A ZHUK RS-ZO in use with Diamond Dogs in 1984.
The ZHUK RS-Z0 was an Eastern Bloc self-propelled rocket launcher that was in service around 1984. It is an artillery variant of the ZHUK BR-3.
Background and features
It is essentially a ZHUK BR-3 additionally-equipped with a rail launcher for up to twelve 130mm artillery rockets, enough to ensure a wide area coverage during fire missions.
History
The ZHUK RS-Z0s was in service since at least 1984, where these IFVs were deployed alongside Soviet troops into Afghanistan.
Phantom Pain Incident
- See also: Hospital Escape and Phantom Pain Incident
They would often be seen in Armored Vehicle Units of Soviet forces in Afghanistan when Diamond Dogs operated in Afghanistan in 1984. Diamond Dogs was known to eliminate or capture these types of tanks as side-missions during this time period.
ZHUK RS-Z0s and ZHUK BR-3s often formed the backbone of Soviet Mechanized Forces, and Diamond Dogs was hired by the Afghani Mujihadeen to Eliminate them as part of a wider mission to prevent Soviet armor from being deployed during a raid in 1984. Venom Snake would also frequently encounter them during his missions in Afghanistan while searching for Cipher.
Several ZHUK RS-Z0s and ZHUK BR-3s were commandeered by XOF when they took over OKB Zero in 1984, and a number were used in a futile attempt to stop a hijacked Metal Gear Sahelanthropus.
A number were part of the Soviet Mechanized Battalion that attacked Quiet and Venom Snake at Lamar Khaate Palace. Several were neutralized by the duo.
Behind the scenes
It has multiple variants, which are more prominent in harder missions. They boast heavier armor, and a more powerful gun, powerful enough to one-shot Snake, even through splash damage. The red variant is the most powerful and sturdy, but the black variants are still just as deadly.