| The Multiple Launch Rocket System
(MLRS) M-270A1 program was developed and produced as a multinational
program since 1976. The original partners (France, Germany,
Italy, the UK and USA) continued the cooperation into the current
Guided MLRS (GMLRS) program, which pursue more accurate guided
rockets using fewer rockets to achieve the effect while reducing
collateral damage. Each GMLRS is equipped with a GPS/IMU guidance
system and small canards installed on the rocket's nose to provide
basic maneuverability and enhance accuracy. The latest version
of GMLRS will be equipped with a unitary warhead, to further
reduce collateral damage (generally associated with scatterable
munitions). GMLRS completed development in 2001 and since 2005
is in full rate production for the US forces. The US Army is
planning to procure more than 100,000 GMLRS rockets. The new
rocket has a range of more than 70km. Lockheed Martin is currently
producing Block 1A missiles to replenish depleted stocks, under
a US$47 million order by the U.S. Army. In December
2006 Lockheed Martin received additional $78 million for
GMLRS production in 2007.
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| The current GMLRS warhead uses
a cargo of 404 Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM)
bomblets. The development of a 180 pound unitary warhead is
in progress. Several versions of multi-effect warheads are currently
considered by the US forces and other MLRS users.
One result of Dual Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions
(DPICM) inefficiencies was the urgent requirement set by the
U.S. Army, for 496 guided Multi-Launch Rocket Systen (G-MLRS)
rockets carrying a unitary warhead developed by General Dynamics.
The unitary warhead is currently in the system design and development
phase, which will continue through 2007. General Dynamics will
also supply these warheads until year 2020, under a contract
awarded by the US Army in July 2006. The warhead uses a tri-modal
fuse, enabling airburst, point and delay activation. Airburst
effectively covers wide area with more focused footprint and,
compared with DPICM loaded MLRS, it is more accurate and leaves
a clean battlefield after the attack. Delay activation enables
effective penetration of rooftops and structures, improving
effectiveness and reducing collateral damage, when employed
in urban environment. When fitted with a 200 lbs (90.7 kg) unitary
warhead and an inertial guidance for precision impact, G-MLRS
is classified as "low collateral damage" weapon.
An advanced version of the GMLRS' unitary warhead could use
the Enhanced Blast Warhead (EBW) developed by Lockheed Martin.
When exploded, this warhead creates an over-pressurization effect
(similar to a thermobaric charge). This effect devastates enclosed
structures but has less effect on adjacent buildings, therefore,
reducing the risk of collateral damage. This version of GMLRS
is designed to strike targets at a range of over 70 km. EBW
will also have improved penetration capability, enabling the
rocket to go through several floors of conventional buildings
before exploding in the basements.
The U.S. Army used the M-30 Guided MLRS in recent combat engagements
in Iraq, demonstrating devastating effect of the 196 lbs (89
kg) unitary warhead, minimal collateral damage and an element
of surprise, utilizing its maximum range of 43.5 miles (70km),
a combination that would not be achieved by tanks or other direct
fire elements.
Another unitary warhead option is the BANG warhead, already
used by the French Army. BANG uses insensitive explosives and
multi-effect fuze, featuring airburst, impact and penetration
modes of operation. MBDA and Aerojet are jointly proposing BANG
to the five nation's unitary warhead program. GMLRS loaded with
BANG warhead was tested in 2005 as part of UK MoD evaluation.
Further tests demonstrated extended range capability, firing
the rocket to over 103 km using modified flight controls. Software
modifications that could increase GMLRS range are incorporated
as part of the future GMLRS unitary development. Further enhancements
considered for the rocket are the inclusion of semi-active laser
homing device.
In June 2007,
the U.K. Ministry of Defence (MoD) awarded Lockheed Martin three
contracts for the delivery of Guided MLRS systems. The contracts
are part of an incremental, multi-year acquisition program worth
more than £250 million. The current contracts include
rockets, upgrade kits, spares and support, including12 MLRS
M270B1 launcher upgrades and Guided Unitary rockets. The first
new launchers have been delivered and training and testing of
the new system and rockets is under way in the U.K. and U.S.,
respectively. Similar units have been in operation with the
U.S. Army since 2002. |