From "Katyusha" to "Tornado": how Russian multiple launch rocket systems are being improved. "Pinocchio", "Hurricane", "Smerch", "Typhoon": multiple launch rocket system

"Grad" is the most famous military development of the USSR after the AK-47, only Su and MiG will argue here. Multiple launch rocket systems are a separate chapter in the history of wars. Read about the MLRS "Grad" - the pinnacle of engineering, a deadly machine and a museum exhibit.

In front of the city

"Katyusha", or, as it is correctly called, the BM-13 rocket launcher, played such a significant role in the finale of World War II that the ruling elite of the USSR immediately after the end of the war ordered the engineers to develop rocket artillery in every possible way.

Why was the Katyusha so good and why were the cars that replaced it so good? The idea is as follows: take a truck capable of overcoming rough terrain, and put on its chassis an artillery unit, consisting of a movable package of tubular guides stuffed with rockets.

The action of the projectile can be different, but the most common is high-explosive fragmentation. The firing range is kilometers and tens of kilometers. The speed of movement of the car is like that of a conventional truck. Bringing to a combat state - in a matter of minutes. It is not surprising that such installations quickly became valuable components of the divisional and regimental artillery of the USSR army.

The first post-war attempt to develop the ideas of "Katyusha" was BM-14, that is, "combat vehicle, model 14". Surprisingly, its creation was based on the experience of a defeated enemy, in particular, the first projectile for the BM-14 was created with an eye on the German turbojet mine. The main type of ammunition in the BM-14 was the turbojet high-explosive fragmentation projectile M-14-OF with a head fuse.

The shells were loaded into a package of 16 tubular guides, and in flight they stabilized due to their own rotation caused by the outflow of powder gases through holes inclined at 22 ° to the longitudinal axis. The artillery unit consisted of 16 smooth-bore pipes, which had a diameter of 140.3 mm and a length of 1,370 mm and were arranged in two rows on a turntable.

The BM-14 was put into service in 1952 and has since been upgraded several times. For example, the ZIS-151 was first used as a chassis, then the ZIS-157, and in the mid-60s the ZIL-130. Over time, the artillery unit was lightened by as much as 3 tons, using a rigid welded box instead of a bulky truss, which formed a movable cradle.

Until the second half of the 1960s, this machine was used in the regiments of rifle and motorized rifle divisions, exported to the Warsaw Pact countries, as well as to Algeria, Angola, Vietnam, Egypt, Cambodia, China, North Korea, Cuba, Syria and Somalia, but already in 1960- m began to prepare a replacement - BM-21, which received its own name "Grad".

Shells "Grad"

You are reading this text on an automotive site, but you need to understand that the essence of the multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is not at all in the car. And not even in an artillery mount, mounted on a car. The bottom line is the missile. It is he who is able to fly tens of kilometers and throw roaring fire and screeching metal onto the head of the enemy, sowing destruction, horror and death. It's cruel and scary, but such is war, and it was for the war - already the third world war - that "Grad" was designed.

The first and main ammunition for the "Grad" was the 9M22 (aka M-21-OF) 122 mm shell, and it laid the foundation for the creation of all subsequent similar shells. At the suggestion of the chief designer A.N. Ganichev from the Tula NII-147 (now - GNPP "Splav"), which acted as the lead developer of the entire Grad system, the projectile body was made not cut out of a steel blank, as before, but was proposed to be obtained by rolling and drawing steel sheet, as in the manufacture of artillery shells.

Another feature of the 9M22 projectile was that the stabilizer blades were foldable and were held in the rest position by a special ring, without going beyond the dimensions of the projectile. In flight, the blades open and provide stabilizing rotation, as they are located at an angle of 1° to the longitudinal axis of the projectile, and the initial rotation is set by moving the projectile guide pin along the screw groove of the barrel. The projectile is almost three meters long (2,870 mm) and weighs 66 kg, of which 20.45 kg is a rocket powder charge, and 6.4 kg is explosives.

When fired, the powder charge is ignited by a pyro-igniter, which is supplied with a spark from the control system. The projectile flies out of the guide at a speed of 50 m/s, and then accelerates to 715 m/s. At a distance of only 150-450 m from the artillery mount, a percussion head fuse is cocked in the projectile. It can be configured for instantaneous operation, low deceleration, or large deceleration.

"Grad", loaded with such projectiles, is capable of hitting a target at a distance of 20.4 km. The minimum firing distance, at which acceptable dispersion in range is maintained, is 3 km, although in principle it is possible to shoot at one and a half thousand meters or even less - for example, in Afghanistan, the artillery units of the Soviet army fired at squares, using small angles on the Grad for the first time elevation and direct fire.

The 9M22 (M-21-OF) projectile outperformed the previous generation of M-14-OF shells by 1.7 times in high-explosive action and was 2 times more effective in fragmentation. With its help, they hit enemy manpower, as well as unarmored and lightly armored vehicles, artillery and mortar batteries, command posts and "other targets in a shallow tactical depth."

Subsequently, several dozen types of shells were fired for the Grad, including not only high-explosive fragmentation, but also incendiary, chemical, radio interference, controlled, as well as now banned in many countries cluster ones, which have a simply terrifying destructive effect.

Artillery unit and chassis

The projectiles are loaded into a pack of 40 tubular rails, 10 in each row. Each tube carries one projectile and is 3 m long with an internal diameter of 122.4 mm. The tube package can be aimed at the target with an electric drive or manually. The angle of elevation (maximum - 55 °) and horizontal firing (102 ° to the left and 70 ° to the left) are set using gears at the base of the artillery unit.

Data for aiming at the target is prepared by a separate IBI10 Bereza guidance vehicle based on the GAZ-66. Sights on the installation "Grad" - mechanical sight, panorama and collimator. To stabilize the installation during firing, a torsion balancing mechanism is provided. A volley of MLRS "Grad" lasts 20 seconds. During this time, the installation fires all 40 missiles.

The "Grad" chassis is the most understandable part of the "Grad" for "civilian" motorists, although it had quite a few variations. Initially, Grad was based on the chassis of a Ural-375D off-road truck with a 180-horsepower gasoline engine ZIL-375, and after modernization, the car was named Ural-4320 and is equipped with V8 diesel engines of the KAMAZ-740, YaMZ-236NE2 or YaMZ-238 models with power from 210 to 230 hp. To work in conditions low temperatures pre-heater provided.

The wheel formula of the truck is 6x6, all wheels are single-sided, drum brakes with a separate pneumohydraulic drive. The front axle is with cracker-type CV joints. Steering- with hydraulic booster.

Until 1965, as part of the transmission, coupled with a dry double-disk clutch and a 5-speed manual transmission with synchonizers in I, III, IV and V gears, a “transfer case” was used with a forcibly connected front axle and the possibility of locking the center differential, but then they began to install a simplified transfer case with a permanently engaged front axle and an asymmetric planetary-type lockable center differential. "Grad" based on the "Ural" is considered the main or, if you will, the canonical option.

In addition to the "Ural", the artillery unit of the "Grad" was and is being installed on the ZIL-131 chassis (a lighter version with fewer charges not for divisional, but for regimental artillery), as well as on the KAMAZ-5350 and MAZ-6317 chassis (Belarusian version) . In Czechoslovakia, the BM-21 artillery mount was produced under license and installed on an eight-wheeled Tatra-815 chassis. The armies of other countries bought the BM-21 from the USSR and installed it on the chassis of various trucks. In addition, numerous "pirated" copies of the BM-21 are known, as well as independently developed systems that can use Grad shells.

Testing and commissioning

The Grad installation began to be designed in 1960, and by the end of the next year, factory tests of the first samples began. The deadlines were tight - just a few months later, in the spring of 1962, state tests took place at the Rzhevka training ground near Leningrad. According to their results, the car should have been put into service, but the new system did not avoid problems: according to the conditions, the experimental car had to fire 663 shots and travel 10,000 km, but only 3,380 passed - the chassis spar broke.

The tests were suspended, the modified car was brought in as soon as possible, but weaknesses were also revealed in it - now the driveline, middle and rear axles could not stand the tests, bending (!) Under extreme loads. As a result, only a year after the start of the "state acceptance" the developer managed to eradicate all "ailments".

In the early spring of 1963, the Grad RZSO completed a set of tests and was put into service on March 28. In the same year, the machines were demonstrated to Secretary General N.S. Khrushchev. Serial production of the BM-21 started in 1964 at the Perm Machine-Building Plant named after V.I. Lenin (aka Plant No. 172), and in the same year, Grad managed to take part in the November military parade on Red Square (the May Victory Parade, as, in fact, Victory Day was not yet held at that time).

In its final form, the BM-21 "Grad" had a calculation of three people, a mass in combat position (with shells and crew) of 13,700 kg, a clearance of 400 mm, a maximum speed of 75 km / h, a cruising range of 750 km, an artillery unit from 40 barrels with a caliber of 122 mm, firing range from 3 to 20.4 km, salvo time 20 s. and the affected area is 14.5 hectares.

Conflict with China

The baptism of fire of the "Grad" system and the incident, after which "strategic opponents" learned about it and began to fear, was the armed Soviet-Chinese conflict on Damansky Island on the Ussuri River. It all started on March 2, 1969, when the Chinese violated the border and shot a detachment of Soviet border guards. On March 15, 1969, the conflict reached its climax: several Chinese infantry companies landed on the island with the support of artillery batteries.

From our side, armored personnel carriers and T-62 tanks entered the battle, but only a massive retaliatory artillery strike could change the situation - the Chinese reconnoitered that the island was defended by insignificant forces, and were preparing to attack with large infantry formations, "processing" the island with mortar fire.

The Soviet side brought the 135th motorized rifle division to the shore the day before, which included a division of the latest secret BM-21 Grad, and asked the Moscow authorities to allow the use of these weapons. However, there was still no answer from Moscow. In a 6-hour battle on the island, several Soviet armored personnel carriers were destroyed, the commander of the Iman border detachment D.V. Leonov. At 17:00, the Soviet border guards left the island. The enemy, meanwhile, stepped up mortar fire on the island - it was clear that more and more forces were arriving from Chinese territory.

In the absence of a response from Moscow, the commander of the Far Eastern Military District O.A. Losik made a sole decision to support the border guards. At 17:10, an artillery regiment, several mortar batteries and a division of Grad installations hit the enemy. Within 10 minutes, the fire covered the next 20 kilometers deep into Chinese territory. At the same time, 5 Soviet tanks, 12 armored personnel carriers, 2 motorized rifle companies of the 199th motorized rifle regiment, as well as forces of border guards as part of a motorized group, moved to attack Damansky.

It is believed that it was the Grad installations that played the decisive role in that battle - both in terms of destructive action and demoralization of the enemy. The ideal target for these machines is highly elongated columns on the march, so the attacks of the "Grad" practically swept away the troops advancing to Damansky, and also destroyed enemy reserves, ammunition points and warehouses. Within 10 minutes of hurricane fire, everything was over - the Chinese were driven out of Damansky Island.

"City" of our time

Now in service Russian army costs about 2,500 BM-21 Grad installations. At various times, combat vehicles were exported to about 70 countries and during the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, they managed to participate in almost all the more or less noticeable armed conflicts throughout the Earth.

The tactics of using the Grad system over the years in different armies have been different. So, in the mid-1970s in Angola, the opponents moved installations only in columns, exchanging fire on a collision course, and then using the tactics of pushing and pursuing individual vehicles. In Afghanistan, the Soviet military did not hit on elongated columns, but on the contrary, on the squares, practically moving away from ballistic trajectories and shooting enemy buildings and equipment with direct fire.

And the Palestine Liberation Organization in Lebanon used the tactics of nomadic installations: one BM-21 Grad strikes Israeli troops and immediately changes position - the speed of the truck and deployment into a combat position in three and a half minutes make such maneuvers very effective .

Sky without rockets

In addition to these "hot spots", "Grad" was used by Azerbaijan in the Karabakh conflict, Russia - in both Chechen campaigns, as well as in South Ossetia in 2008. These installations were used in armed conflicts in Angola and Somalia, in civil wars in Libya and Syria. And now, in the armed conflict in the east of Ukraine, such equipment is used by both opposing sides ...

It should be noted that back in the 1980s, attempts were made to modernize the Grad system - the 9A51 Prima combat vehicle was supposed to carry not 40, but 50 missiles with an area of ​​destruction 8 times larger and a time spent in position 5 times less, with that the same firing range as that of the Grad, which made it possible to use about 15 times fewer pieces of equipment. "Prima" was even adopted in 1988, but then there was the collapse of the Union, and production was never launched.

But even in its current form, "Grad", which once set new standard this type of weapons is practically unsurpassed, although there are now plenty of similar equipment in the world. represents a formidable force capable of protecting the interests of Russia. And any other country. Quite often, this power is too formidable. And it always turns out to be directed against living people. "Grad" is a perfect example of the triumph of engineering. An example, to which the best place is in the museum of military equipment.

The Germans were the first to use such weapons at 4 am on June 22, 1941, when firing at Brest Fortress. Nevertheless, the whole world started talking about the new weapon on July 14, 1941, after the fire of the Soviet Katyushas on Orsha.

