MLRS
Unofficial
names/slang: n/a
Function:
Mobile rocket launcher
Contractor:
----
Unit cost:
approx. $----
Length:
14' - 6"
Width: 6'
- 4"
Height:
0' - 0"
Speed: --
mph
Weight
(Combat Loaded): 00.00 tons
Ground
Clearance: -- inches
Crew:
----
Range:
approx. ----- mi
Engine:
---- @ ----- HP
Armament:
--- |
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Description:
Artillery rocket system mounted on a tracked vehicle.
Features: The Multiple Launch Rocket System
(MLRS) is a free-flight artillery rocket system that
delivers large volumes of firepower in a short time. The
system is used to attack enemy artillery, materiel and
personnel targets and suppress enemy air defenses. It
consists of a launcher, two disposable pods, each
containing six rockets or one missile, a fire control
system, and an aiming device. The carrier is a derivative
of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
Background: The Army received the MLRS in
1983. There are currently 528 launchers and 373,668
rockets in the Army inventory. At the completion of the
planned buy, the Army will have 1,623 launchers and
481,110 rockets. The basic warhead carries dual-purpose
improved conventional submunitions (bomblets).
Launcher and
Subsystems:
M270 Launcher: The M270 launcher is a highly
mobile, lightly armored, tracked carrier vehicle with a
launcher-loader module (LLM) mounted on the vehicle bed (see
Figure 1-1). The launcher consists of a three-man crew
(section chief, gunner, and driver). Personal equipment is
stored in the crew's equipment storage containers located in
the carrier under the LLM cage.
The M270 launcher has two major configurations. The US
has a system that can fire rockets and missiles; the
memorandum of understanding (MOU) nations have M270
launchers which can only fire rockets. The difference
between them is the payload interface module (PIM), a new
stabilization reference package/position determining system
(SRP/PDS) and software special applications packages
(SPAPS).
M993 Carrier Vehicle: The carrier vehicle is a
longer version of the Bradley fighting vehicle with nearly
80 percent common components. It is 6.3 meters (m) (22 feet
[ft] 11 inches [in]) long, 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) high, and 2.97
m (6 ft 9 in) wide. When heaviest (loaded with M26 rocket
LPCs), the launcher weighs approximately 24,036 kilograms
(kg) (52,990 pounds). It can climb 60 percent slopes,
traverse a 40 percent side slope, ford 1.1 m (40 in) of
water, and climb 1 m vertical walls. The launcher has a
cruising range of 483 km (300 miles) and can be transported
by C-14lB and larger cargo aircraft.
The vehicle cab is constructed of aluminum armor plate,
providing ballistic protection to the crew. It is fitted
with an M13A1 gas particulate filter unit that protects the
crew from chemical and biological agents and radioactive
particles. It also has a vehicle cab overpressure system to
protect the crew from toxic rocket and missile exhaust.
M269 Launcher-Loader Module: The LLM consists
of two sections--a mechanical section and an electrical
section. These sections work together in order to perform
all firing and non-firing functions.
LLM Mechanical
Section: The mechanical section consists of base,
turret, and cage assemblies. The base assembly provides for
the physical mounting of the LLM to the carrier. Both the
turret and base assemblies house the electronics and
hydraulics of the launcher drive system (LDS) that actually
perform the rotation and elevation functions the LLM. The
cage assembly performs two important functions. First, the
structure of the cage assembly aligns, holds, and protects
the launch pods. Second, two boom and hoist assemblies
mounted in the cage assembly give the launcher crew a
built-in ammunition loading and unloading capability.
LLM Electrical
Section: The electrical section consists of three
subsystems: the primary power supply, the communications
system, and the FCS.
Primary Power Supply: The
primary power supply is the source of power for all launcher
equipment. It uses standard military lead acid batteries to
provide 24 volts of power to the launcher components. It
also controls the distribution of power through the use of
switching relays.
Communications System:
The launcher communications system includes a secure -12
series frequency modulated (FM) radio and one communications
mode selector control (CMSC) device or the newer
singlechannel ground and airborne radio system (SINCGARS)
AN/VRC-92A radio system with embedded communications
security (COMSEC) capability. The CMSC detects an incoming
signal, determines whether it is digital or voice traffic,
and automatically routes it to the secure FM radio in the
proper mode for decryption. The CMSC is not required if
using SINCGARS with embedded COMSEC. Each crew member has a
combat vehicle crewman (CVC) helmet that is connected to an
AN/VIC-1 intercom system.
