FIELD ARTILLERY AND MORTAR SYSTEMS

The Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a highly mobile, automated system that fires surface-to-surface rockets and missiles from the M270 platform. The MLRS delivers large volumes of firepower in a short time against critical, time-sensitive targets. From inside the cab, the crew of three can fire up to 12 MLRS rockets. The basic rocket warhead carries dual-purpose, improved conventional munition (DPICM) submunitions. The MLRS, however, is capable of supporting and delivering all of the MLRS family of munitions (MFOM), including the Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) variants. Growth programs are under way to extend the range and accuracy of rockets and missiles and to upgrade the launcher fire-control and mechanical systems.

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The U.S. initial operational capability for the MLRS was achieved in 1983. Starting in FY 1989, the MLRS has been coproduced by the United States, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom.

Two parallel enhancement programs have been directed toward the M270 tracked MLRS launcher: the M270 improved position determining system (IPDS) and the M270A1 upgrade.

The M270 IPDS program was an interim upgrade applied to a select number of launchers to provide the ability to fire the longer-range GPS-aided ATACMS Block IA, quick-reaction unitary and Block II missiles until sufficient M270A1 launchers are fielded. The modification kit features the IPDS line replaceable unit (LRU) with an embedded GPS receiver. The new LRU replaces the improved stabilization reference package/position-determining system (ISRP/PDS) LRU found in the current M270 launchers. Other components of the IPDS modification include a 4-megabyte electronics unit (twice the M270's capacity); GPS antenna, data transfer device and associated cables; expanded hoist bumpers for ATACMS Block IA missile pod hang angles; and additional training and maintenance equipment.

Lockheed Martin is under contract and has incorporated two new upgrades to the current MLRS system. The new M270A1 launcher appears identical to existing M270s while incorporating an improved fire-control system (IFCS) and an improved launcher mechanical system (ILMS).

The IFCS allows for more sophisticated munitions and reduces operating costs. The IFCS upgrade includes a new fire-control panel with video, a full keyboard, a gigabyte of program storage and GPS navigation. With distributed multiprocessor technology, the IFCS is able to process large blocks of data from new smart munitions within tactical time lines. Operating and maintenance costs are reduced by 38 percent because of the greater reliability and ease of repair on IFCS parts. The new system meets requirements for the first digitized corps and allows for future growth, being capable of firing future munitions and having a greater capacity to expand situational awareness.

The ILMS dramatically reduces the time needed to aim and reload the launcher. In a typical fire mission, the ILMS-equipped launcher is six times faster than the current M270 launcher.

Crew and launcher survivability are greatly enhanced by decreasing total exposure time on the battlefield. The new system reduces operations and support (O&S) costs by 38 percent while incorporating state-of-the-art electronics and embedded global positioning and inertial navigation systems.

Procurement of the M270A1 began in 1999. The entire MLRS family of munitions, including the MLRS M26 rocket, extended-range rocket, reduced-range practice rocket, guided MLRS rockets, AT-ACMS Block I, ATACMS Block IA, AT-ACMS Block II and ATACMS quick-reaction unitary have been successfully fired from the M270A1.

With more than 12,000 rockets and 450 ATACMS fired in combat, the system has been proven a success. The system was highly effective and reliable during combat operations associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

The High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is the newest launcher variant of the multiple-launch rocket system family. HIMARS is a highly mobile artillery rocket system offering MLRS fire-power on a wheeled chassis and is C-130 transportable.

HIMARS carries a single six-pack of MLRS rockets, or one Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) missile, on the Army's new family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV) 5-ton truck. HIMARS is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions. HIMARS was part of the rapid force projection initiative, an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) program. Four prototypes were built by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, with three vehicles delivered to the XVIII Airborne Corps for a two-year evaluation. The retention period was later extended by Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA), until that corps was equipped with the first production design launchers.

In May 1998, HIMARS successfully fired the first MLRS rockets from a prototype launcher at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. This was the first in a firing program that included both rockets and Army TACMS Blocks I and IA missiles. A platoon of HIMARS ACTD prototypes were successfully used during OIF, exclusively firing ATACMS missiles in support of ground forces.