M270 MLRS Self-Propelled Loader/Launcher (SPLL)
The MLRS M270 Launcher, a derivative of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV), is the standard U.S. Army platform for firing surface to surface artillery rockets and missiles. The Armored Vehicle Mounted Rocket Launcher (M270) is a full-tracked, self-propelled launcher/loader designed to launch 12 tactical rockets and re-deploy before enemy determination of launch position (shoot and scoot). The launch platform is also used to launch the Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) and is capable of launching all M270 Family of Munitions (MFOM) tactical rocket/missile variants. The launcher consists of six rockets, each of which are mounted and controlled in both azimuth and elevation. It has an automated control system for aiming that automatically corrects for launcher cant and ambient temperature, a directional reference system to obtain azimuth elevation and cant angles, and a FCS which is operated from a man-rated vehicle cab. The launcher platform structure provides a "self-loading" capability.
The M270 launcher has a maximum speed of 64 Km/hour, with a maximum range of 435 Km. It is capable of climbing a 60 degree slope and a one meter wall. Ordnance options include the MFOM (all variants of the MLRS rocket and Army TACMS missile). The M270 can load, arm, and fire a 12 rocket ripple within ripple within five minutes. M270 launchers are deployed three per battery and 29 per battalion. The M270 launcher can be configured for transport by Air Force C-141 aircraft on a limited basis. The M270 launcher is also transportable by Air Force C-5 and C-17 aircraft.
MLRS consists of a self-loading launcher with an onboard fire control system (FCS). The launcher is mounted on a mobile track vehicle that carries 12 rockets or 2 Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) missiles, which can be fired individually or simultaneously. Rockets have a range beyond 30 kilometers, and the Army TACMS Block IA missile can reach to 300 kilometers.
The M270 MLRS, or SPLL (Self-Propelled, Loader/Launcher), is made up of two major units and an electronic fire control system (FCS). The SPLL is a mobile, self-propelled, self- loading, multiple launch rocket firing unit. It provides mobile long range artillery rocket support for ground forces. The M993 Carrier Vehicle and the M269 LLM are the two major units that make up the MLRS. The FCS is a computer control system, with a built-in computer and memory system. The SPLL has a cruising range of 300 miles at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. The total MLRS weights approximately 52,990 pounds.
The second multiyear procurement contract for FY89-93 was awarded in July 1989 for MLRS. The US initial operational capability for MLRS was achieved in 1983. Starting in FY89, MLRS has been coproduced by the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy. As of September 1995, a total of 857 launchers have been delivered, 772 to the active Army and 185 to the National Guard.
M270A1 Upgrade
The Multiple Launcher Rocket System has come along way since the initial fielding of the system at Fort Riley, Kansas in the early 80�s. Battle tested in the Persian Gulf, deployed to the Balkans, the Multiple Launcher Rocket System has gone through doctrinal changes and numerous software updates. The improvements that are provided by the M270A1 are both needed and crucial for the battlefield of the future. The M270A1 launcher is an upgrade to the MLRS M270 launcher designed to provide the launcher with 10-15 years of additional life. The M270A1 will be fielded to the Heavy Divisions of the Counter Attack Corps to support the Army Vision.
The MLRS M270 launcher is being upgraded to accommodate a new MLRS family of munitions (MFOM), including the Army Tactical Missile System. The improvements provided by the M270A1 will enhance the field artillery's support to armor and infantry units to reinforce the dominant maneuver force by improving the corps commander's precision engagement capabilities for shaping the battlespace at extended ranges. The MLRS M270A1 program was fielded in September 2000. The state-of-the-art enhancements will eventually be incorporated into the entire US inventory of launchers, which exceeds 900.
- 1QFY98 IFCS Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Decision
- 2QFY99 Combined IFCS/ILMS operational test
- 3QFY00 First unit equipped M270A1
- 2QFY98 - First Extended Range Rocket MLRS rocket delivery
The M270A1 program includes two major upgrades to the current M270 launcher. Current plans for improvement to the system include the Improved Fire Control System (IFCS), the Improved Mechanical Launch System (ILMS), and the extended range rocket (ER-MLRS). An MLRS initiative to examine potential obsolescence revealed that by the year 2003, 92 percent of the microcircuits used in the system would no longer be available. To combat the growing obsolescence, the Army initiated the IFCS program with a Milestone II in 4QFY92. The IFCS will mitigate electronic obsolescence currently existing in the fire control system and will accommodate the needs of the MFOM weapon systems under development and provide growth for future weapon systems. Additionally, analysis following Operation Desert Storm identified a requirement for faster prosecution of highly mobile, short dwell targets by the M270 Launcher. In 4QFY95, the Program Manager, MLRS received approval to proceed with the ILMS program. The ILMS will provide rapid responses to time critical targets by reducing time to aim by 70% and by reducing reload times by 50%. The ER-MLRS will extend the current range of the basic rocket from 31.8 KM to a new range of approximately 45+ KM. The IFCS, the ILMS, and the ER-MLRS are in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase.