Fire Control System: The
FCS functions with the other launcher components to provide
overall control of the LLM. It monitors, coordinates, and
controls all electronic devices used during a launch cycle.
The FCS consists of the fire control panel (FCP),
electronics unit (EU), fire control unit (FCU), boom
controller (BC), short/no-voltage tester (SNVT), SRP/PDS,
PIM, program load unit (PLU), and communications processor
(CMP).
Associated Equipment
Ammunition Resupply
Vehicle and Trailer (HEMTT/HEMAT): The M985 HEMTT is a
10-ton, 8-wheel or 8-wheel-drive truck with a 5,400-pound
lift capacity materiel-handling crane. A secure FM radio
provides voice command and control capability. The
rearmounted crane can traverse 360° to the left or
right. Both the HEMTT and the HEMAT can be loaded and
unloaded with the crane. The HEMAT does not have to be
unhooked from the HEMTT. The truck carries four launch pods
with a gross vehicle weight of 59,000 pounds.
Its operating range is
300 miles, and it can climb a 30 percent slope. The HEMTT
has a 445-horsepower diesel engine with an automatic
transmission. It can be transported by C-130 and C-141B
aircraft in an unloaded configuration and by C-5A/C-5B
aircraft in a loaded tactical configuration.
The M989A1 HEMAT can
carry four launch pods and has a fully loaded gross weight
of 31,000 pounds (see Figure 1-10). The trailer can be towed
by a launcher in an emergency.
Command, Control and
Communications System: Tactical command and control and
technical fire direction of MLRS units is provided through a
C3 system. The C3 system includes the radio system, FED,
FCS, FDS, and in some units, the FDDM. This system is
designed to be integrated with several Army and Air Force
command, control, communications, and intelligence (C3I)
systems to optimize fire support system employment and
effectiveness. The MLRS C3 system also can be used to
conduct and execute command and control without external C3
input during independent operations. This independent C3
capability exists at battalion, battery, and platoon levels.
The hub of the MLRS C3 system is the MLRS FDS and FDDM. The
FDS/FDDM can communicate digitally with the following
systems:
- M270 FCS
- The Tactical Fire
Direction System (TACFIRE, LTACFIRE, and MCFSS)
- The Advanced Field
Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS)
- Firefinder Radar
(AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ-37)
- Meteorological Data
System (MDS)
- Meteorological
Measuring Set (MMS)
- Initial Fire Support
Automated System (IFSAS)
- The Forward Entry
Device (FED)
Fire
Direction System The MLRS Fire Direction FDS provides
tactical fire direction and data communications for command
and control at the MLRS platoon, battery, and battalion.
Initialization procedures define the FDS capabilities for
the specific echelon. The FDS (AN/GYK-37) consists of the
lightweight computer unit (LCU), tactical communications
interface module (TCIM), the AC/DC converter/charger, the
TCIM wireline adapter, and the printer (see Figure 1-11).
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System
Components:
M270 Launcher:
Each launcher has the onboard capability to receive a fire
mission, determine its location, compute firing data, orient
on the target, and fire. Each bay of the launcher must be
loaded with the same type munition. Once laid and armed, the
launcher can fire:
- Twelve rockets in less
than 60 seconds at up to six aimpoints.
- Two missiles in less
than 20 seconds at one or two aimpoints.
Launch Pod/Containers
and Guided Missile Launch Assemblies: Each launch pod
container (LPC) holds six rockets, and each guided/missile
launch assembly (GMLA) holds one missile. The pods are
stenciled with the DOD identification code (DODIC). This is
the same code that is displayed on the fire control panel
(FCP) when ammunition status is displayed to the M270 crew
members.
Ammunition Resupply
Vehicles and Trailers: The ammunition resupply
capability for MLRS is provided by the heavy expanded
mobility tactical truck (HEMTT) M985 and the heavy expanded
mobility ammunition trailer (HEMAT) M989/M989Al. Each one
can carry four rocket/missile pods for a total of 48 rockets
or eight missiles in a HEMTT and HEMAT load (the HEMAT M989
is limited to two launch pods during peacetime operations,
but the HEMAT M989A1 does not have this limitation).
