GMLRS, HIMARS to Get New Rocket Pods

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The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) system packs a single M26 pod containing six guided rockets or a single ATACMS missile. The new pod will replace the current pods that are discarded after launch, and enable loading of new rocket tubes after launching of single rockets. Photo by Sgt. Dustin D. Biven.

Lockheed Martin is working on a new, modular pod for Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, enabling loading of individual rocket tubes as they are expended, whereas the original GMLRS pods are discarded after use. The new pods will replace the depleting inventory of M26 rocket pods that were designed for salvo firing, and support the increased production of GMLRS rounds.

The pod will be able to fire the GMLRS Unitary and Alternative Warhead variants, as well as the developmental Extended-Range GMLRS rockets and future rounds. The new pods will replace the depleting inventory of M26 rocket pods and support the increased production of GMLRS rounds. The new pods will be compatible with both the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and MLRS M270 family of launchers. The US Army awarded the company $10.5 million for the development. Ground testing will begin this fall, with a planned flight test before the end of the calendar year. The first deliveries of the new modular pod are anticipated in the fall of 2021.

HIMARS firing a reduced range training rocket. Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Brigade, 75th Field Artillery Brigade, Fort Sill, OK, prepares an M142 HIMARS after having arrived to Fort Chaffee, AR, by an Air Force C-130J Super Hercules for Operation Phantom Flight on April 12, 2019.Photo by Sgt. Dustin D. Biven.