The German command was amazed by the damage done and issued a directive in which it was ordered to capture the Soviet system. On October 7, 1941, near the village of Bogatyr, Captain Flerov's jet battery, which attacked Orsha, was surrounded. Most of the vehicles were destroyed in advance, but shells and the remains of vehicles fell into the hands of the Germans.

After being sent to Germany and examining the captured Katyushas, ​​the famous German rocket engineer Wernher von Braun stated that they were of no particular interest, since they were extremely primitive and inferior in accuracy to German turbojet shells.

At the same time, the German soldiers were really afraid of the Katyusha, was Wernher von Braun really prevaricating? No, the whole secret was in a large number of simultaneously used installations. Near Stalingrad there were 25 launchers per kilometer, in January 1944, 45 launchers per kilometer were already in use, which created an incredible density of fire.

The successes of the rocket artillery of the USSR forced the Germans to develop their own. Wernher von Braun allocated a group to develop something close to the Soviet MLRS, but they did not achieve tangible success.

Soviet rocket artillery was improved during the war. In the middle of the war, Soviet designers created a 300 mm m-30 rocket projectile. A volley of 50 such projectiles created many simultaneous explosions that overlapped each other. In addition, the soldiers of the Red Army tied the shells with thick checkers, increasing the power of the explosion.

By the end of the war there was a crisis in the development of jet weapons. Its characteristics no longer suited the military, and an increase in firing range led to a significant decrease in accuracy. In addition, they have a competitor in the form of nuclear artillery.

Development

On May 25, 1953, for the first time in history, a nuclear weapon was fired in the US state of Nevada. Just one shell hit an area of ​​​​several square kilometers. Barrel artillery received fantastic opportunities for combat operations, being able to massively destroy manpower, fire weapons, and so on.

The head of the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev, believed that the future lay with missile weapons, in particular, with ballistic missiles with nuclear charges. In the second half of the 50s, a decision was made to reduce cannon armament and stop the development of artillery.

Without cannon artillery, the Soviet army lost its fire cover, so in 1957 the main artillery directorate announced a competition for the creation of a multiple launch rocket system comparable in area to tactical nuclear artillery. The project of the Tula NII-147, now the state research and production enterprise Splav, won.

The chief designer of the new MLRS, called "Grad", was appointed engineer Alexander Nikitovich Ganichev. The Grad was revolutionary for its time, combining a two-stage engine and in-flight deployable stabilizers.

In 1961, state tests began, during which 2 missiles did not start. Nevertheless, Marshal Chaikov, who leads the tests, gave the go-ahead for fine-tuning and mass production of new items.

On March 28, 1963, the Grad multiple launch rocket system was adopted by the Red Army. Thanks to the use of new technologies, the assembly of rockets was fully automated, which drastically reduced their price. The cost of the first Grads was equal to the cost of a Moskvich car of that period, later, in the 70s, a Grad shell cost 240 rubles.

Each "Grad" in just 20 seconds could bring down 40 shells on the enemy's heads, which created a zone of continuous destruction on an area of ​​​​almost 4 hectares.

Soon, the power of the new weapon was tested in combat conditions, during the battles for Damansky Island. On March 15, 1969, the Grad attacked the Chinese, who lost more than 800 soldiers and officers.

In 1969, Ganichev wrote a memorandum to the main artillery directorate on the creation of a system with increased power and range, the proposal was supported. Soon there were missiles "Hurricane" with a 100 kg warhead. In addition, they had a cluster warhead, consisting of several dozen fragmentation projectiles that were ejected on approach to the target.

In 1975, the Uragan system was put into service. The firing range reached 35 kilometers, and the area of ​​destruction - more than 42 hectares. The salvo of the battery was equivalent in power to the impact of a tactical nuclear missile.

"Hurricane" proved to be excellent during the Afghan war. In April 1983, with their help, the siege of the city of Herat was lifted, and the militants called the new weapon the arrows of Magomed.

The Hurricane turned out to be more versatile than the Grad, since it had special missiles for remote mining - each missile carried 30 minutes.

Successful application Soviet installations forced the United States, relying on guided missiles, to reconsider their views on weapons. They created "MLRS", which used GPS space navigation and maximum automation.

New stage

On June 8, 1982, after the words of US President Ronald Reagan, who called for a crusade against communism, domestic designers were tasked with developing a multiple launch rocket system capable of destroying enemy tactical nuclear installations at a great distance from the front line.

The work on the Smerch became one of the most difficult works of the Splav enterprise, many subcontractors were involved. 12 Smerch missiles weighing almost 10 tons forced the development of a special combat platform. To hold and guide the missiles, hydraulic actuators are used, holding the guides with an accuracy of hundredths of a degree. For stability during a salvo, the rear of the machine rises on supports.

After testing in 1987, the Smerch was adopted by the Soviet army. The affected area has reached 67 hectares, the power is really amazing even now. The most amazing quality was the accuracy, which allows you to shoot with an accuracy of 10-20 meters, that is, at the level of high-precision missiles.

Preparation for battle takes only 3 minutes, a full volley - 38 seconds, and after a minute and a half the car is removed from its place.

The experience gained in the creation of large-caliber complexes "Hurricane" and "Smerch" made it possible to create a unique weapon - TOS-1 "Pinocchio", which was tested in 1989. The refinement of the missiles of the complex began as a matter of urgency, since it was planned to use it in Afghanistan.

The use in Afghanistan has shown the high efficiency of thermobaric missiles launched from TOS-1. The use of only 1 installation is comparable to a volley of the Gradov battery.

During the collapse of the USSR, the Tula enterprise "Splav" was on the verge of closing, it was necessary to urgently look for sources of money. One of the sources was Kuwait, which signed a contract for the supply of the Smerch system. A successful contract made it possible to continue improving rocket weapons.

In 1996, for the first time in world practice, a projectile with homing anti-tank warheads was created for the Smerch. At the point specified by the on-board computer, the head of the rocket is separated, from which 5 combat elements are ejected. As they descend, they scan the battlefield for heat from tank engines. When detected, a submunition fires an impact core that hits the tank in the weakly protected upper part.

In 2005, a complex was created at the Signal Institute automated control 1V126 "Kapustnik-B" fire, capable of obtaining information about the enemy from various reconnaissance means in a few seconds, calculating all the necessary data and transmitting target designations to each multiple rocket launcher.

The next step was the development unmanned vehicle, located inside the Smerch missile and entering controlled flight at the moment it is above the target.

To date, the Smerch has a firing range of 90 km and continues to be modernized, the TOS-1 Pinocchio received the successor to the TOS-1A Solntsepyok, and the Grads are used no less effectively than many years ago.

Moreover, a two-caliber Tornado system has been developed, combining the capabilities of salvo fire and single high-precision strikes.

Materials provided by: S.V. Gurov (Tula), Materials on contracts from Forecast International 2011 were prepared jointly with a student-trainee of the Tula State University (group 730882) Petrukhina M.I. (year 2013)

The MLRS multiple launch rocket system is designed to operate at any time of the day and at various weather conditions combat missions to defeat and destroy guns, forces and means of rocket artillery, areas of concentration of forces and means air defense, trucks, lightly armored armored personnel carriers, as well as troop concentration areas and technical positions.

Initially, a variant was developed designed to equip tactical and operational-tactical units (division, corps), called the GSRS (General Support Rocket System) reactive system. In early 1976, preparatory work began to develop a concept for its creation. In March 1976, representatives of five companies: (Boeing, Emerson Electric, Martin Marietta, Northrop and Vought (now Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control) signed a contract to evaluate the concept of creating a general support jet system GSRS. In September 1977, representatives of Boeing Aerospace and Vought Corporation has signed a contract for a 29-month GSRS ratification (approval) period, under the contract, each company has supplied three prototype combat vehicles and unguided rockets for comparative testing at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. solid propellant (RDTT) for a rocket projectile was developed by specialists from Atlantic Research.

In early 1978, the U.S. Army Missile Missile Research and Development Command changed the direction of further development of the GSRS system with the possibility of production both in the United States and and in Europe. The program was renamed Multiple Launch Rocket System or MLRS. In April 1980, Ling Tempco Vought of Dallas, Texas (now Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Dallas) was selected as the lead contractor to coordinate the development of the MLRS system. The firepower of the combat vehicle of the experimental GSRS system had to match the firepower of 27 203 mm howitzers.

The first shells assembled as part of small-scale production were delivered in May 1982. combat vehicles, assembled as part of initial production were supplied to the army in August 1982. The company has made an investment of more than 42 million US dollars to create automated production capacity located in East Camden (Arkansas), which manufacture installations (combat vehicles) and shells.

In 1983, the new MLRS multiple launch rocket system began to enter service with the US Army ground forces. After 2-3 years, it began to enter service with the ground forces of the armies of other states.

The second multi-year contract for the purchase of the MLRS system for 1989-1993 was awarded in July 1989. In fiscal year 1989, the joint production of the MLRS system by specialists from the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France and Italy began. As of September 1995, 857 combat vehicles were delivered - 772 in active army and 185 to the US National Guard. Organizationally, MLRS systems are consolidated into batteries and field artillery divisions. The division and the corps of the ground forces are, respectively, 9 and 27 combat vehicles. According to other sources, they are deployed in the amount of three in the battery and 29 in the division.

According to domestic data dating back to 2018, “To launch micro- and nanoSCs, a multi-purpose“ nano-rocket ”MNNS system is being developed based on OTP ATACMS and MLRS MLRS launchers. The launch cost does not exceed $ 1 million. Transfer of the MNNS system from garrison storage to readiness before the launch of the spacecraft does not exceed 24 hours.

According to data from 10/18/2018, the US Army is taking serious steps towards expanding and modernizing the MLRS MLRS fleet. Modernization work is being carried out to preserve the BM MLRS MLRS as part of the US armed forces. Army Base Red River plays an important role in this task. The program started in 2017, when the Ministry of Defense assigned the task of supplementing the fleet of BM MLRS MLRS to the PFRMS (Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems) design bureau, whose specialists are working on the development of high-precision fire systems for jet systems and missile systems.

Expansion of the MLRS MLRS fleet has become a priority as part of the Grow the Army initiative. The MLRS MLRS fleet is planned to be increased by 160 units due to the modernization of decommissioned obsolete M270A0 MLRS MLRS combat vehicles. The work will be carried out during the financial years 2019-2022. Also, as part of the program, work will be carried out to modernize 225 existing M270A1 MLRS MLRS combat vehicles during the 2022-2030 financial years. Modernization of machines provides an increase in the operational resource until 2050.

Compound

Initially, the MLRS MLRS included:

combat vehicle M270 (in the stowed position: side view, front view);

unguided rockets (NURS) of 227mm caliber in transport and launch containers;

transport-loading vehicle (see photo);

communication and control systems.

The two main parts of the M270 combat vehicle are the chassis and the artillery unit. The artillery unit of the BM M270 is mounted on a modified extended tracked chassis of the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle (M993 cargo transporter). Thanks to the use of this chassis, the combat vehicle has the ability to move over rough terrain, comparable to the same ability of the M-1 tank. The BM M270 chassis is equipped with an eight-cylinder Cummins VTA-903 diesel engine with a gas turbine supercharged power of 500 hp. The engine is located under the cab, which can be tilted forward to provide access to its components. Transmission "General Electric" hydromechanical HMPT three-speed. Suspension torsion plate, independent with three shock absorbers on each side. It is planned to disable the torsion suspension of the first, fifth and sixth road wheels with the help of multi-disk friction devices, in order to ensure the necessary rigidity of the support of the combat vehicle on the ground during a salvo.

The chassis cab of the M270 combat vehicle is equipped with (see electrical equipment diagram):

an airborne positioning system that requires conventional artillery topographic data, and with which crew numbers determine their location.

a computerized fire control system that requires data on the location of the target and meteorological data in the target area to calculate the flight task and automatically enter various corrections after each shot. It consists of: a control panel with a monitor and a navigation device (topographic surveyor);

an automated control system for aiming, with the help of which an automated adjustment of the inclination of the installation is carried out, a directed coordinate system for determining the angles of horizontal guidance and declination angles.

a sealing, soundproofing and heating system, as well as a filtering unit designed to protect crew numbers from weapons of mass destruction.

The cabin is protected from small arms and machine-gun fire and shell fragments by aluminum alloy armor;

The artillery part includes a fixed base with a swivel frame mounted on the chassis body and a gyro-stabilized rotating platform with an M269 launch charging module (PCM) fixed on it, as well as elevation and horizon guidance mechanisms with electric hydraulic drives. The PZM M269 (see photo) includes an armored box-shaped truss for two transport and launch containers with a reloading mechanism. The horizontal guidance mechanism is mounted on a fixed base. Structurally, it is made in one block and includes a level with a working fluid, an electric motor, a hydraulic pump, a servo valve and a hydraulic motor. The vertical guidance mechanism is mounted on a rotating frame. The lifting mechanism of the starting charging module is made in the form of two twin screws driven by pairs of bevel gears. The drive gears of these pairs are driven by a hydraulic motor or a manual drive (the latter is used in case of failure of the main drive).

