M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) | |
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Type | Multiple rocket launcher |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 1983–present |
Used by | See Operators |
Wars | |
Production history | |
Designer | Ling-Temco-Vought[1] |
Designed | 1977 |
Manufacturer | |
Unit cost | Domestic 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] |
Produced | 1980–Present[5] |
Variants | M270, M270A1, M270A2, MARS II, LRU, MLRS-I |
Specifications | |
Mass | 52,990 lb (24,040 kg) (combat loaded w/ 12 rockets)[6] |
Length | 274.5 in (6.97 m)[6] |
Width | 117 in (3.0 m)[6] |
Height | 102 in (2.59 m) (launcher stowed)[6] |
Crew | 3 |
Caliber | 227 mm (8.9 in) |
Effective firing range |
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Maximum firing range |
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Armor | 5083 aluminum hull, 7039 aluminum cab[6] |
Main armament | or 4 x PrSM |
Engine | Cummins VTA-903 diesel engine[6] 500 hp (373 kW) at 2600 rpm[6] 600 hp (447 kW) (M270A1)[1] |
Power/weight | 18.9 hp/ST (15.5 kW/t) (M270)[6] |
Suspension | Torsion 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 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.[8]
Jane's 2011
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