Command, Control, and
Communications System: The MLRS has an automated
command, control, and communications (C3) system to provide
command and control of subordinate launchers and to
facilitate communication on the battlefield. Major
components of the C3 system are the fire control system
(FCS), located in the launcher, and the fire direction
system (FDS), located at the platoon. Only selected
batteries and battalions have the fire direction data
manager (FDDM).
MLRS Family of
Munitions
Launch Pod: Each M270 holds either two LPCs or
two GMLAs (not a mix of the two) in the LLM (see Figure
1-3). Each launch pod contains either six rocket tubes or
one missile housing in a containerized shipping, storage,
and launch frame. Rockets and missiles are factory assembled
and tested. Rockets are stored in fiberglass containers;
missiles are stored in an aluminum enclosure with fiberglass
camouflage panels on the exterior. Both rockets and
missiles are then mounted on the frame. Both the rocket
tubes and the missile housing are connected by cable to
common electrical connectors. Not only are handling,
transport, and loading fixtures similar, the LPC and GMLA
are also visually similar.
The launch pod is 4.04m
(13 ft 2 in) long (without skids) and 1.05 m (3 ft 5 in)
wide. The height of the pod is 0.84 m (2 ft 9 in) with skids
and 0.72 m (2 ft 4 in) without skids. When loaded with
rockets (tactical or practice), each LPC weighs 2,270 kg
(5,005 pounds). A loaded GMLA weighs 2,095 kg (4,609
pounds), and an inert training GMLA weighs 1,360 kg (2,998
pounds).
Four aluminum bulkheads
provide rigidity to the frame and support for the rocket
tube or missile housing. Tiedown and lifting D-rings are
located on the top of the frame at the four corners. A
lifting rod is installed for lifting the container by the
launcher boom and hoist assemblies.
Stacking pins at the top
four corners of the frame permit stacking of the launch
pods. They can be stacked two high during transport and four
high during storage. They can be handled by forklift, since
they have two inner bulkheads that serve as support members.
Each launch pod is marked for the center of gravity and
proper lift areas.
The detachable skids
mounted to the bottom four corners of the frame must be
removed from the pod before it is loaded into the LLM. A
quick-release pull pin allows easy removal of the skids. The
GMLA also has a lifting rod cover which must be removed
before being loaded into the LLM.
The changing of rocket
and missile pods requires a repositioning of the loading
hoist assembly system.
Rockets: The MLRS
rockets are tube-launched, spin-stabilized, free-flight
projectiles. The rockets are assembled, checked, and
packaged in a dual-purpose launch-storage tube at the
factory. This design provides for tactical loading and
firing of the rocket without troop assembly or detailed
inspection. Major components of the rocket assembly include
four stabilizer fins, a propulsion section, and a warhead
section.
Propulsion for the rocket
is provided by a solid propellant rocket motor. An
umbilical cable, passing through the aft end of the launch
tube, links the FCS to an igniter in the rocket nozzle.
The motor is ignited by an electrical command from the
FCS.
Each rocket is packaged
with the four fins folded and secured by wire rope
retaining straps. As the rocket moves forward upon firing,
lanyard devices trigger a delayed strap-cutting charge.
After the rocket leaves the launch tube, the charge cuts
the straps. This allows the fins to unfold and lock. The
M28 and M28A1 rockets' LPCs have an additional fin release
device to ensure deployment.
The MLRS rocket follows a
ballistic, free-flight (unguided) trajectory to the
target. The propulsion provided by the solid propellant
rocket motor is the same for each rocket, so rocket range
is a function of LLM elevation. The four stabilizer fins
at the aft end of the rocket provide in-flight stability
by maintaining a constant counterclockwise spin. The
initial spin is imparted to the rocket through spin rails
mounted on the inner wall of the launch tube.
M26 Rocket: This
is the basic rocket for MLRS. It is used against
personnel, soft and lightly armored targets normally with
a target location error (TLE) of 150 m or less. Larger
TLEs may reduce effectiveness. Each rocket dispenses 644
M77 dual-purpose improved conventional munitions (DPICM)
submunitions over the target area.
Warhead event is initiated
by an electronic time fuze (M445) that is set remotely by
the FCS immediately before ignition of the rocket motor.