The reloading mechanism consists of two retractable consoles with electric winches. They can be controlled individually or together directly from the cockpit of the combat vehicle or using a remote control. To load the TPK, the PZM clip is installed in a horizontal position, the consoles of the reloading mechanism are extended. The lifting of the transport and launch container is carried out using a winch, the gripping device of which is attached to the center of gravity of the container (see photo). After the TPK is inserted into the holder, it is lowered onto the centering pins and fixed in the combat position with the help of three clamping grips. Each nest also has a manual mechanical lock to hold the TPK, the drive handle of which is located in the lower front of the nest. After fixing the TPK and connecting the electrical cable from the fire control system, the winches of the loading mechanisms are automatically turned off.

The launcher is loaded with disposable transport-launch containers. TPKs are loaded with rockets and sealed at the factory. Standard transport and launch containers, which are also storage containers, weigh 2270 kg and include six fiberglass tubes rigidly fastened with an aluminum alloy cage. Inside the guides there are spiral metal skids to give the NURS rotation at a frequency of 10-12 rpm when fired to ensure the stability of the projectile in flight and compensate for the eccentricity of the thrust. Projectiles are launched directly from interchangeable containers. Projectiles can be stored in such containers for 10 years, being ready for use. It takes five minutes to load, aim and fire a salvo of 12 rounds.

The combat vehicle can be prepared for transportation on a C-141 Air Force aircraft at a limited base, as well as on C-5 and C-17 Air Force aircraft. The calculation consists of the commander and numbers: the driver, the guidance operator. However, projectile launches can be made by two crew numbers, and in extreme cases, by one crew number.

A variant of the towed launcher of the MLRS system was being worked out (see diagram).

In the 90s of the XX century, the combat vehicle was modernized, and its new model received the designation M270A1 (see layout diagram). The main areas of modernization were equipping the BM with an improved fire control system with the ability to display video information, a full keyboard, a 1 GB memory device for storing programs, an improved mechanical system and a modern navigation equipment GPS. This ensures faster preparation of the combat vehicle for firing, a reduction in reloading time by 38%, and a reduction in operating and maintenance costs. When performing a typical combat mission using the M270A1 combat vehicle, the time required to complete it is six times less compared to the time required when using the M270 BM. The machine has a built-in diagnostic system for timely detection of faults. The modernization of the US Army BM M270 fleet to the M270A1 variant began in 2002.

Usually, two transport-loading vehicles with trailers are used to service one combat vehicle. TZM is a 10-ton M985 off-road vehicle (wheel arrangement 8X8). A 2.5-ton lifting and slewing crane is mounted in its body, with the help of which containers are loaded and unloaded. Four TPKs (six missiles each) are transported by car and trailer. The transportable ammunition load of one launcher, including its 12 missiles, is 108 NUR, respectively.

After the introduction of installations for firing into the fire control equipment (including the operation time of the head fuses), the guidance of the launcher is carried out on command using electro-hydraulic actuators. It is not required to level the launcher before firing, since the necessary corrections are constantly introduced into the fire control equipment. This is provided by an appropriate system with a gyro-stabilized platform. The same system also provides the necessary accuracy in salvo firing.

In general, combat vehicles of the M270 indices (full-time, the very first), M270-IPDS (with an improved location system) and M270A1 were developed.

The MLRS MLRS ammunition includes the following types of unguided rockets:

M26 with a range of 32 km.

M26A1 / A2 with a range of 45 km (XR-M77, developed by Loral Vought Systems).

M28 for anti-tank mining with a range of 40 km.

training M28A1 (RRPR) with a range of up to 14.3 km.

Loral Vought Systems specialists have carried out work on the development of a variant of a missile with an increased flight range based on a missile from the MLRS MLRS. The maximum flight range has been increased to 45 km. A prototype XR-M77 product passed flight tests in April 1993. Compared to the size of the head of the regular RS from the MLRS MLRS, the size of the head of the rocket was reduced in length, and the length of the rocket engine was increased in length. Due to the equipment of the warhead with a smaller number of submunitions, the weight of an experienced rocket projectile became less compared to a standard rocket projectile, i.e. an experienced projectile is lighter than a regular RS.

A consortium of enterprises from the USA, Germany, Great Britain and France carried out work on the development of the XM29 projectile with a cluster warhead equipped with homing combat elements (SNBE). For KhM29, options have been worked out for equipping the warhead with three SNBE VAT (see figure) or six SADARM SPBE (see figure) (XM-29 missile). According to the developers, a prototype XM29 projectile was successfully tested against the T-72 tank. The weight of the warhead with SNBE was 111 kg.

Technical data of the SADARM combat element: weight - 11.77 kg, warhead - 1.5 kg LX-14, length 204.4 mm, diameter - 147 mm, descent speed - 17 m / s, scanning speed - 456 rpm . Other MLRS/SADARM data (USA) have also been established. Weapon system - MLRS; Carrier type - NURS cluster warhead; Maximum firing range - 40 km; Projectile caliber - 240 mm; The number of elements in the carrier - 6 pieces; SPBE diameter - 175.3 mm; Length - 203.2 mm; Weight - 13.6 kg; Type of warhead - self-forming PE ("shock core" type); Facing material - tantalum; The speed of the striking element - 2440 m / s; Armor penetration - 100 mm; Sensor type - combined: radar millimeter wave and dual-band IR; View area radius - 75 m; The time of adoption for service is 1995-1996.

According to other sources, “high-precision” warheads were developed for the MLRS MLRS in the 80s of the twentieth century. The first option is the Sence and Destroy Armor (SADARM) warhead, designed for use against stationary artillery armored vehicles. The design of each warhead was to include six SADARM combat elements. Each element had to have the ability to scan (search) in a certain area of ​​​​a target when operating homing heads operating in the infrared and millimeter waves.

Another type of armor-piercing projectile was a terminally guided warhead (TGW). a condition for ensuring the search for a suitable stationary or moving armored target.By means of the homing head, the target is captured and the combat element is guided to the target for its destruction.

At the beginning of 1987, it was claimed that a binary chemical warhead, XM135, was being developed to equip the NURS MLRS MLRS. It was originally planned to enter in 1991, but the procedure was delayed due to budgetary and political factors. The current state of development is unknown.

Since the end of the 80s, work has been carried out on new types of rockets with an increased flight range, some samples of which have already been used in combat conditions. They are steerable and are equipped with an inertial guidance unit based on the global positioning system (GPS) and small aerodynamic rudders, which provide overall maneuverability and increased accuracy (see photo). In 2006, a pulsed trajectory correction unit was demonstrated (see photo by Miroslav Gyurosi) for an MLRS projectile.

Projectile M30 GMLRS (Guided MLRS) with a maximum range of up to 70 km (see diagram). Development of the M30 GMLRS began in 1987. within the framework of the international program by specialists from the USA, Great Britain, Germany, France and Italy. Caliber - 227 mm, length - 4000 m, head - cassette. The warhead is equipped with 404 cumulative fragmentation submunitions M77 or M85, the weight of the projectile is 308 kg. In August 2005, the UK officially became the first international customer for the GMLRS projectile. Lockheed Martin has awarded a $55 million contract to supply HEAT-capable GMLRS rounds to the British Army through March 2007.

Guided projectile XM30 GUMLRS (Guided Unitary MLRS) with a range of up to 70 km. The development of the GUMLRS projectile has been carried out by Lockheed Martin in cooperation with firms in the UK, Germany, France and Italy since October 2003. The tests of the projectile were carried out at the White Sands test site from 2004 to 2005. The XM30 is equipped with a high-explosive penetrating warhead (weight up to 89 kg) and is designed to destroy the protected objects of the enemy's military-industrial infrastructure (fortifications, runways, bridges, dams, warehouses, communication centers, etc.). The head part is equipped with a fuse with three installations, which provide an explosion in the air when it meets an obstacle and an explosion with a slowdown after penetrating the target. Caliber 227 mm, length - 4000 m, projectile weight - 308 kg. For firing, combat vehicles M270 and M270A1 MLRS MLRS and BM M142 MLRS can be used. The first 498 GUMLRS rounds were delivered to the US Army in 2005. On July 10, 2006, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems was selected by representatives of the US Army and Lockheed Martin as the manufacturer of the GUMLRS projectile head. The contract provides for deliveries until 2020. The planned start date for the entry of GUMLRS into the troops was 2007.

In 2008, Lockheed Martin announced that it was testing an extended-range GMLRS projectile that hit a target located at a distance of 85 km from the launch point. According to a Lockheed Martin press release dated November 5, 2009, its specialists at the White Sands missile range successfully launched a GMLRS projectile with a maximum range of 92 km. The projectile was launched using the HIMARS MLRS combat vehicle. It is worth noting that there is no information on the tactics of using guided missiles. It is not clear whether the task of their volley launch with the identification of each projectile of its target has been solved, or the use of such projectiles implies a departure from volley fire.

Work continues to improve the combat equipment of shells. For example, the modification of the GMLRS Unitary EBW is equipped with a high-explosive warhead due to overpressure and is designed for use in urban environments.

There is also information about the GMLRS Unitary guided missile.

On March 28, 2008, a Lockheed Martin press release announced the very first launch of four guided missiles using the new universal fire control system, which is an evolutionary unit with the ability to upgrade the MLRS MLRS fire control system and provides the ability to fire guided projectiles in the design of which is used anti-interference technology.

On December 13, 2010, Lockheed Martin announced the successful testing of a GMLRS+ guided missile equipped with a semi-active laser seeker at the White Sands test site in New Mexico.

Tactical and technical characteristics

Testing and operation

According to the Aerospace Daily magazine (No. 22, Volume 138, 1986, S. 169,170), In order to expand production, as well as the possibilities of using the MLRS MLRS, Vought conducted research in the field of creating an anti-aircraft (anti-missile defense) missile based on the technology of the FLACE program (Flexible Lightweight Agile Guided Experiment - the creation of highly maneuverable, lightweight, with a flexible guidance system for guided missiles). Previously, this program was called SRHIT (Small Radar Homing Intercept Technology - the development of an interceptor missile with a compact homing radar system). The MLRS MLRS combat vehicle with interceptor missiles was supposed to be tactical option air defense systems (ABM) of the FLAGE program. The first test of an interceptor missile was carried out in April 1986. The interceptor missile hit a target suspended at an altitude of 3660 m, reaching a speed corresponding to the Mach 4 number. The diameter of the interceptor missile was 228.6 mm. As a rocket engine, an accelerator from a rocket from the MLRS MLRS was used. The combat vehicle can be loaded with 12 interceptor missiles, which would have to be used against aircraft, cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.

By the 1980s, work was carried out on a marine version of the installation to provide combat units of the Navy and the naval corps with effective barrage and covering fire weapons for landing operations, as well as for launching radar countermeasures.

On July 14, 1983, demonstration tests of the MARS system were conducted at the New Mexico test site under the US-European agreement.

As of 1987, Switzerland was considering the adoption of the MLRS-type MLRS, as an addition to the existing 105- and 155-mm artillery pieces.

According to the data of the second half of the 80s of the XX century, specialists from Ferranti (Great Britain) proposed to modify the pneumatic launcher of the LOCAT aviation training system and adapt it as a simulator for training MLRS MLRS calculations.

The proposed simulator was a container for 6 RS MLRS, which, in terms of its overall dimensions, weight and appearance, fully corresponded to the real container of the MLRS MLRS. In the LOCAT simulator, instead of the usual 227-mm practical RS MLRS MLRS, 80-mm high-explosive fragmentation training projectiles of the LOCAT system were to be used, the firing range of which was 6 km. It would allow simulating real firing and loading conditions and had a device for connecting to the existing MLRS MSA. The use of the LOCAT simulator for combat training of crews was supposed to cost 15 times cheaper than for a real MLRS MLRS.

During the above period, the LOCAT system was still in the design refinement stage, and a prototype could be manufactured in six to nine months.

According to data dated 12/12/1996, as part of the delivery of MLRS MLRS to South Korea 9 simulators were to be delivered for training in working with the fire control system.

MLRS multiple launch rocket systems were widely used by the multinational forces in 1991. against Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. US troops delivered 189 military vehicles to the Kuwait theater of operations. They fired 9600 NURS at such targets as artillery positions, air defense positions, accumulation of armored and automotive vehicles, enemy manpower, helicopters on landing sites. According to other sources, during the operation "Desert Storm" the US deployed more than 230 combat vehicles, the British ground forces - 16 BM.

It should be especially noted that during these hostilities, for the first time, MLRS MLRS combat vehicles were fired with new tactical ballistic missiles of the US Army ATACMS. Three batteries - 27 combat vehicles - were modernized specifically for firing these missiles. However, details are not reported, in particular, the possibility of using the same chassis for mounting a TPK for firing projectiles of various calibers, because. there is an opinion that on the platform of one chassis of one type of chassis it is possible to mount only TPK with shells of the same caliber.

The fighting showed that the MLRS was the only US field artillery system capable of working in conjunction with the Abrams tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, as well as tactical attack aircraft, receiving target designation from it. As the disadvantages of the MLRS, the participants in the battles noted the relatively short firing range of the NURS, and also the fact that the M77 submunitions proved to be practically ineffective against Iraqi armored targets.

