Multiple Launcher Rocket System (MLRS)

Multiple Launcher
Rocket System
(MLRS)
White Sands Missile Range
Michael Walker

M270 MLRS Launchers
• NATO Developed
• Used during Desert Storm
• Traverse time of 93 sec.
• Minimum time for firing is 3 minutes for
M270 Launcher

M270 Launchers (cont.)
• Fully traced, self-propelled, self loading
fire unit
• Designed to increase standard artillery fire
power
• Can be reloaded within minutes

M270 MLRS Launchers (cont.)
• M270 Launcher Limitations
– Developed using 1970’s Technology
• Caused maintainability problems
• Old processors prevents software updates to
accommodate weapon system upgrades.
– Replacement Components no Longer
Manufactured

M270 Launchers (cont.)
• The Launcher has two modes

MLRS Weapons
• M270 has two Launch Pod Assemblies
(LPA)
• Each LPA contains 6 rockets or 1 missile
• Rocket has 644 bomblets
• Missile has 950 bomblets

M26 Rocket

ATACMS Missile

Improved Fire Control System
(IFCS)
LOW COST
FIRE
CONTROL
PANEL

M270A1 Test Objectives
• Must meet performance of the MLRS
• Decrease cage travel time during missions
• Increase worst aim point by approximately
83%

Test Program
• Conducted to coordinate, support, and
document the hardware
• Address a full complement of tests from
component level development to
environmental tests

Tests
• Structure Test
– Measure stress levels on launcher structure
• Subsystem Performance Test
– Tests for reliability and endurance
• Engineering Development Test
– Test prototype hardware and software
• Integration Test
– Verifies performance

FCS Mission Processing
• Methods of Fire Control
– Fire when ready
• Allows operator to arm and fire himself
– At my command
• Fire command fires weapons on command
–On call
• Places the mission into a storage buffer for future
execution
– Time on target
• Used to fire on a target at a specific time