The Multiple Launch Rocket
System (MLRS) consists of the M270 and M270A1 tracked launchers capable of launching two
munitions pods of six rockets or one Army TACMS missile per each pod; the High Mobility
Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) wheeled launcher capable of launching one pod of six
rockets or one Army TACMS missile; the M26 tactical free flight rocket and M28 training
free flight rocket; Reduced Range Practice Rocket (RRPR); the M26A1 and M26A2 Extended
Range free flight rocket; XM30 Guided MLRS Rocket (GMLRS); MLRS command and control
systems, training devices and simulations. There are also ongoing requirements generation
efforts for a GMLRS-Unitary warhead horizontal technology integration (HTI) and Future
Launcher & Rocket as part of Networked Fires for the Future Combat System (FCS).
The Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) provides the Army an all-weather, indirect, area
fire weapon system to strike counter fire, air defense, armored formations, and other high-
payoff targets at all depths of the tactical battlefield. Primary missions of MLRS include
the suppression, neutralization and destruction of threat fire support and forward area air
defense targets. The Multiple Launch Rocket System is a versatile weapon system that
supplements traditional cannon artillery fires by delivering large volumes of firepower
in a short time against critical, time-sensitive targets. These targets often include
enemy artillery, air defense systems, mechanized units, and personnel. MLRS units can use
their system's "shoot and scoot" capability to survive while providing fire support for
attacking maneuver elements. MLRS is not intended to replace cannon artillery, but has
been designed to complement it.
MLRS performed extremely well in Operation Desert Storm (ODS) in which significant numbers
of launchers were deployed. All operational requirement were met and, in most cases,
exceeded levels for readiness, reliability and maintainability. MLRS units from the United
Kingdom were also involved in ODS and proved the value of this multi-national system. The
new upgrade MLRS (Deep Attack Launcher) also demonstrated its enormous capability during
the first operational firings of the longer range ATACMS. The Army has initiated an
extensive improvements program to enhance MLRS's basic capability. The improvements are
in three areas--an extended range rocket (from 32 kilometers to 50 kilometers), an improved
fire control system, and an improved launcher mechanical system. The extended range rocket
has a reduced payload of M77 sub munitions and a longer rocket motor to enable attainment
of the additional 18 kilometers of flight. The improved fire control system includes a
meteorological sensor, a positioning navigation unit combined with global positioning
system and a new launcher interface unit with increased throughput capacities in the main
and communication processors. The improved launcher mechanical systems consists of non-
developmental item improvements to the elevation transmission, elevation motor, azimuth
motor and motor control.
The MLRS M270 Launcher, a derivative of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), is the standard
U.S. Army platform for firing surface to surface artillery rockets and missiles. The Armored
Vehicle Mounted Rocket Launcher (M270) is a full-tracked, self-propelled launcher/loader
designed to launch 12 tactical rockets and re-deploy before enemy determination of launch
position (shoot and scoot). The launch platform is also used to launch the Army Tactical
Missile System (Army TACMS) and is capable of launching all M270 Family of Munitions (MFOM)
tactical rocket/missile variants. The launcher consists of six rockets, each of which are
mounted and controlled in both azimuth and elevation. It has an automated control system
for aiming that automatically corrects for launcher cant and ambient temperature, a
directional reference system to obtain azimuth elevation and cant angles, and a FCS which
is operated from a man-rated vehicle cab. The launcher platform structure provides a "self-
loading" capability.
The M270 launcher has a maximum speed of 64 Km/hour, with a maximum range of 435 Km. It is
capable of climbing a 60 degree slope and a one meter wall. Ordnance options include the
MFOM (all variants of the MLRS rocket and Army TACMS missile). The M270 can load, arm, and
fire a 12 rocket ripple within ripple within five minutes. M270 launchers are deployed
three per battery and 29 per battalion. The M270 launcher can be configured for transport
by Air Force C-141 aircraft on a limited basis. The M270 launcher is also transportable by
Air Force C-5 and C-17 aircraft. MLRS consists of a self-loading launcher with an onboard
fire control system (FCS). The launcher is mounted on a mobile track vehicle that carries
12 rockets or 2 Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) missiles, which can be fired
individually or simultaneously. Rockets have a range beyond 30 kilometers, and the Army
TACMS Block IA missile can reach to 300 kilometers.
The M270 MLRS, or SPLL (Self-Propelled, Loader/Launcher), is made up of two major units and
an electronic fire control system (FCS). The SPLL is a mobile, self-propelled, self-loading,
multiple launch rocket firing unit. It provides mobile long range artillery rocket support
for ground forces. The M993 Carrier Vehicle and the M269 LLM are the two major units that
make up the MLRS. The FCS is a computer control system, with a built-in computer and memory
system. The SPLL has a cruising range of 300 miles at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The
total MLRS weights approximately 52,990 pounds. The second multiyear procurement contract
for FY89-93 was awarded in July 1989 for MLRS. The US initial operational capability for
MLRS was achieved in 1983. Starting in FY89, MLRS has been co-produced by the United States,
United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. As of September 1995, a total of 857 launchers
have been delivered, 772 to the active Army and 185 to the National Guard.