The system was deployed by the US Army in Albania for potential combat support of military operations in the Balkan region.

In 2007, the UK deployed several M270 MLRS MLRS combat vehicles to Afghanistan. NATO's Multinational Command says the use of GPS-guided missiles can hit targets "with stunning accuracy."

Contract data

from the US Department of Defense websiteon contracts for components and their elements for MLRSMLRSandGMLRS

December 22, 1994 (everywhere the date of publication of the data is indicated, and not the date of conclusion of contracts)

Cummins Engine Company of Columbus, Ind. awarded a $6,533,820 contract with cost-benefit/4-year requirement modifications to work on 147 VTA903-T600 diesel engines with Bradley infantry fighting vehicle packaging and 18 diesel engines for vehicles of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system. The work was to be carried out in Seymore, Indiana. Estimated completion date is 31 August 1995. This non-competitive contract was initiated on May 15, 1991. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Tank and Automotive Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-91-D-A004).

On December 23, 1994, Loral Vought Systems (Dallas, Texas) received US$300,000 in additional funding as part of a US$7,140,296 contract with additional funding to design, develop, assemble, and test a guidance and control unit for further equipping an extended range rocket for the MLRS multiple launch rocket system. Work was to be performed in Dallas (Texas, 97%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 3%). Estimated completion date is January 31, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on July 11, 1994. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-95-C-R045).

Loral Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) received $17,297,997 in modifications as part of a contract with bonus payments and additional funding to perform industrial engineering services for the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be performed in Dallas (Texas, 90%), Teterboro (New Jersey, 5%) and Norwalk (Connecticut, 5%). Estimated completion date is January 31, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on February 4, 1994. Contractual obligations are assigned by the United States Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-94-C-5091).

Loral Vought Systems Corporation (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $75,289,858 change to a contract for 49 MLRS multiple launch rocket launchers, 1,315 MLRS trainers, and 158 TPKs armed with tactical unguided rockets for Israel, Greece and the United States of America. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 28%) and Dallas (Texas, 72%). Estimated completion date is January 30, 1997. This non-competitive contract was initiated on January 11, 1994. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-94-C-A005).

Loral Vought Systems Corporation of Grand Prairie, Texas received a $36,959,466 change to a contract for 18 MLRS multiple rocket launchers and 294 MLRS unguided rocket launcher trainers. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 89%) and Dallas (Texas, 11%). Estimated completion date is June 30, 1997. This non-competitive contract was initiated on January 11, 1994. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-94-C-A005).

United Defense Limited Partnership (Santa Clara, Calif.) was awarded a $13,346,085 contract with fixed bonuses and additional funding to provide technical support for systems on the chassis of the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, which included maintenance work on the kit ( package) of technical data, engineering, quality assurance and logistics, as well as field maintenance of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, MLRS MLRS vehicles and other (derivative) vehicles. The work was to be carried out in San Jos (California). Estimated completion date is May 31, 1999. This non-competitive contract was initiated on September 1, 1994. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Tank and Vehicle Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-95-R-J020).

United Defense, L.P., Ground Systems Division, Santa Clara, Calif. received a $5,260,184 change to an option contract for 18 MLRS vehicles. The work was to be carried out in York, Pennsylvania. Estimated completion date is October 31, 1996. This non-competitive contract was initiated on September 30, 1994. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Ordnance Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-90-C-A011).

Loral Vought Systems Corporation of Grand Prairie, Texas received additional funding of $1,625,000 as part of a $46,910,186 contract with additional funding to carry out the engineering and manufacturing phase of an advanced combat vehicle mechanical system. multiple rocket launcher system MLRS. Work was to be performed in Dallas (Texas, 99.6%) and Camden (Arkansas, 0.4%). Estimated completion date is October 31, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on March 2, 1995. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-95-C-0329).

Martin Marietta Defense Systems (Pittsfield, Massachusetts) was awarded a $5,951,967 contract to work on 42 HMPT-500-3EC transmissions for MLRS vehicles. The work was to be carried out in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Estimated date of completion of works - December 31, 1996. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 1, 1994. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Ordnance Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-92-C-A013).

Loral Vought Systems Corporation of Grand Prairie, Texas received a $49,708,674 change to a contract for 62 MLRS multiple launch rocket launchers, 381 unguided rocket trainers, and 282 transport and launch containers equipped with tactical unguided rockets in the interests of Israel and Japan. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Dallas (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is March 30, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on August 15, 1995. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-94-C-A005).

Loral Vought Systems Corporation & MLRS International Corporation (Grand Prairie, Texas) received $26,103,240 (the amount of the contract according to the letter under the Foreign Military Sales program) as part of the execution of the contract in the amount of $52,206,480 in materiel for the multiple launch rocket system MLRS, including 8 combat vehicles and 16 simulators for Denmark and 12 combat vehicles and 24 simulators for Norway. The work was to be performed in Dallas (Texas, 95%) and Camden (Arkansas, 5%). Estimated completion date is June 30, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 6, 1995. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0093).

Loral Vought Systems Corporation of Grand Prairie, Texas received an increase in funding of $1,845,000 as part of a written agreement to commence work prior to a $23,200,000 incentive contract with additional funding to provide a demonstration of state-of-the-art technology. concepts for MLRS and HIMARS MLRS, 4 for each system. Work was to be carried out in Camden (Arkansas, 82%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 18%). Estimated completion date is September 30, 2000. This non-competitive contract was initiated on August 16, 1995. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0138).

The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio received $34,421,604 (purchase order amount) of the contract value for 71,712 T-107 track assemblies for the M88; 210,385 assembled T-130 track links for the M113 vehicle and 103,133 T-157I track links assembled for the M2, M3 and MLRS vehicles. The work was to be carried out in Saint Mary's, Ohio. Estimated completion date is September 30, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on August 16, 1994. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Weapons Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-94-D-A014).

Loral Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $9,811,070 million funding increase to a $51,350,320 contract with additional funding to provide industrial engineering services for the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System in calendar years 1996-1997. Work was to be performed in Dallas (Texas, 90%), Teterboro (New Jersey, 5%) and Norwalk (Connecticut, 5%). Estimated completion date is February 28, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 20, 1995. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0295).

Lockheed Martin Vought (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $16,203,348 contract with a total value of $48,218,064, which included work on four types of additional equipment: the improvement of combat vehicles of the multiple launch rocket system MLRS, 69 advanced positioning instrument systems and 19 meteorological sensors in 1996-1997. Work was to be performed in Teterboro (NJ, 54%), Dallas (Texas, 31%), Fort Silla (Oklahoma, 7%), Lewinsburg (Tennessee, 6%) and Stillwell (Oklahoma, 2 %). Estimated completion date is January 31, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 19, 1995. Contractual obligations are assigned by the United States Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0307).

Loral Vought Systems Corporation of Grand Prairie, Texas was awarded a $34,347,892 contract (with two contracts with additional funding) for extended range unguided rockets for the MLRS multiple launch rocket system during the initial low volume production phase. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Dallas (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is March 30, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 30, 1996. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0304).

Loral Vought Systems Corporation & MLRS International Corporation (Grand Prairie, TX) received a $66,759,805 change to a fixed contract price determination by quantity additional features for 62 combat vehicles of MLRS multiple launch rocket systems, 381 transport and launch containers equipped with MLRS MLRS training and training projectiles and 282 transport and launch containers equipped with tactical unguided rockets for MLRS MLRS in the interests of Israel and Japan. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Dallas (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is March 30, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on January 11, 1994. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-94-C-A005).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems Corporation (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $7,600,000 increase in funding as part of a written start-of-work agreement prior to a performance (incentive) contract with a total value of $35,425,000 (subject to two options ) to perform 4 demonstrations of modern concept technology for the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System and the HIMARS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be carried out in Camden (Arkansas, 82%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 18%). Estimated completion date is July 31, 2000. This non-competitive contract was initiated on June 6, 1996. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0385).

United Defense, L.P., Ground Systems Division, received a $5,121,253 change to a contract for systems maintenance - the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System Overhaul Program and Bradley IFV field maintenance support. The work was to be carried out in San Jose (California). Estimated completion date is December 31, 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on August 15, 1994. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Ordnance Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-95-C-X030).

February 28, 1997 Lockheed Martin Vought Systems Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $32,300,000 contract modification (with two contracts with additional funding) to perform initial low volume production of the MLRS Extended Range Unguided Rocket, based on 1997 capabilities, for 250 transport and launch containers equipped with unguided rockets. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Dallas (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is April 30, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 30, 1996. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0304).

United Defense, L.P., Ground Systems Division, (York, PA) - received a $14,012,767 change (partial determination by pre-contract written agreement to commence work) to a contract for 62 M993 multiple rocket launcher transporters Engineered MLRS backed by manufacturing and including engineering change plans (requests) and unique customer requirements under the Overseas Military Sales program for the following customers: 42 for Israel, 12 for Norway and eight for Denmark. Work was to be performed in York (Pennsylvania, 44%), San Jose (California, 42%) and Aiken (South Carolina, 14%). Estimated completion date is April 30, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 22, 1995. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Ordnance Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-96-C-X069).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $75,190,857 change to a contract for 29 MLRS multiple rocket launchers for Korea; administrative costs for the offset package and 50% not exceeding the costs associated with a break in the operation of the production line for the combat vehicle. The work was to be performed in Dallas (Texas, 95%) and Camden (Arkansas, 5%). Estimated completion date is 31 July 1999. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 30, 1996. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0093).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) was receiving a $16,623,705 change (to fund half of the commitment) to a contract for 223 MLRS unguided rocket launchers for Korea and Bahrain. The work was to be carried out in Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Dallas (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is May 31, 2000. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 30, 1996. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0304).

United Defense, L.P., Ground Systems Division, York, Pennsylvania - received an amendment of $18,452,642 to a contract to combine (possibly assemble) 29 M993 transporters for the MLRS multiple launch rocket system in the interests of the Republic of Korea. Work was to be performed in York (Pennsylvania, 79%), Aiken (South Carolina, 16%) and San Jose (California, 5%). Estimated completion date is October 31, 1998. This non-competitive contract was initiated on May 30, 1997. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Ordnance Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-96-C-X069).

General Dynamics Defense Systems (Pittsfield, Massachusetts) received a $5,075,039 change to a contract with additional funding to provide technical support for systems for the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle transmission and turret drive assembly, as well as transmissions for the vehicle bases of jet-powered vehicles. multiple launch rocket systems MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Muskegon, Michigan. Estimated completion date is March 31, 1999. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 23, 1996. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Ordnance Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-97-C-T158).

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company of Akron, Ohio was awarded a $6,987,832 contract for 1,968 T-158LL track assemblies for the M1 Abrams tank and 14,196 T-157I track assemblies for the M2, M3 and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Saint Mary's, Ohio. Estimated completion date is September 1, 1999. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 1, 1998. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Weapons Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-98-D-T041).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $63,000,000 contract with additional funding to upgrade the M270A1 MLRS multiple rocket launcher. Work was to be carried out in Camden (Arkansas, 82%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 18%). Estimated date of completion of works - November 30, 2001. This non-competitive contract was initiated on July 22, 1997. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-98-C-0138).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded $12,459,581 as part of a contract (base year at $7,598,976 with some options exercised) to provide industrial engineering services for the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. The total cost of services if all options were exercised would be $75,238,121. The work was to be carried out in Dallas, Texas. Estimated completion date is March 31, 2001. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 4, 1997. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-98-C-0157).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $5,158,266 change to a contract for 223 extended range unguided rocket launchers for Korea and Bahrain. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 90%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 10%). Estimated date of completion of works - August 31, 1999. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 30, 1998. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-96-C-0304).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Vought Systems, (Grand Prairie, Tex.) received an increase of $11,031,668 as part of a $121,069,876 contract with additional funding to perform selective work, under an international co-development, with the participation of the United States, France, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, on the stage of engineering study and production of the GMLRS multiple launch rocket system. The goal is the development, assembly, testing, training, preparation of production and documentation for the acceptance of the designs of an unguided rocket projectile and a transport and launch container for maintenance. The full cost was to be divided equally - 50% by the US and 50% equally between the European partners. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 95%) and Camden (Arkansas, 5%). Estimated completion date is 29 October 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on September 15, 1997. Contractual obligations are vested in the United States Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-98-C-0033).

