Rockets/Missiles

FIELD ARTILLERY AND MORTAR SYSTEMS

The Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) provides counterfire, suppression of enemy air defenses and destruction of light and personnel targets. The MLRS delivers large volumes of firepower in a short time against critical, time-sensitive targets. 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.

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. As of June 8, 2004, the United States had procured 880 M270-family and 52 high-mobility artillery system (HIMARS) launchers.

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/positioning determining system (ISRP/PDS) LRU found in the current M270 launchers. Other components of the IPDS modification include a 4-mega-byte 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, with reload time decreased by more than 38 percent.

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. A confidence demonstration was successfully completed in 2000. Systems integration testing and extended systems integration testing of software were successfully completed in 2001, with all exit criteria being met or exceeded.

In 2000, the Army accepted delivery of the first M270A1 low-rate initial production (LRIP) launcher. To date, five MLRS battalions have been equipped with M270A1 launchers. The entire MLRS family of munitions, including the MLRS M26 rocket, extended-range rocket, reduced-range practice rocket, guided MLRS rockets, ATACMS Block I, ATACMS Block IA, ATACMS Block II and ATACMS quick-reaction unitary have been successfully fired from the M270A1. The system was highly effective and reliable during combat operations associated with Operation Iraqi Freeedom (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.

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-Dallas, 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 is 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.

In December 1999, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas was awarded a 36-month engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contract. The first unit is scheduled to be equipped in FY 2005.

In 2000, the U.S. Marine Corps joined the HIMARS program. The Marine Corps is conducting a technology demonstration to evaluate the system, with the objective of fully incorporating HIMARS into the Corps. The Marine Corps is planning to equip two battalions with HIMARS.

The M270 MLRS launcher is capable of firing ATACMS Block I missiles to engage targets at ranges out to 165 kilometers. The Block I was used in combat action in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom and effectively destroyed high-priority targets. The contractor completed deliveries of the Block I missile in 1997.

The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Blocks I and IA provide long-range, surface-to-surface fire support for Army corps and division operations. Both ATACMS Blocks I and IA are surface-to-surface guided missile systems with an antipersonnel/antimateriel (APAM) war-head. The ATACMS with an APAM warhead attacks soft area targets at ranges well beyond the capability of existing cannons and rockets. Targets include surface-to-surface missile and multiple rocket launcher units; air defense systems; logistics elements; and command, control and communications complexes.

The ATACMS Block IA, with enhanced accuracy enabled by GPS augmentation to its inertial guidance capability, has a 300-kilometer reach. Block IA began fielding in FY 1998, and retrofit of selected launchers to Block IA capability occurred simultaneously with missile fielding. Fired from M270A1 and HIMARS prototype launchers, its employment was highly effective in OIF.

The ATACMS Unitary Missile is a U.S. Army requirement developed as a result of lessons learned in Kosovo. It was clear that battlefield commanders needed a weapon with precise guidance and lower lethal radii to minimize collateral damage. Future military operations will require the need for precision attacks on critical point targets, including those in urban environments or restrictive terrain, under all weather conditions while minimizing collateral damage.

The Army TACMS Quick-Reaction Unitary (QRU) Missile is a responsive all-weather, long-range missile with a high-explosive, single-burst warhead fired from the multiple-launch rocket system family of launchers. The ATACMS QRU is converted to the unitary configuration by replacing the antipersonnel/antimateriel (APAM) submunitions in Block IA missiles and integrating a proven government-furnished unitary warhead (470-pound SLAM/ HARPOON) and fuse into the warhead section. The missile has a range of 270 kilometers and provides the Army the interim capability to attack high-payoff, time-sensitive targets without placing combat or support aircraft and crews at risk. Its precision accuracy, the absence of potential submunition duds and reduced lethal radii overcome collateral damage concerns.

First delivery of an Army TACMS QRU was completed within four months of contract award, and the flight test was successfully conducted in April 2001 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.. The Army TACMS unitary missile was launched from an MLRS IPDS launcher and flew 139 kilometers to the target impact site. The target array was constructed to obtain a qualitative measurement of the warhead effects via indicators placed in the impact area. The results of the flight test indicate that the warhead effects were fairly concentrated, dissipating within 100 meters of the impact area with no duds or unexploded ordnance.

The Army TACMS quick-reaction unitary (QRU) was used in OIF and was highly effective in destroying high-payoff targets at the outset of the operation. Additional missiles are being procured.

The ATACMS Block II Missile provides long-range, surface-to-surface fire support. The ATACMS Block II is a modification of the currently fielded and combat-proven ATACMS Block I missile family. The Block II delivers 13 BAT (brilliant antitank) submunitions at supersonic velocity out to 145 kilometers, where they will autonomously attack and destroy numerous high-payoff targets. BAT warheads enable the engagement of moving armored formations at long range.

In November 1993, the ATACMS Block II became the carrier for the BAT submunition. Approval of the Block II continued development program occurred in May 1995. The first flight test of an ATACMS Block II missile occurred in the fourth quarter of FY 1997. Fielding commenced in the first quarter of FY 2002.