The Improved Fire Control System (IFCS) replaces obsolete, maintenance-intensive hardware and software, providing growth potential for future munitions and the potential for reduced launcher operation and support costs. A Global Positioning System-aided navigation system for the launcher is being developed as part of IFCS to supplement the existing inertial position-navigation system. The IFCS modification will upgrade the electronic and navigation equipment, revise the software architecture, and add the capability of sensing local meteorological conditions at 100 meters above ground level. This latter capability is intended to improve rocket accuracy by providing current, low-level wind measurements to the launcher just before launch.
The Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS) is designed to decrease the time required to aim and load the launcher. This is achieved by providing a faster launcher drive system that moves simultaneously in azimuth and elevation. ILMS is expected to reduce the traverse time from the stowed position to worst case aimpoint by approximately 80 percent. It will also decrease the mechanical system contribution to reload time by about 40 percent. The reduction in time spent at the launch and reload points is intended to increase survivability.
In addition to the IFCS and ILMS modifications, the M270A1 program includes the remanufacture of selected components and the application of selected Engineering Change Proposals to the basic M270 launcher to bring all launchers to the same configuration.
An M270A1 System Integration Update briefing was presented to COL (P) Holly, the Program Executive Officer (PEO), Tactical Missiles on 26 April 1999. This briefing addressed the status of Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS) qualification testing, and system level testing to date. The M270A1 Acquisition Strategy is a three-phase strategy with Phases I & II completed and is on track to meet the Phase III which is the Milestone III Full Rate Production Decision in FY 00. The Phase III decision authority has been delegated to the COL (P) Holly by the Army Acquisition Decision Authority.
The M270A1 Logistics Demonstration (Log Demo) began 25 Oct 98 and was completed on 15 Jan 99 successfully accomplishing 239 maintenance tasks, 10 of these tasks were performed in MOPP IV. Soldiers from Ft. Sill, OK (13M-operator and 27M-maintainer) participated in the Logistics Demonstration. The soldiers had no problems using the M270A1 Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM) or the SPORT lightweight computer. The outcome of this extensive Logistics Demonstration indicates the M270A1 is supportable by the soldier in the field today.
The M270A1 began the Developmental Test/Operational Test (DT/OT) flight phase of the Operational Test (OT) in Apr 99. The DT/OT flight phase tests have included the successful firings of MLRS M26, M28 rockets, and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Block I and IA missions at White Sands Missile Range. Flight test firings included Development Test firings of MLRS Guided Rocket (FY 00).
The biggest difference for crews is learning a "Windows based operating system," which replaces the FCP (Fire Control Panel). Understanding this new keyboard is the key to navigating through M270A1 operations. From startup to maintenance, to putting a rocket down range, the crews of the new M270A1 launcher will undergo an extensive training period. A transition course is being developed to ensure that all 13M crewmembers are proficient in the M270A1 operations. Maintenance for the M270A1 will be a major change, as the old M5988E will be replaced with a disk that is an IETM (Interactive Electronic Technical Manual). Soldiers will also harness a SPORT (Soldier Portable On-System Repair Tool). Remember that soldiers are still going to need wrenches, rags, and a set of coveralls to do proper maintenance. The same Bradley chassis that has been the MLRS foundation is still around.
Some of the major changes for the A1 launcher is an improved mechanical system and improved position navigation. Combined with the improvements in the Fire Control System and advanced mission software the time it takes to aim the launcher at the furthest aim point is reduced from 93 to 16 seconds. This reduces time at the launch site by 60%, an important factor in MLRS vulnerability. Due to the changes, which were made in the system hydraulics, the launcher reload times have been reduced by 38%. This, again, represents a vast improvement in MLRS survivability.
Deployment
In September 1997 the first US Army Command & Attack Battalion (CAB) Field Artillery (FA) unit was activated. This program previously known as the MLRS "2x9" fielded another MLRS firing battery and a Headquarters, Headquarters & Service (HHS) battery to the Division Artillery of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, TX. This change merged these new batteries with the existing MLRS Battery, A Btry, 21st FA and the Target Acquisition Battery (TAB), B Battery, 26th FA. The new unit is now known as 1st Bn, 21st FA (1-21 FA).
This program will not be unique to 1st Cavalry Division. Over the upcoming years, fieldings will take place to all of the current "heavy" divisions within the active army. The direction to make this change was as a result of a decision made by the Vice-Chief of Staff of the Army on 29 Feb 96. The decision for this plan was put forward based on the Nov 93 release of the Legal Mix V Study with subsequent conclusions from the Army Science Board in Oct 95. The rationale was based on analysis that indicated the need for additional firepower within the division.
The next unit to be changed was the conversion of B Btry, 20th FA (MLRS) and A Btry, 26th FA (TAB) to 2-20 FA at 4th Mechanized Infantry Division, Fort Hood, TX in Jul 98. In 4QFY99, A Btry, 13th FA (MLRS) and A Btry, 39th FA (TAB) will convert to 1-39 FA at Fort Stewart, GA. After FY99 the remaining three (3) CAB fieldings were fielded with the M270A1 Launchers. These systems were remanufactured launchers that will include the Improved Fire Control System (IFCS) and Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS). These units are A Btry, 38th FA (MLRS) and F Btry, 26th FA (TAB) to 1-38 FA to be fielded in FY01 in Korea; and in Germany the fieldings A Btry, 94th FA (MLRS) and C Btry, 25th FA (TAB) in FY03, and A Btry, 33 FA (TAB) and B Btry 25th FA (TAB) in FY05.