Thunderbolt-2000

Design

The prototype of the Thunderbolt-2000 was originally mounted on an M977 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck chassis. Production models use MAN HX81 8×8 wheeled trucks; the first order comprised 57 launchers and 54 ammunition carriers or reloaders, all locally produced versions. The LT-2000 was scheduled to enter service with all three main army groups in Taiwan from 2010, each army group's artillery corps receiving one battalion of RT/LT-2000, organised into three companies or batteries of six launchers each.

The original CSIST LT-2000 prototype battery has been deployed with Kinmen Command since mid-2000. Three munition types are used: the Mk15 (60 rounds in three pods of 20, range 15 km), the Mk30 (27 rounds in three pods of 9, range 30 km), and the Mk45 (12 rounds in two pods of 6, range 45 km). The Mk15 is a 117 mm rocket carrying 6,400 steel balls of 6.4 mm size, also used by the Kung Feng VI. Other munitions, including FAE bomblets, are under development by CSIST and the ROC Army.

Due to increasing threats, NCSIST has developed advanced rocket versions with greater ranges. Testing of more advanced rockets began soon after, with new munitions reaching 200–300 km, enabling strikes on China from Taiwan's main island.