M142 (HIMARS) American Artillery Rocket System

M142 HIMARS

Wheeled 6x6 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)

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M142 (HIMARS) American Artillery Rocket System — M142_HIMARS_(A).jpgTRADOC ODIN WEG

Basic Information

Name

M142 (HIMARS) American Artillery Rocket System

Designation

M142 HIMARS

Alternate Designation

M142 HIMARS

Equipment Type

Wheeled 6x6 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)

Manufacturer

—

Date of Introduction

2000

Description

The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is a light multiple rocket launcher developed in the late 1990s for the United States Army, mounted on a standard Army M1140 truck frame. The HIMARS carries six rockets or one MGM-140 ATACMS missile on the U.S. Army's new Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) five-ton truck, and can launch the entire Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions (MFOM). HIMARS ammunition is interchangeable with the MLRS M270A1, however it is only able to carry one pod rather than the standard two for the M270 and A1 variants. The launcher is C-130 transportable. The chassis was produced by BAE Systems Mobility & Protection Systems (formerly Armor Holdings Aerospace and Defense Group Tactical Vehicle Systems Division), the OEM of the FMTV; however, since 2010, the M1140 has been produced by the Oshkosh Corporation by their Defense division. The rocket launching system is produced by Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control.

Ground Specifications

Crew 3

Engine 6.6 liter, 6 cylinders, turbocharged diesel (330 hp)

Active Protection None

Max Speed 64.0 km/h

Range 484.0 km

System

Alternative Designation M142 HIMARS

Type Wheeled 6x6 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)

Crew 3 (section chief, gunner and driver)

Chassis Oshkosh Defense- FMTV 6 × 6; however, the HIMARS launcher can be fitted onto other 6 × 6 tactical truck chassis types with similar payload capabilities.

Displacement Time Less than 3 min

Emplacement Time Less than 3 min

Dimensions

Length 7.7 m

Width 2.4 m

Height 2.91 m

Ground Clearance 0.56 m

Combat Weight 15,873 kg

Automotive

Engine Name Caterpillar 3116 ATAAC

Engine Type 6.6 liter, 6 cylinders, turbocharged diesel

Engine Power 330 hp at 2600 rpm

Suspension torsion bar, 6 dual road wheels, front drive, rear idler, 2 shock absorbers, 4 return rollers

Maximum Speed 64 km/h

Maximum Range 484 km

Amphibious No

Fording 1.5 m (with preparation)

Gradient 60 percent

Main Weapon System

Launcher

Name M269 launcher loader module (LLM)

Type Launcher Loader Module

Caliber 227 mm

Number of Cells 6 ea

Elevation 60 deg (1,067 mils)

Elevation Rate 0.9 deg (15.5 mils)

Traverse +/-194 deg (3,449 mils) each side of centerline

Rate of Fire less than 30 seconds for 6 missiles

Reload Time 4 min

Ammunition (Option 1)

Name M26

Length 3.94 m

Diameter 227 mm

Weight 306 kg

Warhead 156 kg

Maximum Range 32 km

Basic Load 6 ea

Ammunition (Option 2)

Name AT2

Length 3.94 m

Diameter 227 mm

Weight 259 kg

Warhead 107 kg

Maximum Range 40 km

Basic Load 6 ea

Ammunition (Option 3)

Name GMLRS

Length 3.94

Diameter 227 mm

Weight 259 kg

Warhead 302 kg

Maximum Range 60 km

Basic Load 6 ea

Ammunition (Option 4)

Name MGM-140 ATACMS

Length 4.0 m

Diameter 610 mm

Weight 270 kg

Warhead 120 kg

Maximum Range 128 km

Basic Load 1 ea

Fire Control

Name Lockheed Martin Universal Fire Control System (UFCS)

Computerized FCS Yes

Direct Fire Yes

Indirect Fire Yes

Note In a typical mission, a command and control post would transmit the selected target data via a secure data link to the HIMARS on-board launch computer. The computer then aims the launcher and provides prompt signals to the crew to arm and fire a pre-selected number of rounds. The launcher can aim at a target in just 16 seconds. It is possible for the crew to select pre-programmed multiple mission sequences, which have been stored in the computer.

Protection

Cab Armor The cab is protected against small-arms fire and shell fragments by aluminum armor and louvred windows.

Applique Armor No

Explosive Reactive Armor No

Active Protection System No

NBC Protection No

Smoke Equipment No

EMP INA

Image Sources

Notes https://www.businessinsider.com/ukraine-almost-never-fires-himars-at-russians-without-us-data-2023-2; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:M142_himars.jpg; https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fire_support_training_140313-A-DM872-123.jpg; https://defense-update.com/20070713_p44.html;

Details

Country of Origin United States

Category Rocket Artillery Systems

Land > Artillery > Rocket Artillery Systems

Classification

Domain

Ground

Equipment Status

Active

Dimensions

Length

7.7 m

Width

2.4 m

Height

2.91 m

Weight

15873 kg

Operators (8)

United States

Ukraine

Poland

Jordan

Romania

Singapore

United Arab Emirates

CFE Treaty

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