M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System

M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)
TypeMultiple rocket launcher
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In service1983–present
Used bySee Operators
Wars
Production history
DesignerLing-Temco-Vought[1]
Designed1977
Manufacturer
Unit costDomestic cost:
$2.3 million per one launcher (FY 1990)
$4.7 million (in 2023)[2] per one launcher
$168,000 per one M31 GMLRS (FY 2023)[3]
Export cost:
$434,000 per one M31ER GMLRS (FY 2022)[4]
Produced1980–Present[5]
VariantsM270, M270A1, M270A2, MARS II, LRU, MLRS-I
Specifications
Mass52,990 lb (24,040 kg) (combat loaded w/ 12 rockets)[6]
Length274.5 in (6.97 m)[6]
Width117 in (3.0 m)[6]
Height102 in (2.59 m) (launcher stowed)[6]
Crew3
Caliber227 mm (8.9 in)
Effective firing range
  • M26: 32 km (19.9 mi)
  • M26A1/A2: 45 km (28.0 mi)
  • M30/31: 92 km (57.2 mi)
[7]
Maximum firing range
  • ATACMS: 165 or 300 km (103 or 186 mi)
Armor5083 aluminum hull, 7039 aluminum cab[6]
Main
armament
or 4 x PrSM
EngineCummins VTA-903 diesel engine[6]
500 hp (373 kW) at 2600 rpm[6]
600 hp (447 kW) (M270A1)[1]
Power/weight18.9 hp/ST (15.5 kW/t) (M270)[6]
SuspensionTorsion bar[6]
Operational
range
300 mi (483 km)[6]
Maximum speed 40 mph (64.4 km/h)[6]

The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (M270 MLRS) is an American armored self-propelled multiple launch rocket system.

The U.S. Army variant of the M270 is based on the chassis of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The first M270s were delivered in 1983, and were adopted by several NATO and non-NATO militaries. The platform first saw service with the United States in the 1991 Gulf War. It has received multiple improvements since its inception, including the ability to fire guided missiles. M270s provided by the United Kingdom have seen use in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[8]

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Jane's 2011 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Johnston, Louis; Williamson, Samuel H. (2023). "What Was the U.S. GDP Then?". MeasuringWorth. Retrieved November 30, 2023. United States Gross Domestic Product deflator figures follow the MeasuringWorth series.
  3. ^ Parsons, Dan (31 May 2022). "Ukraine To Get Guided Rockets, But Not Ones Able To Reach Far Into Russia (Updated)". The Drive.
  4. ^ "HIMARS price increase doesn't add up". 22 August 2023.
  5. ^ Bisht, Inder. "US Army Awards Lockheed $194M Multiple Launch Rocket System Contract". The Defense Post.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Hunnicutt 2015, p. 453.
  7. ^ "Lockheed Tests Improved GMLRS Rocket". Army technology. 8 November 2009.
  8. ^ "Ukraine war: UK to send Ukraine M270 multiple-launch rocket systems". 2022-06-06. Retrieved 2024-01-26.