General Dynamics Land Systems (Muskegon, Mich.) was awarded a $5,923,948 contract for 939 remanufactured assemblies; remanufactured electronic components and consumable kits for these two assemblies. These assemblies were part of the components of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system. Work was to be performed in Muskegon (Michigan, 50%) and Tallahassee (Florida, 50%). Estimated completion date is March 30, 2001. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 11, 1998. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Tank, Vehicle and Ordnance Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-99-C-T008).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $44,254,000 change to contract DAAH01-96-C-0304 to carry out work on 436 extended range unguided rockets for multiple rocket launchers for Norway and Denmark . The work was to be carried out in Dallas, Texas. Estimated date of completion of works - November 30, 2000. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 30, 1996. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $16,791,019 change to contract DAAH01-98-C-0157 and additional funding to perform industrial engineering services work on the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System for following countries: The Netherlands, Japan, Israel, Greece, Bahrain, Turkey, Norway, Denmark and Korea. The work was to be carried out in Dallas, Texas. Estimated completion date is March 31, 2001. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 4, 1997. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Lockheed Martin Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $6,455,000 change to contract DAAH01-96-C-0093 to perform work on 4 MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket Combat Vehicles for Denmark. The work was to be carried out in Dallas, Texas. Estimated completion date is April 30, 2001. This non-competitive contract was initiated on January 18, 1996. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

On May 27, 1999, Lockheed Martin Vought Systems (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $56,625,258 change to contract DAAH01-96-C-0093 for the procurement of 18 MLRS M270 combat vehicles for Greece. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 71%), Dallas (Texas, 24.8%) and Lufkin (Texas, 4.2%). Estimated completion date is April 30, 2003. This non-competitive contract was initiated on January 18, 1996. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

United Defense, L.P., Ground Systems Division, York, PA - received a $16,610,679 change to Contract DAAE07-96-C-X069 to perform work on 18 M993 transporters for the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be performed in York (Pennsylvania, 90%) and Aiken (South Carolina, 10%). Estimated completion date is July 31, 2000. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 24, 1997. Contractual obligations are entrusted to the Office of Tank and Automotive Equipment and Weapons of the US Army (Warren, Michigan).

United Defense, L.P., Ground Systems Division, (York, PA) - received a $5,096,756 change to Contract DAAE07-96-C-X069 to perform work on 18 transporters (M993) for the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System with engine and transmission contractor for Greece and 4 transporters (M993) for the MLRS multiple launch rocket system with a Danish engine and transmission contractor. Work was to be performed in York (Pennsylvania, 90%) and Aiken (South Carolina, 10%). Estimated completion date is September 30, 2000. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 24, 1997. Contractual obligations are entrusted to the Office of Tank and Automotive Equipment and Weapons of the US Army (Warren, Michigan).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Vought Systems was awarded a $53,780,032 contract to manufacture 530 extended range unguided rockets for the MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Camden (Arkansas) and Grand Prairie (Texas). Estimated completion date is February 15, 2003. It was the first application submitted on 14 October 1999 and the first application received. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-00-C-0044).

Lockheed Martin, Missiles & Fire Control-Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $7,700,000 change to contract DAAH01-98-C-0138 without cost to perform work on the revision (restructuring) of the M270A1 combat vehicle program of the jet system multiple launch rocket launchers MLRS and activities for the transition to operational testing. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is January 28, 2001. This non-competitive contract was initiated on January 27, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) entered into a contract and contract with additional funding totaling $79,929,645 to complete work on finalizing the contract for the initial small-scale production of the M270A1 combat vehicle to cover work on it and logistics support (logistics support) of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS MLRS) project during the 2000-2004 financial years. Logistics support included training and temporary contractor support. Work was to be carried out in East Camden (Arkansas, 65%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 35%). Estimated completion date is June 30, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on September 8, 1999. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-00-C-0109).

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $11,397,857 change to contract DAAH01-00-C-0094 and additional funding for an operational evaluation of a low cost fire control console for the M270A1 combat vehicle. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 85%) and East Camden (Arkansas). Estimated completion date is June 30, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on May 21, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control-Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $119,650,813 change to contract DAAH01-00-C-0109 with an additional funding contract to exercise an option to perform initial low-volume production of M270A1 jet combat vehicles MLRS multiple launch rocket systems and logistics during FY2001, including training and temporary contractor support. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is December 30, 2003. This non-competitive contract was initiated on September 8, 1999. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) received modifications to two pre-contract written start-of-work contracts, to contract DAAH01-00-C-0109 with additional funding. Change 12 (Modification 12) in the amount of 10,531,000 US dollars for the exercise of an unchangeable option for 10 sets of components of the M270 / M270A1 combat vehicles of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system for Korea. The total cost, not exceeding $21,062,000, and additional funding were to be added at the time the determination was made. Change 13 (Modification 13) in the amount of $31,661,410 to exercise an option for 19 M270 combat vehicles of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system for Korea. The total cost, not exceeding $63,322,820, and additional funding were to be added at the time the determination was made. Work on both additions was to be performed in East Camden (Arkansas, 75%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 25%). Estimated completion date is June 30, 2003. This non-competitive contract was initiated on March 16, 2001. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Day & Zimmerman Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was awarded a contract worth $8,293,558 with additional funding to perform work on the M77 HEAT fragmentation submunition in terms of its removal and replacement. The contractor was supposed to perform work on the extraction of M77 cumulative fragmentation warheads from transport and launch containers from the TPK batch stored on the territory of the Lone Star army ammunition plant. The work included removing rockets from transport and launch containers, disconnecting warheads from rocket engines, removing cumulative fragmentation elements from warheads, unscrewing M223 fuses and replacing them with new M223 fuses with left-hand thread for Korea. The work was to be carried out at the Lone Star Army Ordnance Plant (Texarkana, Texas). Estimated date of completion of works - September 30, 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on February 22, 2001. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Operations Support Administration (Rock Island, Illinois) (DAAA09-99-G-0006).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) received an increase in funding of $5,733,000 in additional funding of $6,300,000 to contract DAAH01-00-C-0002 with additional funding. The HIMARS multiple launch rocket system is transported in a C-130 aircraft. The running bases of the vehicles of the system are wheeled chassis. The system is all-weather. It is designed to fire all types of unguided and guided rocket projectiles of the MLRS family of ammunition. The amount of the change in funding included funding for the amended HIMARS detailed test plan, which included maintenance of the standard control panel software during 2002, which was required for software maintenance and verification of installation of the low-cost fire control panel and requirements analysis for advanced position reporting systems and unattended autonomous operation. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is April 30, 2003. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 22, 1999. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) received an increase in funding of $11,000,000 as part of a $111,022,477 contract for industrial engineering services for the jet system multiple launch rocket launchers MLRS in the interests of the United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany and were not intended to perform materiel production work in support of any specific production contract. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 99.1%) and Camden (Arkansas, 0.09%). Estimated completion date is March 31, 2004. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 9, 2001. Contractual obligations are vested in the United States Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-01-C-0141).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas (Grand Piary, Texas) received a $36,132,500 increase in funding as part of a $72,265,000 change to DAAH01-00-C-0044 485 MLRS Extended Range Unguided Rockets for Egypt. Work was to be performed in Camden (Arkansas, 94%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 6%). Estimated completion date is 31 October 2003. It was a non-competitive contract. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $110,442,978 change to contract DAAH01-00-C-0109 to perform certain upgrades at the Low Rate Initial Production V stage combat vehicle M270A1 multiple launch rocket system MLRS, including spare parts and logistics. 41 US systems and 10 ROK systems, support for the Red River Army Depot and temporary contractor support were to be upgraded. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 25%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 75%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2004. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Correction

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $90,644,484 change to contract DAAH01-00-C-0109 to perform certain upgrades at the Low Rate Initial Production V stage combat vehicle M270A1 multiple launch rocket system MLRS, including spare parts and logistics. Modernizations were to be subjected to 35 American systems and 10 Republic of Korea systems. Logistics included training, support for the Red River Army Depot, and temporary contractor support. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 25%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 75%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2004. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Inter-Coastal Electronics, Inc. (Mesa, Arizona) received a $1,725,949 change to Contract DAAH01-02-C-0047 worth $5,893,331 to perform work on M270A1 combat vehicle multiple launch rocket system simulators (or M270A1 combat vehicle simulators) and complexes for collecting data from the control and measuring equipment of the combat vehicle of the jet system. The work was to be carried out in Mesa, Arizona. Estimated completion date is January 31, 2003. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 19, 2001. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

United Defense, LP, Ground Systems Division (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $6,881,794 change as part of a $82,206,239 contract with additional funding for systems support and logistics services. provision to support the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles in production and not in production, the MLRS multiple launch rocket system, the Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated date of completion of works - November 30, 2002. One bid was requested on 28 December 2000 and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Armored Vehicles Administration (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

Correction

United Defense, LP (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $9,371,089 change as part of a contract with additional funding for systems support work and logistics services to support in- and out-of-production combat Bradley infantry vehicles, MLRS multiple rocket launchers, Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley IFVs and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara. Estimated date of completion of works - November 30, 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

United Defense, LP (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $5,458,463 change as part of a contract with additional funding for systems support work and logistics services to support in-production and out-of-production combat Bradley infantry vehicles, MLRS multiple rocket launchers, Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley IFVs and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara. Estimated date of completion of works - November 30, 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

United Defense, LP (Santa Clara, Calif.) received an $8,532,021 change as part of a non-compete contract to provide system support and logistics services to support in-production and out-of-production infantry fighting vehicles Bradley, MLRS multiple launch rocket system, Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley IFVs and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara. Estimated date of completion of works - November 30, 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

United Defense, LP (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $5,458,466 change as part of the contract and additional funding for systems support work and logistics services to support in- and out-of-production combat Bradley infantry vehicles, MLRS multiple rocket launchers, Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley IFVs and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out at the Tank Vehicle Administration (Warren, Michigan). Estimated date of completion of works - November 30, 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Tank Vehicles Administration (Warren) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On September 11, 2002, the United Defense Limited Partnership (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $9,994,958 change as part of the contract and additional funding for system support work and logistics services to support in-production and not in the production of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, MLRS multiple rocket launchers, Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara. Estimated completion date is November 20, 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On September 19, 2002, United Defense Limited Partnership (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $13,149,500 change as part of the contract and additional funding for system support work and logistics services to support ongoing and not in the production of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, MLRS multiple rocket launchers, Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara. Estimated completion date is November 20, 2002. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On September 23, 2002, the United Defense Limited Partnership (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $6,260,000 change as part of the contract and additional funding for system support work and logistics services to support those in production and not in the production of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, MLRS multiple rocket launchers, Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 21, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On March 27, 2003, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received an increase in funding of $11,609,050 as part of a $56,716,383 contract and additional funding for the MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is March 31, 2004. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 9, 2001. Contractual obligations are vested in the United States Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-01-C-0141).

On March 27, 2003, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $6,500,000 change to a premium contract with additional funding to work on the development of a state-of-the-art GMLRS unitary multiple launch rocket system component for firing guided missiles. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 15%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 85%). Estimated completion date is March 31, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 9, 2002. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-03-C-0051).

United Defense, LP (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $16,000,000 change to a contract with additional funding for the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and MLRS multiple rocket launchers. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 21, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

Lockheed Martin Corp., Missile Fires Control (Grand Prairie, Tex.) received a $15,085,106 change as part of the contract and additional funding (DAAH01-003-C-0059) for a manufacturing tool (capacity of 1,000 unguided rockets per year), four test (experimental) sets of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system ammunition family and 12 test (experimental) devices of the multiple-use ammunition family (or MLRS MLRS if a typo). Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 41%) and East Allen (Arizona, 59%). Estimated completion date is February 5, 2005. One bid was requested on 24 October 2002 and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

On October 10, 2003, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $5,453,000 change to the contract to perform work on the 23 advanced sets of connecting blocks (weapon interfacing blocks) for armament of the M270A1 combat vehicles of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system. Work was to be carried out in East Camden (Arkansas, 85%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 15%). Estimated completion date is April 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on September 8, 1999. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-09-C-0109).

On January 23, 2004, United Defense LP (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $7,026,318 amendment to the contract and additional funding for system support/logistics services to support in-production and out-of-production production of Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, MLRS multiple rocket launchers, Foreign Military Sales program and other (derivative) vehicles for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 26, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On January 27, 2004, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $95,681,016 change to a contract with additional funding to perform work on 780 GMLRS multiple rocket launchers. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 75%), East Camden (Arkansas, 15%) and Lufkin (Texas, 10%). Estimated completion date is May 31, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on June 27, 2003. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (DAAH01-03-C-0154).

On February 12, 2004, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $3,000,000 increase in funding as part of a $17,426,614 premium contract to work on the M270 MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System Combat Vehicle with Combat Vehicle Electronic Drive System. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is February 30, 2006 (obviously incorrect date given as the maximum number of days in February is 29 days). This non-competitive contract was initiated on August 20, 2003. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-04-C-0053).

On February 26, 2004, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) awarded a contract worth $87,991,880 and an increase in funding to perform work on the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 75%), East Camden (Arkansas, 15%) and Lufkin (Texas, 10%). Estimated completion date is May 6, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on February 19, 2004. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-04-C-0080).

February 27, 2004 Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $7,384,153 contract to provide logistics support to the contractor during the life cycle of the HIMARS multiple rocket launcher/M270A1 combat vehicle. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2007. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 7, 2003. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-04-C-0076).

April 23, 2004 United Defense, L.P. (Santa Clara, California) received a $7,062,040 change to the contract with additional funding for the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and MLRS multiple rocket launchers. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 26, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are vested in the Armored Vehicles Administration (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On May 27, 2004, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $19,285,638 contract with additional funding to provide industrial engineering services for all options. tactical complex ATACMS and MLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Camden, Arkansas. Estimated completion date is March 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on October 15, 2003. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-04-C-0137).