The fuze triggers a center burster charge. This causes the
warhead to rupture, the polyurethane filler to shatter,
and the submunitions to be spread over the target area.
M77 Submunition
Description: The armed M77 submunitions detonate on
impact. The antimateriel capability is provided through a
shaped charge with a built-in standoff. The M77 can
penetrate up to four inches of armor. Its steel case
fragments and produces antipersonnel effects with a radius
of 4m.
Extended
Range Rocket: The extended range (ER) rocket is an
evolution of the basic M26 rocket that extends the range
to 45-plus km. This greater range capability is achieved
through a 20 percent reduction in the number of
submunitions and a modified rocket motor. It has at least
the same accuracy as the basic M26 rocket. ER-rocket
accuracy is enhanced by an improved rocket detent located
in the launch tube. Additionally, the wind measuring
device (WMD), a component of the future Improved FCS,
updates the firing solution prior to launch at the firing
point with corrected low level wind readings. The
effectiveness of the M26 rocket is maintained in the
ERrocket even though the submunition payload has been
decreased. This is due to the improved center core burster
and a reduction in the dud rate, made possible by an
improved drag ribbon design and the incorporation of a
self-destruct fuze.
Missiles: The Army
TACMS missiles are ballistically launched, inertially
guided missiles. They are designed to carry a variety of
submunitions, to include "smart" munitions and
lethal mechanisms to provide a wide range of future
capabilities. Currently, the Army has only the M39
missile.
Missile Assembly: The
missile has four sections: the guidance and control
section, propulsion section, control section, and the
warhead assembly.
Guidance and Control
Section (GCS): The GCS provides all navigation, guidance,
autopilot, and internal communications functions for the
Army TACMS missile while in flight and for all ground
operations. Continuous determination of position,
attitude, and motion are provided by the inertial sensors,
associated electronics, and software processing. Guidance
and autopilot functions are provided by software
processing within the GCS computer. All communications,
both internal and external to the missile (missile to
launcher and/or ground support equipment), are provided by
the GCS electronics and software. This includes
communications with the M270 FCS electronics for launch
control, the ground support equipment for maintenance, and
the control system electronics unit (CSEU) for missile
fin actuator control.
Propulsion Section: The
solid rocket motor furnishes the energy necessary to
launch the missile and sustain missile flight for a
sufficient time to meet Army TACMS altitude and range
requirements. The solid rocket motor consists of a motor
case, propellant, insulation/liner, nozzle, and igniter
arm/fire assembly.
Control Section: The
primary functions of the control section assembly are to
position the missile fins, provide the missile electrical
power while in flight, and support selected pyrotechnic
functions.
Warhead Assembly: The
primary function of the warhead assembly is to carry,
protect, and dispense the missile payload. The warhead
assembly consists of a rolled aluminum shell with aluminum
support structures and front and rear bulkheads. A center
tube connects the bulkheads and provides a central wire
route. In addition to the payload, the warhead assembly
contains a skin severance system which controls the
release of the payload at the required time.
Army TACMS Block IA:
The Block IA missile carries approximately 300 M74
bomblets. A GPS receiver will be integrated into the
missile which allows it to receive positioning data
updates for increased accuracy. The Block IA missile
ranges targets from 100 to 300 km.
Army TACMS Block II:
Block II employs the brilliant antiarmor technology
submunition (BAT). The Block II missile ranges targets
from 35 km to 140 km. The Block II payload consists of
thirteen BAT submunitions which are equipped with both
acoustic and infrared sensors that give each submunition
the capability of acquiring and attacking moving armor
targets. After the dispense from the main warhead, each
BAT submunition autonomously seeks an individual target
within a moving armor column with its acoustic sensor.
Once each submunition is close enough to its selected
target vehicle, the inbred seeker is activatated and
provides guidance during the terminal trajectory. The BAT
submunition has a tandem shaped charge warhead designed to
defeat all known reactive armor.
Army TACMS Block IIA:
Block IIA employs an improved BAT submunition that is
effective against both hard and soft, moving and
stationary targets. The Block IIA payload consists of six
improved BAT submunitions which are equipped with sensors
that give each submunition the capability of acquiring the
target regardless of whether an inbred signature exists.
The improved BAT submunition has a multipurpose design to
kill both hard and soft targets at ranges that exceed the
Block II missile. |
