Lockheed Martin has won a recapitalisation contract to overhaul and upgrade an additional Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270 launchers. The $226 million U.S. Army contract will see the refurbishment of 44 MLRS M270s and return to as ‘zero-time’ launchers. Last year, the company also won an initial contract for the upgrade of 50 US Army MLRS launchers. Once completed, the entire restoration effort will upgrade U.S. Army’s existing fleet of 225 MLRS M270A1 launchers and 160 decommissioned M270A0s to M270A2s.
To increase the compatibility with future MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM), the upgrade will comprise new engines, improved armoured cabs and the modern Common Fire Control System (CFCS). Lockheed Martin has partnered with the Red River Army Depot for the effort. Multiple Launch Rocket System M270 launchers will also be able to fire the Precision Strike Missile and Extended-Range GMLRS rockets, both currently in development. MLRS is a heavy tracked mobile launcher, transportable via C-17 and C-5 aircraft, that fires Guided MLRS rockets and Army Tactical Missile System missiles.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Precision Fires and Combat Maneuver Systems vice-president Gaylia Campbell said: “The complete restoration and upgrade to our combat-proven MLRS will return the system to a zero-time condition and ensure the M270-series launcher remains highly effective and reliable to serve our army customer through 2050.
The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (M270 MLRS) is an armored, self-propelled, multiple rocket launcher; a type of rocket artillery. Since the first M270s were delivered to the U.S. Army in 1983, the MLRS has been adopted by several NATO countries. The M270 MLRS weapons system is collectively known as the M270 MLRS Self-propelled Loader/Launcher (SPLL). The SPLL is composed of three primary subsystems: the M269 Loader Launcher Module (LLM) is mated to the M993 Carrier Vehicle. The M993 is a derivative of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle chassis.
