy infantry and armored vehicles from multiple directions. Each bomblet is capable of penetrating one-hundred millimeters of armor from one-hundred millimeters away.
Pfeil-220-SMAT: The Sub-Munition Anti-Tank Pfeil-220 is a an advanced anti-tank/vehicle sub-munition dispensing rocket; it uses a one-hundred kilogram storage space to house ten smart sub-munitions that use a EEP warhead powered by an IMX-101 explosive. These sub-munitions use infrared and millimeter-radar to spot their intended target - an armored vehicle or main battle tank - as it corkscrews down to the ground. The rocket ignites and separates high above an intended target area, each munition will then float down individually looking for its target; once the target is spotted, the munition floats until it is close enough above the vehicle and detonates - launching its made warhead onto the target's rooftop. This top-down attack targets top armor of vehicles, which is weaker, and finds its target individually rather then with manned assistance.
Pfeil-220-Incendiary: The Incendiary Pfeil-220 is a high explosive incendiary rocket intended to create a sea of flames when launched in full barrages; the one-hundred kilogram warhead features a IMX-101 explosive device that ignites the incendiary warhead, spreading it over a wide area. The warhead itself is built with a kerosene-based fuel mixture, an oxidizing agent, and contains large amounts of white phosphorous. The Incendiary variant is used to defeat defenses, infantry, and destroying a large variety of structures and equipment. Incendiary Pfeil-120 mm rockets have a lethality range of about forty-two meters.
Pfeil-220-Spatz: A modified submunitions variant - the Spatz variant is a special made carrying bus for Sptaz submunitions. Stacked one after another, fourteen Spatz submunitions are carried in a bus system that has six submunitions per level. Upon entry the submunitions are deployed at optimal altitude and engage targets autonomously.
Pfeil-220-Spatz Rocket: An upgraded variant of the standard HE-Frag model - the Spatz Rocket variant is a smart guided high explosive artillery rocket that incorporates enhanced guidance and communication technology used in the Sptaz submunition. The upgraded rocket features a redesigned main body with deploying fins for improved maneuverability during flight. A new cone assembly (or warhead area, if you wish to call it) includes the electro-optical system and laser rangefinder assembly, a high explosive warhead, and additional guidance equipment (GPS, IMU, laser altimeter rangefinder, and the rocket's guidance computer). The incorporation of smart guidance and tracking technology allows the rocket to coordinate with other munitions in flight to maximize lethality during barrages; such coordination factors in the munition's size, blast area, and the other munitions traveling with the rocket. Rockets, for example, can carpet an area evenly, maximize the casualty/damage potential using blast areas for reference, or work together to single out targets of opportunity they can independently identify. Essentially, this is a smart, guided, and improved artillery rocket based off the Spatz's technology.
Export
Pfeil Rockets can be purchased from the Wolf Armaments main storefront page in pods, bulks, or as single rockets.
Pfeil-120-HE-Frag: $1,000 NSD per rocket. $40,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-HE-Frag-II: $1,200 NSD per rocket. $48,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-DSM: $1,400 NSD per rocket. $56,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-SMAT: $1,700 NSD per rocket. $68,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-Incendiary: $1,300 NSD per rccket. $52,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-Smk: $800 NSD per rocket. $32,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-Jammer: $1,500 NSD per rocket. $60,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-AGR: $1,300 NSD per rocket. $5,200 NSD per four-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-Spatz: $1,500 NSD per rocket. $57,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120-Spatz Rocket: $3,000 NSD per rocket. $120,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-120 DPR: $4 Billion NSD.
Pfeil-220-HE-Frag: $1,400 NSD per rocket. $28,000 NSD per twenty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-220-HE-Frag-II: $1,600 NSD per rocket. $32,000 NSD per twenty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-220-DSM: $1,800 NSD per rocket. $36,000 NSD per twenty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-220-SMAT: $2,100 NSD per rocket. $42,000 NSD per twenty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-220-Incendiary: $1,700 NSD per rocket. $34,000 NSD per twenty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-220-Spatz: $1,900 NSD per rocket. $37,000 NSD per twenty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-220-Spatz Rocket: $4,500 NSD per rocket. $90,000 NSD per forty-rocket pod/bulk.
Pfeil-220 DPR: $8 Billion NSD.