MOSCOW, November 10. /TASS/. The Splav Research and Production Association (part of Technodinamika Group within the state tech corporation Rostec) has created a next-generation rocket with a highly efficient engine laying the basis for air-launched weapons combining the properties of concrete-piercing and high-explosive fragmentation munitions, Rostec announced on Friday.

The Russian tech giant made this statement at a ceremony of conferring Nikolay Makarovets awards for innovative projects.

"The staff of the Splav Research and Production Association named after A. Ganichev has been declared the winner in the category: ‘For Contribution to Developing and Producing Special-Purpose Products’ for presenting an 80mm next-generation air-launched rocket. The researchers have managed to solve a number of complex scientific, technical and practical tasks and create a rocket whose use makes it possible to destroy both openly located targets and those located in sheltered fortifications and forest belts. The scientific novelty of the work consists in the fact that groundwork has been laid for the first time for creating multi-purpose air-launched weapons combining the properties of concrete-piercing and high-explosive fragmentation munitions," the Rostec press office said.

The innovation outshines all existing domestic and foreign rivals. The new small-size highly efficient rocket engine allows for designing breakthrough rockets, adjustable and guided munitions on its basis, it said.

In addition, the Splav staff has won in the category: "For Introducing Advanced Technologies and Innovative Solutions" for developing and launching the production of hybrid thermal protection coating of a 122mm MLRS rocket exhaust nozzle. The solutions are based solely on domestic materials and make it possible to ensure trouble-free operation of rockets, Rostec said.