The ATACMS Penetrator Program is an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) that uses the ATACMS Block IA motor and guidance and control, and incorporates a U.S. Navy separating penetrator warhead. Testing will be followed by fielding of program residuals to a major command.

The Extended-Range Multiple-Launch Rocket System (ER-MLRS) provides longer-range rocket capability. The ERMLRS was the next logical step in the evolution of the MLRS rocket design. The program emerged from lessons learned during Operation Desert Storm, in which senior-level commanders, while applauding the effectiveness of the basic rocket, stated a requirement for greater range. The ERMLRS is a free-flight, area-fire, artillery rocket designed to enhance the capabilities of the MLRS.

The ER-MLRS extends the 31.8-kilometer range of the basic rocket to approximately 45 kilometers. The extended-range variant has the same diameter and length as the basic rocket, but it has been modified to include a lengthened motor and a shorter warhead section with fewer dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM) grenades. The launch pod for the ER-MLRS incorporates a new no-load detent (soft launch) system and is similar in appearance to the existing M26 LPC.

Funding constraints, coupled with the decision to incorporate guidance packages on extended-range rockets, resulted in a limited production, low-rate procurement strategy until the guided MLRS (GMLRS) rocket procurement starts.

Only about 4,000 ER-MLRS were procured. This provides the field with an interim capability until the more effective GMLRS is fielded.

The Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) supports Army Transformation with increased overmatch capabilities and a reduced logistics footprint over current free-flight rockets. GMLRS will be used with the M270A1 and the HIMARS launchers. The rockets will incorporate GPS-aided inertial navigation systems. GMLRS is a multinational development program with the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany that upgrades the extended-range multiple-launch rocket system (ER-MLRS). Using various components from the ERMLRS (grenades and rocket pods), it will transform the MLRS free-flight rocket into a precision-guided rocket by incorporating a guidance and control package and a new rocket motor to achieve greater range and accuracy.

Guidance will be performed by a low-cost tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU), which will be aided by a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. GPS is not mission essential, but provides a further increase in accuracy when used in conjunction with the IMU. GMLRS provides the necessary components (guidance, controls and motor) for further precision and smart submunition variants.

GMLRS will have a maximum range of more than 70 kilometers with accuracy measured in meters. It will carry a warhead payload of 404 dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM) bomblets having considerably lower dud rates than found in the current MLRS free-flight rockets. The modular design will facilitate future growth.

GMLRS began an advanced technology demonstration (ATD) in 1994 with five ATD flight tests completed in 1999. An international memorandum of understanding with France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom was signed in 1998. The program made the transition into engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) in 1999 and is managed by the U.S. Army MLRS project manager as an international cooperative development program.

The EMD preliminary design review was successfully completed in 1999. In 2000, the program demonstrated an acceptable DPICM dispense threshold and rocket motor preflight readiness tests. In December 2000, GMLRS successfully completed its first ballistic flight test. GMLRS is currently undergoing production qualification flight testing and operational testing with a projected initial operational capability of FY 2006.

A second GMLRS variant is the GMLRS Unitary Rocket. GMLRS unitary integrates a 200-pound class unitary warhead into the GMLRS. Like its predecessor, its range exceeds 70 kilometers. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas was awarded the system development and demonstration contract in September 2003. Flight testing to date has demonstrated pinpoint accuracy. This munition will be used when terrain conditions and/or rules of engagement would otherwise preclude employment of the DPICM variant. Its multimode warhead fuze (impact, delay and airburst) will greatly enhance its employment options against many types of targets in various combat environments.

The Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS) is an unmanned, vertically launched, missile system that is organic to the unit of action. It is transportable by C-130 or larger fixed-wing as well as rotary aircraft. NLOS-LS is made up of two missile types along with their container launch unit (CLU). The contract for system design and demonstration was awarded to Lockheed Martin and Raytheon on March 19, 2004.

The Precision Attack Missile (PAM) will have a range of 40 kilometers and is primarily intended to attack armored combat vehicles. The missile will use GPSaided inertial guidance to navigate to the target area. Its final attack sequence will be enabled by using either its uncooled infrared seeker or semiactive laser seeker. PAM technology was successfully demonstrated in November 2003 when it scored a direct hit on a stationary tank marked by a ground-based laser designator. The PAM was launched more than 9 kilometers distant from the target.

The Loitering Attack Missile (LAM) also uses GPS-aided inertial guidance and will be capable of attacking targets up to 70 kilometers after searching in the specified target area for up to 30 minutes. It is intended to autonomously find and attack priority targets using its laser radar (LADAR) seeker. LAM is designed to attack fleeting targets such as SCUD launchers. Both RAM and LAM are capable of receiving in-flight retaskings.

Both missiles are launched from a CLU composed of 15 missile tubes. The computer and communications system (CCS) is located in a sixteenth tube in the CLU. The CCS receives fire missions from the tactical network and then programs and launches the missiles. The CLU incorporates a self-contained locating system and can be either positioned on the ground or onboard cargo vehicles.