On January 31, 2005, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) awarded a contract worth $108,565,586 and additional funding to work on 1,014 rockets equipped with HEAT warheads assembled at the low-volume production stage for the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 35%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 65%). Estimated completion date is April 30, 2007. This non-competitive contract was initiated on September 23, 2004. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-05-C-0018).

April 29, 2005 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received an $8,000,000 change to a contract with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS multiple rocket launchers. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 26, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

June 10, 2005 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $26,800,000 amendment to a contract with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS multiple rocket launchers and other (derivatives) ) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 26, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

June 10, 2005 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $14,500,000 amendment to a contract with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS multiple rocket launchers and other (derivatives) ) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 26, 2005. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

June 15, 2005 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $7,596,000 amendment to a contract with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS multiple rocket launchers and other (derivatives) ) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

June 16, 2005 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $11,500,000 change to a contract with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS multiple rocket launchers and other (derivatives) ) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On June 20, 2005, Lockheed Martin (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $50,835,145 change to a contract to perform work on the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 80%). Estimated completion date is September 30, 2007. This non-competitive contract was initiated on March 1, 2005. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-05-C-0018).

June 22, 2005 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $16,115,000 change to a contract with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS multiple rocket launchers and other (derivatives) ) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

June 28, 2005 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $11,000,000 amendment to a contract with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS multiple rocket launchers and other (derivatives) ) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

December 16, 2005 BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received $11,000,000 in contract modifications with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and MLRS multiple rocket launchers and other (derivatives) ) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011). This contract may have been transferred from United Defense L.P. (See the amendment to the contract dated July 05, 2005). The possibility of incorrect provision of information cannot be ruled out.

December 28, 2005 Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) signed a $82,883,285 contract to work on a HEAT warhead rocket. Work was to be carried out in East Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 5, 2005. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-06-C-0002).

January 31, 2006 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $5,000,000 amendment to a contract with additional funding to perform technical support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, MLRS multiple rocket launchers and other (derivatives) ) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On February 2, 2006, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) signed a $6,661,955 contract to perform work on the M270 Combat Vehicle Upgrade Kit. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 90%) and Camden (Arkansas, 10%). Estimated completion date is 28 February 2007. This non-competitive contract was initiated on May 18, 2005. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-05-C-0278).

07 Martha2006 of the year

March 01, 2006 United Defense L.P. (Santa Clara, Calif.) received a $15,240,000 change to a contract with additional funding for support and logistics services for Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and multiple launch rocket systems. MLRS and other (derivative) machines. The work was to be carried out in Santa Clara (California). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2006. This non-competitive contract was initiated on December 28, 2000. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan) (DAAE07-01-C-M011).

On March 14, 2006, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $77,575,200 change to a contract to carry out work on the high-volume production of the GMLRS multiple launch rocket system and HEAT fragmentation submunitions. Work was to be carried out in East Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 30, 2005. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-06-C-0002).

On April 18, 2006, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $5,854,900 modification to a contract to carry out high volume production of the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 80%). Estimated completion date is November 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 5, 2005. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-06-C-0002).

On April 20, 2006, Marvin Land Systems Inc.* of Inglewood, Calif., was awarded a $11,039,457 contract for auxiliary power and environmental control units for the MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. The work was to be carried out in Inglewood, California. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on February 28, 2006. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Tanks, Vehicles and Weapons (Warren, Michigan (W56HZV-06-C-0387). * small business

On June 27, 2006, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $9,540,112 modification to a contract to carry out work on the GMLRS multiple launch rocket system. Work was to be carried out in East Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is April 30, 2004 (the minimum year is incorrect). This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 2, 2004. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-05-C-0018).

On July 24, 2006, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $16,574,025 change to the contract to perform work on high-volume production I (production No. I) of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system - in terms of processing HEAT-fragmentation warheads for urgent significant release of rockets with unitary warheads. ( Most likely, what is meant is the replacement of warheads in equipment with cumulative fragmentation submunitions for unitary ones, i.e. high-explosive or high-explosive warheads). Work was to be carried out in East Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on April 25, 2006. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-06-C-0002).

On November 15, 2006, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $27,467,749 amendment to a contract to carry out high volume production of the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be carried out in East Camden (Arkansas, 80%) and Grand Prairie (Texas, 20%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on July 24, 2006. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-06-C-0002).

On December 21, 2006, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $78,021,043 contract to carry out high volume production of the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20.8%), East Camden (Arkansas, 76.8%) and Orlando (Florida, 2.4%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 9, 2006. The US Army Air Systems and Missiles Administration (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) was the issuing agency for the contract (W31P4Q-07-C-0001).

On May 8, 2007, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $124,981,841 change to a contract to perform work on the GMLRS multiple launch rocket system, HEAT warheads, and unitary warhead rockets for the GMLRS MLRS. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20.8%), East Camden (Arkansas, 76.8%) and Orlando (Florida, 2.4%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 9, 2006. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-07-C-0001).

On May 31, 2007, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received an amendment of $18,401,870 to a contract to perform work on low cost transport/launch canisters equipped with reduced range trainers. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 15%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 85%). Estimated completion date is April 30, 2009. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 22, 2006. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-04-C-0110).

On May 31, 2007, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Priyarie, Texas) received a $14,918,651 amendment to a contract to perform work on the high volume production of the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20.8%), East Camden (Arkansas, 76.8%) and Orlando (Florida, 2.4%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 9, 2006. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-07-C-0001).

On June 28, 2007, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $20,107,747 change to a contract to perform high-volume production of rocket-loaded transport/launch canisters with unitary warheads for the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20.8%), East Camden (Arkansas, 76.8%) and Orlando (Florida, 2.4%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 9, 2006. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-07-C-0001).

On August 6, 2007, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $6,254,366 change to a contract with additional funding for the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system and high volume production of universal fire control systems. Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 23%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 77%). Estimated completion date is December 31, 2009. This non-competitive contract was initiated on February 6, 2007. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-06-C-0001).

On August 31, 2007, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a $9,729,555 modification to the contract to perform the High Volume Production II GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20.8%), East Camden (Arkansas, 76.8%) and Orlando (Florida, 2.4%). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2008. This non-competitive contract was initiated on November 9, 2006. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-07-C-0001).

December 27, 2007 Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $245,598,926 contract to carry out high volume production of the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System. The work was to be carried out in East Camden, Arkansas. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2010. One bid was requested on 31 March 2007 and one bid was received. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-08-C-0021).

On July 15, 2008, EBV Explosives Environmental Co. (Joplin, Missouri) entered into a contract worth $15,301,687 to perform work on the decommissioning (disposal, destruction) of standard M26 rockets of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system or their components. The work was to be carried out in Joplin, Missouri. Estimated completion date is November 30, 2009. Seven bids were requested on 21 December 2007 and three bids were received. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-08-C-0398).

On July 30, 2008, Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) awarded a $68,950,208 contract with additional funding to carry out work on the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket Systems. The work was to be carried out in Dallas (Texas), East Camden (Arkansas) and Orlando (Florida). Estimated completion date is November 30, 2010. One bid was requested on 31 May 2007 and one bid was accepted. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-08-C-0021).

On December 29, 2008, Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $371,641,040 contract to carry out high volume production work on the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket IV - Initial Contract; 3780 rockets with unitary warheads and 4782 training rockets for the GMLRS MLRS. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas), East Camden (Arkansas) and Orlando (Florida). Estimated completion date is December 22, 2009. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are vested in the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-08-C-0001).

On December 29, 2008, Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $52,483,900 contract to perform high volume production work on the GMLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System III - option exercise; 43 transport and launch containers equipped with rocket-propelled projectiles with warheads equipped with HEAT fragmentation warheads in the interests of the United Arab Emirates. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas), East Camden (Arkansas) and Orlando (Florida). Estimated completion date is 31 October 2011. One bid was requested and one bid was received. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-08-C-0021).

On February 27, 2009, Lockheed Martin Corp., Missile and Fires Control (LMMFC) (Grand Prairie, Texas) awarded a $14,589,480 contract to upgrade six government-supported M270 combat vehicles to the M270C1 variant for Kingdom of Bahrain. Additionally provided are 1 batch of unique spare parts, special test equipment, new training equipment and interactive electronic technical manuals (service manuals or technical descriptions and operating instructions). Work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas, 40%) and East Camden (Arkansas, 60%). Estimated completion date is September 30, 2011. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Contracting Authority, Air Systems and Missiles Administration Center for Contracting, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-09-C-0311).

March 12, 2009 Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control (Grand Prairie, Texas) awarded a contract worth $58,484,033 to carry out work on the large-scale production of the GMLRS IV multiple launch rocket system in part of 96 transport and launch containers equipped with rockets with unitary warheads, 70 transport-launch containers equipped with reduced-range training missiles and 130 transitional devices for loading and docking operations. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20.8%), East Camden (Arkansas, 76.8%) and Orlando (Florida, 2.4%). Estimated completion date is September 30, 2010. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are vested in the United States Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-09-C-0001).

On May 7, 2009, Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control (Grand Prairie, Tex.) was awarded a $32,363,199 contract to carry out the High Volume Production II Multiple Launch Rocket System - Option exercise; 44 transport and launch containers equipped with rockets with warheads equipped with HEAT fragmentation warheads and 44 transport and launch containers equipped with rockets with unitary warheads. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20.8%), East Camden (Arkansas, 76.8%) and Orlando (Florida, 2.4%). Estimated completion date is 31 October 2011. One bid was requested and one bid was received. The contract is assigned by the US Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-08-C-0021).

On September 11, 2009, Lockheed Martin Corp., Missiles and Fire Control (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $111,514,752 contract to carry out high-volume production of the GMLRS IV Multiple Launch Rocket System - an additional promotional quantity of 1,152 rockets. Work was to be performed in Grand Prairie (Texas, 20.8%), East Camden (Arkansas, 76.8%) and Orlando (Florida, 2.4%). Estimated completion date is December 21, 2011. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are vested in the United States Army Air Systems and Missile Administration, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-09-C-0001).

On December 16, Lockheed Martin (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a contract worth $28,583,522/with additional funding. The scope of the contract was to provide for the provision of services for technical support and technical support for the HIMARS multiple launch rocket system, control system modules, systems and artillery units assembled with transport and launch containers, as well as fire control systems for M270A1 combat vehicles of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system for the army (ground forces), marine corps and approved customers under the Foreign Military Sales program. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas. Estimated completion date is December 31, 2011. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned to the US Army Air Systems and Missiles Administration Contracting Center (Huntsville (probably a typo, supposed to be Redstone Arsenal), Alabama) (W31P4Q-08-C-0003).

On February 18, Lockheed Martin, Missiles and Fire Control Corporation (Grand Prairie, Texas) awarded a $22,197,000 contract with additional funding. The scope of the contract was to provide for the provision of services for a retrofit kit, including the installation (installation) and training on the M270 combat vehicles of the MLRS multiple launch rocket system in order to comply with the requirements for a universal fire control system. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas) and Camden (Arkansas). Estimated completion date is August 31, 2012. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Contracting Authority (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (W31P4Q-11-C-0171).

On June 10, Lockheed Martin, Missiles and Fire Control (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $438,206,796 contract. The scope of the contract was to provide for the provision of services for transport and launch containers equipped with rockets with unitary warheads as part of the large-scale production of VI on the GMLRS multiple launch rocket system; training projectiles with a reduced flight range in the amount of 508 pieces; integrated logistics and loading/docking. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas), Camden (Arizona), Orlando (Florida) and Lufkin (Texas). Estimated completion date is April 30, 2014. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Contracting Authority (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (W31P4Q-11-C-0166).

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $11,282,696 contract. The scope of the contract should have provided for the provision of services for changing the ongoing contract for the conversion of M270 combat vehicles to the M270D1 variant for equipping with auxiliary materiel and support services (service departments). The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie (Texas), on the territory of the White Sands missile range (New Mexico) and in Finland. Estimated completion date is June 30, 2013. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Contracting Authority (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (W31P4Q-11-C-0171).

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a $353,191,632 contract. The scope of the contract was to provide for the provision of services for the purchase of transport and launch containers equipped with rockets with unitary warheads as part of the large-scale production of VII on the GMLRS multiple launch rocket system; transport and launch containers equipped with training projectiles with a reduced flight range, loading / docking of TPK and services for integrated logistics support. The work was to be performed in Dallas (Texas), Camden (Arkansas), Orlando (Florida) and Lufkin (Texas). Estimated completion date is December 29, 2014. A bid was requested via the Internet and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Contracting Authority (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (W31P4Q-12-C-0151).

Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) was awarded a contract valued at $197,604,608. The scope of the contract was to provide for the provision of services to amend the ongoing contract for the purchase of rockets with unitary warheads for the GMLRS multiple launch rocket system. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie; in Lufkin (Texas); in Camden, Arkansas and Osala, Florida. Estimated completion date is May 31, 2015. One bid was requested via the Internet and one bid was received. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Contracting Authority (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama) (W31P4Q-12-C-0151).

Lockheed Martin Corp. (Grand Prairie, Texas) received a change (P00042) in the amount of $35,604,779 to an earlier contract (W13P4Q-12-C-0048) with additional funding to carry out work on the development of the fire control system of the M270A1 combat vehicle - modernization. The work was to be carried out in Fort Worth (Texas), Melbourne (Florida) and Budd Lake (New Jersey). As part of these contractual obligations, US$20,000,000 was allocated to perform research, development, testing and engineering services for the 2013 financial year. Contractual obligations are assigned by the Office of Contracts of the US Army (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama).

