Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) / Rocket Artillery

[Ayoshi]

From: globalsecurity.org

The Soviet Union has the primacy in creating the most advanced Reaktivnia System Zalpovogo Ognia [Reactive systems of salvo fire] - multiple rocket launcher systems (MLRS), in which the great power of fire volleys with high mobility and maneuverability was successfully combined. In no army of the world has such a wide scale of the use of reactive artillery been achieved, as in the Soviet Armed Forces.
About "Katyusha" rocket launcher more has written, perhaps, than any other kind of weapon. In the Great Patriotic War dozens of types of unguided rockets and launchers were used. the first multi-charge launcher BM-13 was created in the late 1930s and mounted on the chassis of a truck ZIS-6. This was the same "Katyusha", adopted in June 1941, and in July received its first baptism of fire under the Belarusian city of Orsha. It is interesting that the ammunition was then launched by air ammunition, launched on rail guides mounted on a fire installation. Then the rails replaced the pipes, where the shots were loaded for several dozen pieces.

The name "Katyusha" was not used in official documents, but was invented by soldiers. Usually M-13 132-mm shells was called "Katyusha". But the M-13 projectiles also had several varieties and several dozen types of launchers.

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The tactics of using missiles significantly changed by the beginning of 1945, when military operations moved from the endless Russian fields to the streets of German cities. Beating on small-sized targets with rockets became almost useless, but they proved to be very effective when firing at stone structures. Almost everywhere, military vehicles were put on the streets of cities and at the point of shot, houses occupied by the enemy. There was a huge number of hand-crafted self-made single launchers, carried by soldiers in their arms.

Modern war is inconceivable without the participation of artillery. The artillery helps during the battle all combat arms with the least losses to solve their combat missions. On the march, the artillery reflects the attacks of enemy tanks and covers the troops from enemy aircraft. In the offensive, the artillery clears the way for its troops. In defense, artillery with its fire helps troops repel enemy attacks. In all cases, artillery must be able to find the best way to act and with its fire provide timely assistance to the troops. In order to ensure the success of the offensive, it is necessary to reliably suppress enemy defenses, otherwise the attack of advancing infantry and tanks is doomed to failure.

Image taken from globalsecurity.org

[Ayoshi]

From: military-today.com

M270 MLRS

The M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) entered service with the US Army in 1983. Production of this vehicle ceased in 2003. The M270 is currently in service with the US Army and a number of other countries. It is also a standard NATO multiple launch rocket system.

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   The M270 is based on the modified M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle chassis. Vehicle is powered by the Cummins VTA-903T diesel engine, developing 500 horsepower. It has an armored cab, protecting the crew against small arms fire. It is also fitted with an NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems.

Photo taken from military-today.com

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Army Technology

The high-mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) is the newest member of the multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) family. HIMARS is a highly-mobile artillery rocket system offering the firepower of MLRS on a wheeled chassis. HIMARS was developed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control under an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) programme, placed in 1996.

The purpose of HIMARS is to engage and defeat artillery, air defence concentrations, trucks, light armour and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations. HIMARS launches its weapons and moves away from the area at high speed before enemy forces locate the launch site.

Photo taken from military-today.com

YouTube video: HIMARS In Action

See also:
* High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)
* Indonesia MLRS

[Ayoshi]

Israel to Upgrade MLRS Platform | israeldefense.co.il - 22/05/2016

Lockheed Martin will deliver Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (“GMLRS”) to Israel, according to a report on yahoo.com. The rockets are fired from the M270A1 or HIMARS launcher system.

According to a publication on Lockheed Martin's website, the 90-kg unitary warhead integrated into the GMLRS provides the ability to attack targets up to 70 kilometers away with high precision.

[Ayoshi]

Belarus tests upgraded version of Polonez MLRS rocket launcher | Army Recognition - 10 February 2018

Belarus is testing an updated variant of the Polonez multiple launch rocket system (MLRS), Polonez-M (M stands for Upgraded, Modernizirovanny), with a firing range of 299 km, according to the Military-Industrial Complex.VPK.Belarus magazine issued by Belarus' State Military-Industrial Committee (Goskomvoenprom, GKVP)

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In October 2016, the Polonez MLRS was delivered to the 77th Separate Rocket Artillery Battalion of the 336th Rocket Artillery Brigade. In September 2017, the battalion was involved in the Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2017 strategic exercise. In October 2017, the unit carried out the aforementioned firing test of the upgraded Polonez.

