227MM GMLRS (GUIDED MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEM)

The MLRS launch vehicle is based on the US M2 Bradley (M270) chassis and the system is self loaded with 2 x rocket pod containers, each containing 6 x rockets.

The whole loading sequence is power assisted and loading takes between 20 and 40 minutes. There is no manual procedure. Currently (2009) the MLRS vehicle is used operationally to fire the GMRLS rocket.

GMLRS rockets contain Global Positioning System (GPS) elements and the latest advanced computer technology giving them accuracy out to a range of up to 70 kms.

Armed with a 200 lb (90 kg) high explosive warhead which carries a payload of 404 Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) submunitions, the improved missile can engage more targets with a lower risk of collateral damage and with a smaller logistical burden.

The overall programme is worth over £250 million and will see the UK take delivery of several thousand rockets by the end of the decade. The GMLRS rocket has been developed by a five-nation collaboration of the UK, France Germany, Italy and the US.

Following a series of successful trials the Guided Multiple Rocket Launch System (GMLRS) was declared fit for deployment with UK troops in Afghanistan in mid 2007. Between December 2008 and November 2009 approximately 410 GMLRS rockets were fired on operations in Afghanistan.

There is currently (mid 2011) one Regular and one TA MLRS Regiment. The Regular Regiment operates 18 launcher vehicles and the TA Regiment 12 in peace and 18 in war.

The US Army is currently operating 830 MLRS, the French have 58, the West Germans 154 and the Italians 21.

Photo Lockheed Martin