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (Grand Prairie, Texas) has been awarded a $17,658,738 contract to carry out life cycle support work for combat vehicles, in terms of their artillery units, MLRS and HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, and systems fire control of combat vehicles MLRS HIMARS / BM M270A1 MLRS MLRS. Estimated completion date is June 30, 2014. There are 35 operating locations throughout the United States of America and funding had to be determined locally. One bid was requested and one bid was received. Procurement funding for FY2014 in the amount of $852,000 was made available at contract award. Contractual obligations are assigned by the US Army Contracting Authority, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-14-C-0057).

Lockheed Martin Corporation - Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has awarded a $255,134,404 contract to procure unitary (1,824 RS) and reduced-range training (158 transport/launch containers) missiles for the GMLRS system for the Army and Marine Corps, as well as the Republic of Italy. Estimated completion date is March 31, 2016. The work was to be carried out in Grand Prairie, Texas. Contractual obligations are vested in the Army Contracts Office, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (W31P4Q-14-C-0066).

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (St. Petersburg, FL) received a $25,165,031 change (P00007) in funding to Contract W31P4Q-13-C-0231 to exercise a 2015 service option for demilitarization and disposal transport and launch containers equipped with M26 (H104) unguided rockets, MLRS multiple rocket launchers, unguided rockets and components.

Work will be performed in Carthage, Missouri and St. Petersburg, Florida. Contractual obligations are entrusted to the Office of Army Contracts (Redstone Arsenal, Alabama). The planned completion date for the work is December 31, 2015.

Data from Forecast International

Since January 1, 2010, the US Department of Defense has provided the following contracts for BM M270A1 MLRS MLRS. All amounts are in US dollars.

Procurement statistics for BM MLRS MLRS and HIMARS (fiscal years 2008-2016)

US Army purchases

All amounts are in millions of US dollars

From the above statistical data, it follows that the GMLRS URS and the MLRS MLRS training missile, which account for the bulk of the contracts, are in great demand. The largest contacts in terms of value fall on the 2010-2012 financial years. A natural fall in the cost of purchases falls on 2013, after which the cost of purchases until 2016 will be almost at the same level with a slight increase by 2016 by 6.2 million US dollars compared to the same indicator in 2013.

Sources

1. Tereshkin M.G. Air defense missiles on the MLRS MLRS launcher. Translation from Aerospace Daily magazine. - 1986. - Vol. No. 22. - P. 169, 170 // Equipment and armament of the ground forces of the capitalist states. - 1986. - Issue. 24(65). - S. 5.
2. Tereshkin M.G. ROCKET Tacit Rainbow (USA) // Equipment and weapons of the ground forces of the capitalist states (according to the open foreign press). Express information - 1988. - No. 1 (97). - S. 3.4. With reference to Interavia Air Letter. - 1987. - No. 11340. - R. 4.5. and Jane's Defense Weekly. - 1987. - Vol. 8, No. 13. - R. 721.
3. Armament and ammunition of the Navy. Marine version of the MLRS MLRS. A copy of the material with reference to Defense, 1986, 17, No. 1, R. 7. From the archive of the OVESEiSP JSC "NPO" SPLAV "(Tula).
4. Report on the most important foreign achievements in the field of science, technology and production on the problems: "Aviation, grenade launcher and mortar weapons" (information based on foreign materials for 1984). GONTI - 0103 (NPO "Splav"). - 1984. - S. 20. With reference to

Foreign multiple launch rocket systems

The successes of the Soviet Union in the creation of the MLRS undoubtedly had an impact on other states, the most development of which was only in 1970-1980. were able to create modern samples of this formidable weapon.

MLRS is one of the effective means of field artillery of the ground forces. The most important advantages of these weapons are the surprise and high density of fire against area targets both in the offensive and in defense in any weather, day or night. With the advent of cluster warheads (CUs), MLRS have gained the ability to inflict complete damage on manpower and equipment over the entire missile distribution area when firing in one salvo. The positive qualities of the MLRS also include the ability to maneuver with fire, the high mobility of self-propelled launchers (PU). reducing their vulnerability to artillery fire and air strikes, simple design, relatively low cost.

One of the main tasks of the MLRS abroad is the fight against armored vehicles using cluster warheads equipped with self-aiming, homing, cumulative fragmentation cluster elements (KE) and anti-tank mines (ATM).

Multiple launch rocket systems are in service with the US Army. Germany. Japan, Spain, Israel, China, South Africa, Austria, Brazil and other countries.

A bit of history

For the first time, MLRS were used in combat conditions by the Soviet Union at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War (WWII). In turn, foreign samples of rocket artillery that appeared during the Second World War and in post-war period, were significantly inferior in their performance characteristics Soviet MLRS. German towed six-barreled mortars were significantly less effective than the Soviet BM-13 MLRS, both in salvo size and maneuverability. In the United States, field rocket artillery began to develop in 1942.

In the post-war period, rocket artillery began to take root in many foreign armies, but only in the 1970s. Germany became the first NATO country in which the MLRS LARS entered service with the ground forces, which meets modern requirements in terms of its tactical and technical characteristics.

In 1981, the United States adopted the MLRS MLRS, the production of which began in the summer of 1982. The program for equipping the army with this system was calculated for many years. The main production of the MLRS system was carried out at the Vought plant in East Camden, pc. Arkansas. It was planned to produce approximately 400,000 missiles and 300 self-propelled launchers in 15 years. In 1986, to equip the NATO bloc, an international consortium for the production of MLRS MLRS was organized, which included firms from the USA, Germany, Great Britain, France and Italy. However, 8 period from 1981 to 1986. Germany, France, Italy and others continued to complete their programs to create MLRS of their own designs.

MLRS MLRS (USA)

The MLRS system is designed to destroy armored vehicles, artillery batteries, accumulations of openly located manpower, air defense systems, command posts and communication centers, as well as other targets.

MLRS MLRS includes a self-propelled launcher (PU), missiles in transport and launch containers (TPK) and fire control equipment. The artillery part of the PU, mounted on the tracked base of the American BMP M2 Bradley, includes: a fixed base mounted on the chassis body; a turntable with a swinging part fixed on it, in the armored box-shaped truss of which there are two TPKs; loading and guidance mechanisms. The necessary rigidity of the installation at the firing position is provided by turning off the suspension of the undercarriage.

The armored cabin accommodates a calculation of three people: commander, gunner and driver. Fire control equipment was also installed there, including a computer, means of navigation and topographic location, as well as a control panel. The fire control equipment of the MLRS MLRS can be interfaced with automated fire control systems for field artillery. The overpressure created in the cockpit and the filter-ventilation unit protect the crew from gases generated during firing and from damaging factors during the use of atomic and chemical weapons.

The MLRS launcher does not have traditional rails. Two TPKs with missiles are placed in an armored box-shaped truss of the oscillating part of the launcher. They are a pack of six fiberglass tubular rails mounted in two rows in an aluminum alloy box truss. TPKs are equipped with missiles at the factory and sealed, which ensures the safety of missiles without maintenance for 10 years. Pre-launch preparation of missiles for firing is practically not required.

The fire control system uses signals from satellites of the global navigation system of the US Department of Defense, allowing the crew of the MLRS to accurately determine their position on the earth's surface before launching missiles.

After the introduction of installations for firing into the fire control equipment, the guidance of the launcher is carried out on command using electro-hydraulic power drives. In case of failure, manual drives are provided.

The missiles consist of warheads, solid propellant rocket engines and a stabilizer that deploys in flight.

Warhead MLRS MLRS can be multi-purpose or anti-tank. The multi-purpose warhead is designed to destroy manpower, weapons and armored vehicles. Such a warhead is equipped with 644 M77 cumulative fragmentation KE with armor penetration of 70 mm. The anti-tank warhead is equipped with six self-aiming SADARM spacecraft (armor penetration - 100 mm) or 28 anti-tank mines of the AT-2 type (armor penetration - 100 mm). At the same time, work continued on the creation of the TGCM FE. BAT, as well as high-explosive KE and anti-helicopter mines.

In 1990, the US Army adopted the ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) tactical army missile, designed for use with the MLRS MLRS. In 1986, LTV (USA) received an order for the development of this rocket, and in February 1989 its mass production began. Events in the Persian Gulf led to the deployment in 1991 of these missiles in Saudi Arabia.

Self-propelled launcher MLRS MLRS on the tracked base of the American BMP M2 "Bradley" (above); ATACMS MLRS MLRS missile launch (left)

Anti-tank mine AT-2

Installation using MLRS anti-tank mines AT-2

In 1984, in relation to the ATACMS missile warhead equipment, the Electronics Systems division of the American company Northrop began the development of the BAT (Brilliant Anti-Tank) CE. The abbreviation "BAT" is translated as "bat" and carries a certain semantic meaning. Just as bats use ultrasound for orientation in space, so CE VAT has acoustic and IR target detection sensors in the GOS.

CE VAT is capable of detecting and tracking moving armored targets with subsequent use of an IR sensor to target vulnerable areas of tanks and other armored vehicles. BAT cassette elements are designed to equip warheads of ATACMS (Block 2) missiles. After ejection from the warhead KE VAT, a free fall begins. The mass of each element is 20 kg, the length is 914 mm, and the diameter is 140 mm. After separation from the rocket, the KE VAT uses an acoustic sensor system consisting of four probes, the action of which is differentiated in time to detect and track units of armored vehicles. KE WAT can hit targets in difficult meteorological conditions with low clouds. strong winds and even with high dust content of the atmosphere.

The MLRS system was created by the LTV Missiles and Electronics Group, which includes Atlantic Research Corporation (producing solid propellant rocket engines), Brunswick Corporation (producing launch containers), Morden Systems (creating fire control systems) and Sperry-Vickers (producing a PU drive), To detect targets at long ranges, the American company Boeing Military Airplane has developed a remotely piloted Robotic Air Vehicle-3000 (RAV-3000) launched using the MLRS MLRS. The RAV-3000 UAV is equipped with an air-jet engine. The MLRS is equipped with twelve RPVs that can be launched simultaneously. Before launch, RPVs are programmed to perform various tasks, including the search for targets, taking into account electronic countermeasures. The RPV is placed in a container at the factory and can be stored for five years without maintenance.

Production of MLRS MLRS for NATO

The United States does not miss the slightest opportunity to make money on the arms trade. An exception is not the action of the Americans to introduce the MLRS MLRS in all NATO countries. It was envisaged in advance that by 2010 this system would be unified not only for the American army, but also for all countries of this military bloc.

In 1986, within the framework of the NATO bloc, an international consortium for the production of MLRS MLRS was formed. which included firms of the USA, Germany, Great Britain. France and Italy.

Serial production of MLRS systems in Europe is carried out by the Tactical missiles division of Aerospatiale (France) under US license.

Characteristics of the MLRS system

Missile system

Combat crew 3 people

Combat weight 25000 kg

Tractor

Type Chassis BMP M2 "Bradley"

Engine power 373 kW

Maximum travel speed 64 km/h

Mileage (without refueling) 480 km

Launcher

Number of launch tubes 12

Rate of fire 12 rounds in 50 seconds

rockets

Caliber 227/237 mm

Length 3.94 m

Weight 310 kg

Firing range 10–40 km

Warhead With KE or PTM

Fuze Remote

MLRS system at the exercises of the German army

Rocket launch MLRS MLRS

Rocket with cluster warhead:

1 - explosive device; 2 - cumulative fragmentation FE: 3 - cylindrical polyurethane block; 4 - fuse; 5 - nozzle, 6 - stabilizer blades: 7 - solid rocket engine; 8 - over-caliber nozzles.

ATACMS missiles in the Persian Gulf

The events in the Persian Gulf clearly showed how effective the use of MLRS was there. During the fighting, over 10,000 conventional missiles and 30 ATACMS missiles with a range of 100 km were fired from the MLRS.

A total of 30 ATACMS (Block 1) missiles were fired at armored targets in the Gulf War. The warheads of Block 1 missiles contain 950 M74 cumulative fragmentation cluster elements. The flight path of the ATACMS missile is not completely parabolic: in its descending section, the missile is controlled aerodynamically, which prevents the enemy from detecting the launch point. The direction of movement of the rocket when fired can deviate from the direct direction to the target by an angle of up to 30 degrees, in azimuth. The height and ejection time of the cluster elements of this rocket are programmable.

Before the start of hostilities, ATACMS missiles were deployed in Saudi Arabia, from where they were launched at air defense facilities and rear services on enemy territory. At the same time, the combined use of MLRS with M109 and M110 batteries was always observed to provide direct fire support for forward units. Representatives armed forces Iraq was told that the effect of such fire was simply devastating, as after a week-long bombardment of B-52s. Thus, during the conduct of counter-battery fire from the MLRS for 10 minutes, 250 people were killed by one battery.