The organic V-200 Polonez MLRS has a firing range of 50-200 km and a combat readiness time of nearly 10 minutes. The system is designed to engage C2 posts, communication hubs, airfields, roads and bridges, various pieces of infrastructure, munition and fuel depots, etc. A division of the Polonez MLRS is armed with an ammunition load of 144 rockets.

The V-200BM combat vehicle is armed with eight ready-to-launch 301 mm rockets in two four-cell containers. The vehicle's launching unit is based on an MZKT-7930-family 8x8 wheeled tractor developed by the Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant (MZKT or Volat). The tractor has a crew of three and a maximum speed of 70 km/h.

The Polonez MLRS can be fitted with rockets and guided missiles. At the MILEX 2017 defense show, the M20 single-stage solid-propellant guided missile for the system was unveiled. According to the official information issued by the Belarusian defense industry, the M20 has a length of nearly 8 m, a weight of nearly 4 t and a firing range of about 280 km. The containerized missile is armed with a 480 kg high-explosive (HE) warhead. According to Belarusian media outlets, the M20 may have been developed in conjunction with the Chinese industry. The missile presented at the MILEX 2017 show dramatically resembles the M20 missile developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT; also known as the First Academy). The Chinese M20 missile armed with a 480 kg HE warhead has a firing range of 280 km. It should be mentioned that the organic rocket of the Polonez MLRS is believed to be based on the A200 system also developed by the Chinese defense industry.

The Belarusian Ministry of Defense (MoD) does not disclose the specifications of the Polonez-M upgraded MLRS. The system is reported to have a firing range of nearly 300 km and a circular error probability (CEP) of no more than 30-45 m (depending on the type of the rocket). The rocket of the updated Polonez can be fitted with a high-explosive fragmentation (HE-Frag), a fragmentation armor-piercing (AP) cluster or a penetrating (concrete-piercing) warhead.

Belarus Polonez 300mm MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System at Milex 2017 defense exhibition in Minsk, Belarus (Picture source Army Recognition)

[Ayoshi]

Algeria unveils Tos-1A | Janes - 14 May 2018

Algeria has confirmed the acquisition of TOS-1A multiple rocket launchers from Russia after one system was seen during television footage of an exercise on 12 May.

The system consists of a launcher for 24 rockets mounted on a T-72 hull. Described by the Russians as a heavy flamethrower, it is a short-range area bombardment weapon with its 220 mm rockets carrying large thermobaric warheads.

Algeria is the fifth known TOS-1A export customer after Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Kazakhstan.

The TOS-1A seen during the exercise in eastern Algeria. Source: Algerie 1 TV

[Ayoshi]

Syria developed a T-72 based MLRS called the Golan-1000 | Army Recognition - 17 May 2018

This month, footage emerged of a Syrian system dubbed 'Golan-1000'. Based on a T-72 tank chassis with desert camouflage, the Golan-1000 is a self-propelled rocket system that, according to Sputnik International, carries 500mm rounds. The vehicle carries three launchers for the rockets, which are fired from a remote control.

The Golan-1000 visually resembles the TOS-1, a multiple rocket launcher based on the T-72 that Russia has supplied to some pro-government forces in Syria. (source: Twitter )

[Ayoshi]

Spain could be interested to acquire Brazilian ASTROS 2020 MLRS | Army Recognition - 18 September 2018

The ASTROS II (Artillery Saturation Rocket System) is a multiple launch rocket system produced by the Brazilian Company Avibras company. It features modular design and is able to fire rockets of 127 mm and 300 mm calibers.

The Astros 2020 or Astros III is the latest generation of MLRS in the family of ASTROS artillery system. The new ASTROS 2020 will be able to fire the new cruise missile AVMT-300, also designed and manufactured in Brazil.

The Astros 2020 will be also able to fire a 180 mm GPS-guided rocket called SS-AV-40 which has a maximum range of 40 km and the new SS-150 rockets which has a maximum firing range of 150 km.

ASTROS 2020 MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System of the Brazilian Army. (Picture source Wikipedia)

[Ayoshi]

M31 Guided MLRS rockets and M57 T2K missile systems to be sold to Bahrain | Army Recognition - 02 October 2018

The U.S. State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Unitary Rocket Pods and Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS) Unitary missiles for an estimated cost of $300 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has requested to buy 120 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) M31 Unitary Rocket Pods (6 rockets per pod, for a total of 720), and 110 Army Tactical Missiles System (ATACMS) M57 T2K Unitary missiles. Also included are publications, personnel training and training equipment, software development, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The overall total estimated value is $300 million.

The MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATacMS) is a surface-to-surface missile (SSM) manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It has a range of over 100 miles (160 km), with solid propellant, and is 13 feet (4.0 m) high and 24 inches (610 mm) in diameter. The ATACMS can be fired from multiple rocket launchers, including the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). An ATACMS launch container has a lid patterned with six circles like a standard MLRS rocket lid. The first use of the ATACMS in a combat capability was during Operation Desert Storm, where a total of 32 were fired from the M270 MLRS. During Operation Iraqi Freedom more than 450 missiles were fired.

[Ayoshi]

Brazil: Avibras delivers last Astros MK 6 artillery systems to the army | Army Recognition - 03 October 2018

The Brazilian army has taken delivery of eight Astros Mk 6 vehicles. The vehicles were the last of the second batch of vehicles to be delivered. In June 2012, the Brazilian MoD awarded Avibras a procurement contract worth $525 million for three ASTROS 2020 batteries (54 launchers).

Two of the vehicles are Fire Control Units, used to coordinate and control the launching of rockets; three are the Meteorological Positions type, which carry out the meteorological survey for the best use and precision of the rockets; and three of the vehicles are the Electronic Workshop type, which provide up to second stage maintenance of the vehicles.

Astros MK 6 of the Brazilian army (Picture source: Brazilian army)

[Ayoshi]

Ukraine: New BM-21 UM Berest 122mm MLRS based on KrAZ 4x4 chassis | Army Recognition - 19 October 2018 12:37

Only Ukrainian-made components are used for the production of this multiple rocket system. Its feature is digital fire control system, allowing the crew to prepare to fire, especially, to perform artillery survey, without leaving the cab. Another feature of new MLRS is its increased firepower from 40 rockets to 50. New digital technologies integrating Berest into information exchange system enable the MLRS crew to get precise coordinates of enemy positions in real time, these ones being processed and provided by drones, counter-battery radar and other surveillance systems. This integration improves fire precision and efficiency by huge ratio.

The 4х4 КрАЗ 5401НЕ off-road truck Berest has been recently developed by AutoKrAZ. The payload capacity of the KrAZ-5401НЕ is 9 tonnes. Special vehicle based on this chassis with wide tires and tire inflation control system can be used on all kinds of roads and off-road, on rugged terrains. Fuel range is up to 600 km with the two fuel tanks of 165 liters each. The vehicle can travel at a speed exceeding 90 km/h.

BМ-21 UМ Berest MLRS based on a KrAZ 4x4 chassis (Picture source: Ukroboronprom)

[Ayoshi]

EDEX 2018: New Serbian 267-122mm MLRS multi-caliber launch rocket system | Army Recognition - 11 December 2018 15:49

The design of the vehicle is similar to the Czech RM-70, that consists of a armored version of the KAMAZ 8x8 military truck fitted with two launcher pods for 25 122mm rockets as the Russian 122 mm BM-21 MLRS located the rear of the hull and two additional packs of 25 122 mm rockets to the rear of the cab for rapid loading. The two pods of 122mm rockets can be replaced by to rows of six 267mm launcher tubes. It has a maximum firing range of 40 km with 122mm rockets and 70 km with 267mm rockets.

The rockets can be launched in single fire or in salvo with variable time intervals from 0.8 to 4 seconds.

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The launchers pods are mounted on turntable which has a traverse of 110° and elevation from 3° to 60°. The crew cabin accommodates three military personnel. All fire operations are operated from inside of the crew cabin, but the launch can also be operated remotely by one soldier with an electric remote control connected to the vehicle.

Standard equipment of the 122/267mmm Multi-Caliber Launch Rocket System includes firing control system, INS (Inertial Navigation System) and GPS (Global Positioning System). In firing position, two hydraulic jacks are lowered on the ground on each side of the truck chassis to provide a more stable firing platform.

Scale model of Serbian Yugoimport 267/122mm MLRS Multi-Caliber Launch Rocket System at EDEX 2018, Egypt Defense Exhibition in Cairo, December 2018. (Picture source Army Recognition)

[Ayoshi]

Germany converts more MARS multiple rocket launchers into MARS II | Army Recognition - 12 December 2018 12:10

In cooperation with various European manufacturers, KMW is currently improving and modernizing the combat value for several countries: from MARS to MARS II for the German Army, an improvement of the MLRS for the Italian Army, and Lance-Roquettes Unitaire (LRU) for France. The renewal of the MARS equipment includes a laser gyroscope and a technical development of the GPS navigation system, designated ERGR, which succeeds the initial GPS Precision Lightweight (PLGR) receiver (integration of the European driving system Missile Guidance System (EFCS) (GMLRS), then the hydraulic missile container elevation mechanism was converted into KMW-developed Electric Launch Drive System (ELDS) to increase pointing speed and speed up loading by up to 60% off the MARS I system, and the modernization "kit" includes the installation of a new, fully automatic, ozone-free extinguishing system for the engine compartment, only mounted in Germany and Italy.

