ARMAMENT

The Multiple Launch Rocket System is a high mobility automatic system based on an M270 weapons platform. MLRS fires surface-to-surface rockets and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS). Without leaving the cab the crew of three (driver, gunner and section chief) can fire up to twelve MLRS rockets in less than 60 seconds.

The MLRS launcher unit comprises an M270 Launcher loaded with 12 rockets, packaged in two six-rocket pods. The launcher, which is mounted on a stretched Bradley chassis, is a highly automated self-loading and self-aiming system. It contains a fire control computer that integrates the vehicle and rocket launching operations.

The rockets can be fired individually or in ripples of two to twelve. Accuracy is maintained in all firing modes because the computer re-aims the launcher between rounds.

The MLRS can be readily transported to the area of operations, for example by the C-5 transporter aircraft or by train. MLRS has excellent cross-country mobility, and a road speed of 64 km per hour.

The basic MLRS tactical rocket warhead contains 644 M77 munitions, which are dispensed above the target in mid-air. The dual-purpose bomblets are armed during freefall and a simple drag ribbon orients the bomblets for impact. Each MLRS launcher can deliver almost 8,000 munitions in less than 60 seconds at ranges exceeding 32 km.

Other mission-oriented rockets include the Extended-Range (ER) rocket, the Reduced-Range Practice Rocket (RRPR) with a range of 8 to 15 km and the AT2, which dispenses 28 antitank mines per round. The Extended Range rocket, first fielded in 1998, carries 518 improved munitions in excess of 45 km. Lockheed Martin has also been awarded a contract to develop a new extended range guided rocket GMLRS which will have a range of up to 70 km. The GMLRS rocket will have a GPS (global positioning system) and inertial guidance package and is planned to enter production in 2004.

MLRS also fires the long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) guided missiles. The ATACMS Block 1 missile, used during Operation Desert Storm, carries 950 baseball-sized M74 submunitions to ranges exceeding 165 km. The Block IA missile range exceeds 300 km by reducing the submunition payload and adding GPS guidance.

ATACMS Block II and Block IIA missiles have entered low rate initial production and are planned to enter service in 2002. The warheads are equipped with 13 BAT anti-armour submunitions. The BAT submunition, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, is an unpowered glider which has acoustic sensors for target detection and infrared sensors for terminal guidance. Maximum range is 140 km.

The MLRS computerised fire control system enables a reduced crew, or even a single soldier to load and unload the launcher. A portable boom control device and cable hook assembly is used for loading and unloading.

The fire control computer allows firing missions to be carried out either manually or automatically. In a typical fire mission, a command post transmits the selected target data directly to the MLRS computer. The computer aims the launcher and prompts the crew to arm and fire a pre-selected number of rounds. Multiple mission sequences can be preprogrammed and stored in the computer.

MLRS launchers upgraded to M270AI status will have Improved Fire Control Systems (IFCS) and Improved Launcher Mechanical Systems (ILMS). The M270A1 launcher has successfully undergone firing trials and will be fielded in 2001. In December 2000, a low rate initial production contract was placed with Lockheed Martin for 66 launchers to be delivered by 2004.

The IFCS provides additional capacity to accommodate complex munitions and modern computer electronics, including video display, onboard navigation with global positioning system, architecture for ultrafast signal processing and advanced mission software. ILMS reduces the time to aim the launcher to 16 seconds (compared to 93 seconds). The reloading time is cut by 38%.