Based on the experience of conducting the war in the Persian Gulf, the maximum firing range of the MLRS MLRS when using KE missiles was increased from 32 to 46 km. To achieve such a firing range, it was necessary to reduce the length of the warhead by 27 cm, and lengthen the solid fuel charge by the same amount. Warhead XR-M77 (with extended range) contains two less CE layers (518 pcs.). But the decrease in the number of ECs is offset by an increase in firing accuracy, which ensured the same efficiency of the new missile. Prototypes new missiles were tested in November 1991 at the White Sands test site (USA). The development of this missile was caused by military operations in the Persian Gulf

Self-propelled launcher system HIMARS

Unloading the self-propelled launcher of the HIMARS system from the military-technical cooperation C-130

Light MLRS HIMARS

At one time, the American company Loral Vought Systems was engaged in the creation of an artillery rocket system for increased mobility (HIMARS), designed to meet the needs of the US Army in a light mobile version of the MLRS MLRS. which can be transported by C-130 Hercules aircraft.

The existing MLRS MLRS installation can only be transported on C-141 and C-5 aircraft, but not on C-130 aircraft due to its large overall dimensions and weight. The ability to transport the HIMARS system on a C-130 aircraft was demonstrated at a missile range in New Mexico. According to Loral, it will take 30% fewer flights to transfer the battery of the HIMARS system, compared with the transportation of the battery of the existing MLRS MLRS.

The HIMARS system includes the chassis of a medium tactical truck (6x6) weighing 5 tons, on the aft part of which a launcher with a container for 6 MLRS missiles is mounted. The existing MLRS MLRS has two containers with missiles and a mass of 24889 kg, while the HIMARS system has a mass of only 13668 kg.

The containers of the new system are the same as in the mass-produced MLRS MLRS system. The HIMARS system has a single block of six MLRS missiles and the same characteristics as the MLRS MLRS system, including the FCS, electronics and communications systems.

Trends in the development of foreign MLRS

The creation of the European consortium MLRS-EPG led to the replacement of obsolete MLRS in NATO countries by the MLRS system. It can be assumed that the MLRS MLRS will be imposed and put into service not only to NATO countries. For this reason, the MLRS, created in Germany, France, Italy and other countries, after the adoption of the MLRS, became the property of history. All of them were inherent in the already known general design and circuit solutions.

Launchers consist of artillery and running gear. The artillery part includes: a package of a certain number of barrels, a swivel frame, a pedestal, lifting swivel mechanisms, electrical equipment, sights, etc.

MLRS missiles have a solid-propellant engine operating on a small section of the trajectory. The fight against armored vehicles led to the equipment of missiles with cluster warheads with cumulative fragmentation KE or with anti-tank mines. At one time, remote mining in European countries was given great attention. Sudden mining of the terrain prohibits or hinders the maneuver of enemy tanks, while simultaneously creating favorable conditions for destroying them with other anti-tank weapons. Setting the guidance angles and their restoration from shot to shot is carried out automatically using power drives.

Among the shortcomings inherent in the MLRS, especially older designs, are the following: significant dispersion of ammunition: limited opportunity fire maneuver due to the difficulty of obtaining short firing ranges (since the rocket engine runs until the fuel burns out completely): in a constructive sense, a rocket is more complex than an artillery shot; shooting is accompanied by well-marked unmasking signs - flame and smoke; there are significant breaks between salvos due to the need to change positions and reload launchers.

Consider the features of some foreign MLRS. created before the penetration of MLRS in various countries

Missile launch ATACMS MLRS MLRS

MLRS LARS-2 on the chassis of a 7-ton off-road vehicle of the German army during exercises;

110-mm 36-barrel MLRS LARS (below);

MLRS LARS (Germany)

In the 1970s Germany was the only NATO country that had the LARS (Leichte Artillerie Raketen System) multi-barreled multiple launch rocket system in service with the ground forces. MLRS LARS is a 110-mm 36-barreled self-propelled launcher. which was developed in two versions, with one package of 36 barrels and with two packages of 18 barrels each.

A 7-ton army cross-country vehicle was used as a chassis. The driver's cab has light armor to protect the windows from gas jets of shells. Warheads of LARS missiles were equipped with the following ammunition: AT-2 anti-tank mines, fragmentation elements and smoke bombs.

But despite the modernization, by the 1980s. MLRS LARS in terms of firing range, caliber of missiles and their effectiveness against various targets no longer met the new requirements. However, as a means of quickly setting mine explosive barriers in front of advancing enemy tanks, MLRS LARS continued to be in service with the German army.

As a result of the modernization carried out in the early 1980s, the LARS MLRS was named LARS-2. The new system is also mounted on a 7-ton off-road vehicle. MLRS LARS-2 is equipped with devices for checking the technical condition of missiles and fire control. The maximum firing range is 20 km.

The LARS-2 MLRS battery includes the Fera system, which includes special sighting missiles, a radar for tracking their flight trajectories. The radar together with the computing unit are mounted on one vehicle. One system "Fera" serves 4 launchers In the warheads of sighting missiles, reflectors and amplifiers of radar signals are installed. 4 missiles are launched sequentially at a set interval. Their flight paths are automatically monitored by radar. The computing unit compares the average value of the four trajectories with the calculated ones and determines the corrections that are introduced into the settings of the sighting devices. This takes into account errors in determining the coordinates of the target and the firing position of the launcher, as well as deviations of meteorological and ballistic conditions at the time of firing from the actual ones.

Characteristics of the LARS system

Combat crew 3 people

Combat weight 16000 kg

Tractor

Type Vehicle MAN

Engine power 235 kW

Maximum travel speed 90 km/h

Mileage (without refueling) 800 km

Launcher

Number of launch tubes 36

Vertical pointing angle up to +55 degrees.

Horizontal pointing angle ±95 degrees.

Type of fire Large, small series, single fire

Rate of fire 36 rds/18s

Reload time Approximately 10 min.

rockets

Caliber 110 mm

Length 2.26 m

Weight 32…36 kg

Firing range 20 km

Warhead With KE or mines AT-2

Fuse Percussion (remote)

MLRS LARS-2 in combat position

Brazilian MLRS ASTROS II

The ASTROS II MLRS, which is in service with the Brazilian ground forces, fires three types of missiles of various calibers (127, 180 and 300 mm), depending on the type of target. The missiles have a high-explosive fragmentation or cluster warhead. The MLRS battery includes a fire control vehicle, from four to eight launchers and one transport-loading vehicle for each installation. The chassis of a ten-ton TECTRAN off-road vehicle is used as the chassis of all battery components. The fire control vehicle was equipped with: a Swiss fire adjustment radar, a computing device and a radio communication facility.

The Brazilian company Avibras, during Operation Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf, did not miss the opportunity to test its ASTROS II MLRS, which was equipped with three types of warheads. ASTROS II MLRS can fire three different types of missiles: SS-30. SS-40 and SS-60 for different firing ranges. These missiles carry dual-action ammunition (to combat armored vehicles and manpower) with an effective area of ​​destruction, depending on the installation of an electronic fuse at a certain trigger height. Avibras has developed three new warheads that allow increasing the types of targets hit at long ranges, which. according to the firm. can to some extent replace the use of aviation in such cases. The first option is a high-explosive incendiary warhead equipped with white phosphorus to combat manpower, quickly lay a smoke screen and destroy material objects. The second version of the warhead is designed to install three different types of mines: anti-personnel mines with a range of 30 m to destroy material objects and anti-tank mines that can penetrate 120 mm armor. The third variant of the warhead provides combat operations to prevent the use of airfields by the enemy and carries a significant number of cluster elements with a delayed action fuse and a powerful TNT charge, which provides penetration of reinforced concrete with a thickness of more than 400 mm. In this case, the radius of the crater formed in the concrete coating is 550–860 mm, and the depth of the crater is 150–300 mm. In addition, according to the firm, such munitions, by prohibition, also ensure the destruction of aircraft, hangars and equipment for the restoration of aviation equipment.

Spanish MLRS TERUEL-3

In Spain, in 1984, the TERUEL-3 MLRS was created, including two launch containers (20 tubular guides each), a fire control system, survey and communications equipment, and meteorological equipment. The MLRS control equipment and the calculation of five people are placed in the armored cab of a cross-country vehicle. The MLRS includes an ammunition transport vehicle capable of transporting 4 containers of 20 missiles. The fire control system includes a computing device that determines the initial data for firing and the amount of ammunition depending on the characteristics of the target. The missile can be equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead or a cluster warhead with cumulative fragmentation AE or anti-tank (anti-personnel) mines.

In total, the Spanish ground forces were previously scheduled to deliver about 100 TERUEL-3 systems.

Spanish MLRS TERUEL-3

MLRS RAFAL-145 (France)

MLRS RAFAL-145 was put into service in 1984, the launcher consists of three packages of tubular guides, total of which - 18 Caliber rockets - 160 mm. The maximum firing range is 30 km. the minimum is 9 km. The mass of the rocket is 110 kg, the mass of the warhead is 50 kg. PU is mounted on the chassis of the car. The equipment for launching missiles and firing control is located in the cockpit of the vehicle. The cassette warhead of missiles can be equipped with cumulative fragmentation KE or anti-tank missiles.

Brazilian MLRS ASTROS II

Italian MLRS FIROS-30

MLRS FIROS-30 (Italy)

In 1987, the Italian company SNIA BPD commissioned the FIROS-30 MLRS army, which includes: launchers, 120-mm unguided rockets and a transport-loading vehicle. PU contains two interchangeable packages with 20 tubular guides in each, lifting and turning mechanisms, as well as a missile launch system. PU can be placed on a car or tracked armored personnel carrier, or on a trailer. The maximum firing range is 34 km. Warhead missiles can be high-explosive fragmentation, fragmentation or cluster, equipped with anti-personnel or anti-tank mines.

Ways to improve the combat characteristics of foreign MLRS

The main directions of development of foreign MLRS are: increasing the range and improving the accuracy of shooting; increase in fire performance; expansion of the number of tasks solved by the MLRS; increased mobility and combat readiness.

The increase in firing range was carried out by increasing the caliber of missiles, the use of high-energy rocket fuels and the use of lightweight warheads. As a rule, with an increase in the diameter of the engine, the mass of the solid fuel charge increases, which increases the firing range. Thus, increasing the caliber of the American MLRS MLRS from 227 to 240 mm made it possible to increase the firing range to 32 km. In another case, by reducing the warhead mass from 159 to 107 kg, it was possible to increase the firing range to 40 km.

The increase in firing accuracy was achieved through the creation of cluster homing and self-aiming elements, as well as the use of automated fire control systems (ACS) for MLRS battery fire, the use of special sighting missiles, and the supply of launchers automatic systems restoring aiming, improving designs and manufacturing technologies for launchers and unguided missiles.

Automatic fire control systems for MLRS batteries significantly reduce the time to prepare for opening fire and increase firing accuracy due to less “aging” of data on target coordinates. After receiving an order to hit the target, its coordinates are entered into the computer system. The fire control system indicates the launcher that will most effectively complete the task, calculates for it the installation of sighting devices and warhead fuses. transmitting them over encrypted radio channels.

The use of devices for automatic input of corrections and installation of a sight to compensate for the inclination of the launcher on the ground eliminates the need for its leveling and hanging on jacks or other supporting devices. It is enough to turn on the braking device of the chassis and turn off its suspension. At the same time, the time for transferring the launcher from the traveling position to the combat position and vice versa is reduced to 1 minute. which is very important for MLRS. strongly unmasking itself at the time of volley fire.

The dynamic loading of the launcher during the salvo changes its position on the ground and causes elastic vibrations of the structures, often with increasing amplitude, as a result of which the guidance angles go astray. The use of a system for automatically restoring launcher pointing angles from shot to shot increases the accuracy of shooting and reduces the dispersion of missiles when firing in one salvo.

An increase in the fire performance of the MLRS was carried out by mechanizing the loading and reloading of launchers. automation of guidance and launch systems, the use of automated fire control systems, devices for selecting the type of warhead from among the missiles loaded in the launcher.

Loading mechanization is based on the use of pre-equipped guide packages, truck cranes, cranes of transport-loading machines. The most promising solution is the charger, which is part of the PU design.

The expansion of the number of combat missions solved by the MLRS is being achieved. mainly, the creation of various types of main and special warheads of missiles. To increase the effectiveness of missiles at the target, most of the warheads are carried out by cluster.

Improving the mobility and readiness of the MLRS is ensured by the creation of self-propelled launchers based on tracked or wheeled vehicles with high cross-country ability, the use of modern means of topographic location, the use of high-speed mechanisms for transferring launchers from traveling to combat position and vice versa, mechanizing the loading process of launchers and automating guidance and fire control systems.

Land forces of NATO countries with modern MLRS are capable of:

Effectively hit with missiles with high-frequency clusters significantly outnumbering enemy artillery;

Install anti-tank minefields at a great distance;

To hit advancing armored columns of the enemy with the help of homing and self-aiming spacecraft.

Multiple rocket launchers S-39, BM-14-17 and WM-18 launchers As you know, unguided projectiles (mainly M-8 and M-13) were widely used during the Great Patriotic War. Therefore, even after the war, NURS unguided rockets were given quite a lot