OVERVIEW: The RBU-6000 is an unguided, short-range, ship-mounted anti-submarine rocket launcher designed to deliver salvos of 213 mm depth-fuzed rockets. It provides layered close-in defense against submarines, torpedoes, and combat divers using rapid salvo fire.

DETAILS: Introduced by the Soviet Union in 1961, the RBU-6000 is a 12-barrel launcher that fires RGB-60 unguided rockets equipped with high-explosive warheads and contact or time fuzes. It has a maximum range of 6,000 meters and is controlled by fire-control systems such as Burya, which receive sonar-derived data for aiming and fuse setting. The launcher can be rotated in azimuth and elevated for ballistic targeting, and it features a below-deck automatic reloading system. Each salvo creates a pre-programmed pattern underwater to maximize kill probability against submerged threats.

The RBU-6000 replaced earlier models like the RBU-2500, offering greater range, larger warheads, and improved pattern dispersion. Its size and capability made it standard on many Soviet and Russian large surface combatants.

Firing involves sonar acquisition of target range and depth, followed by automatic fuse programming and ripple or full-salvo launch. The rockets form a lethal area across the target zone, detonating underwater to destroy enemy submarines or disable incoming torpedoes.

NOTE:
IOC: 1961
Operators: Russia, India, Vietnam, China, Syria, Algeria, Ukraine
Platforms: Udaloy-class (Project 1155), Sovremenny-class (Project 956), Slava-class (Project 1164), Admiral Kuznetsov (Project 1143.5), Kirov-class (Project 1144), Krivak-class (Project 1135), Neustrashimyy-class (Project 11540), Type 051B Luhai-class, Type 053H3 Jiangwei III, Talwar-class (India)
Conflict used in: Cold War naval operations, Indian Ocean patrols, anti-piracy missions (2000s)

SOURCE:
Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org ; Russian Navy Technical Documentation ; GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org ; Naval Technology: https://www.naval-technology.com