For the record, the M993 MARS multiple rocket launcher was developed from 1983 jointly by the United States, Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy as part of the international MLRS program (Multiple-Launch Rocket System). The MARS system was introduced to the Bundeswehr in 1990 under the designation MARS - Mittleres Artillerieraketensystem.

The MARS II can fire missiles of M31 Unitary type derived from the M30 currently in equipment, armed with a single explosive charge head for use in urban and mountainous areas; this craft is flying at Mach 3,4. The range of the rocket extends from 60 km for the M30 to 80 km for the M31 which contains a load of 404 submunitions M85. Several tests have verified that the range of 100 km has been largely exceeded with modified warheads, where it is possible to define the nominal or vertical approach angles of the rocket. The increase of the range up to 140 km is planned.

The rocket launcher has two launch containers, each containing six missiles that can be fired in less than a minute. It takes a maximum of seven minutes between power on and "combat ready" status; then, it takes a maximum of 30 seconds for a missile / rocket container firing cycle.

Firing of rockets by a MARS II (Picture source: Bundeswehr)

[Ayoshi]

First Tornado-S MLRS supplied to Russian Southern district | Army Recognition - 14 January 2019 14:20

The Defense Ministry told the newspaper Tornado-S MLRS were supplied to the 439th rocket artillery brigade deployed in Znemansk in Astrakhan region. It inherited the honorary Perekop Kutuzov Order title and the guards status from the 4th mortar division which operated in 1942-1945. It is now one of the most powerful artillery formations manned with the best officers and armed with the latest hardware. From October 1999 to March 2003 the brigade participated in combat in Dagestan and Chechnya. 150 men were awarded. The brigade is directly subordinated to the district commander.

Tornado-S is the longest-range and most powerful MLRS weapon in the world. Each vehicle carries 12 launchers which can fire salvos and solo missiles. The missile range is 120 km and designers promise to increase it to 200 km. Tornado-S is to replace Smerch MLRS in artillery formations. Tornado-S accelerates the missions: only several minutes are necessary to fire at the adversary; it takes one minute to deploy the weapon and abandon the position, so escaping retaliatory fire.

The range of munitions was expanded to select the warhead depending on the target. Besides unguided missiles, Tornado-S fires smart munitions. It can simultaneously hit eight targets by separating projectiles on the trajectory.

The new MLRS is equipped with GLONASS devices and automatic aiming and fire control system (ASUNO). The operator has to put in coordinates and order to aim the launchers and fire. It is not necessary to manually put in the data, as the system can independently receive and process information from reconnaissance vehicles and drones.

Tornado-S MLRS (Picture source: Russian MoD)

[Ayoshi]

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/lockheed-martin-support-m270a2-mlrs-recapitalisati/

Lockheed Martin to recapitalise MLRS
26th April 2019 - 12:30 GMT

The recapitalisation effort will eventually upgrade the army’s existing fleet of 225 M270A1 MLRS launchers, and 160 decommissioned M270A0s slated for de-militarisation, to M270A2s.

In partnership with the Red River Army Depot, the launchers will be completely refurbished as zero time launchers with new engines, transmissions, launcher-loader modules, improved armoured cabs and the new common fire control system.

[Ayoshi]

Lockheed Martin to develop modular pods for guided MLRS | Army Recognition - 16 May 2019 08:21

The modular pod is designed to allow for reloading of individual rocket tubes as they are expended, whereas the original GMLRS pods are discarded after use. The pod will be able to fire the GMLRS Unitary and Alternative Warhead variants, as well as the developmental Extended-Range GMLRS rockets and future rounds. “The new pods will be compatible with both the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and MLRS M270 family of launchers,” said Gaylia Campbell, vice president of Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “These new pods will improve reload operations and assure our warfighters have adequate rounds available to them when they are most needed.”

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The M270 MLRS Launchers are armed with a total of 12 227mm rockets able to deliver their 640 M77 bombs up to 30km. The launchers can also be armed with other kinds of artillery rockets and missiles.