UK - MLRS on the front in Ukraine

 

UK's M270 tracked missile launcher system in action on the eastern front of Ukraine

Deep Strike: The Future of British Warfighting?

US - M270 MLRS

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 Source: U.S MILITARY SUPERIOR

M270 MLRS- Multiple Launch Rocket System Weapons

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. MLRS was developed jointly by the United Kingdom, United States, West Germany, France and Italy, developed from the older General Support Rocket System (GSRS). The M270 MLRS weapons system is collectively known as the M270 MLRS Self-Propelled Loader/Launcher (SPLL).

Russia - Air Defence Artillery

Source: Military Update

Military Update

Maneuvering Fires S-300V4, S-400, Tunguska-M, Buk-M3 and Tor-M2 

Battlefield air defense troops conducted missile launches from S-300V4, Buk-M3 and Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile systems during massive drills in the southern Astrakhan Region, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Thursday. "Tactical drills of five anti-aircraft missile formations with the launches of S-300V4, Buk-M3 and Tor-M2 air defense systems were held in the Astrakhan Region," the statement says. According to the Defense Ministry’s data, large-scale drills with the launches of long-, medium and short-range anti-aircraft missile systems were held at the battlefield air defense combat training center in the Astrakhan Region with anti-aircraft missile troops undergoing training (re-training) to learn to operate the most advanced weapons. The troops created multi-layered air defenses to thwart a massive strike by aerospace attack weapons. In the course of the drills, anti-aircraft missile formations of the Southern, Western and Eastern Military Districts repelled strikes by ballistic and cruise missiles, aircraft and an attack by a swarm of drones of a hypothetical enemy. At the Kapustin Yar training ground, a battlefield air defense combined force of five surface-to-air missile formations armed with S-300V4, Buk-M3 and Tor-M2 launchers was set up, the statement says. At the first frontier of the layered defense, the battalions of S-300V3 long-range air defense systems thwarted a strike by aeroballistic missiles, conducting missile launches against the targets that attacked from an altitude of over 150 km, the press office said. At the second frontier, the combat teams of Buk-M3 medium-range battlefield air defense systems and battalions of Tor-M2 short-range launchers repelled an attack by the notional enemy’s cruise missiles flying at extremely low altitudes. The combat squads of Buk-M3 and Tor-M2 weapons also struck fast-speed multiple targets that simulated an air raid at a range of 10 km to 40 km, the ministry specified. The battalions of Tor-M2 short-range missile systems also conducted launches against multiple air targets that simulated an attack by a swarm of the mock enemy’s drones at ranges of up to 15 km. Overall, the anti-aircraft gunners destroyed over 40 aerial sole and multiple targets at altitudes of 7 meters to 35 km, launching missiles to ranges of 3 km to 50 km. The drills involved over 1,000 personnel and 300 items of armament and military hardware. All the designated targets were wiped out in the course of the drills, the Defense Ministry reported.

US - M270 MLRS

 M270 MLRS - Overview, Reloading & Fire Missions

Source: Military Archive

Various B-roll highlights of the U.S. Army's M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System from different angles while performing maneuvers with the vehicle, showing the process of loading M270 MLRS' rocket pod containers from Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks and carring out live-fire exercises at the 7th Army Training Command's Grafenwoehr Training Area at Grafenwoehr, Germany. 00:00 - Overview 02:37 - Live-Fire Exercise 03:29 - Reloading M270A1 MLRS rocket pod containers 08:06 - MLRS Fires Credit: U.S. Army videos by Gertrud Zach, Spc. James Alegria Thumbnail Credit: U.S. Army photo by Markus Rauchenberger

Russia - BM-27 Uragan 220m MLRS

 Source: Military Update

Military Update

BM-27 Uragan "Ураган"- Russian 220 mm Multiple Rocket Launcher

The BM-27 Uragan (Russian: Ураган, lit. 'Hurricane'; GRAU index 9P140) is a self-propelled multiple rocket launcher system designed in the Soviet Union. It began its service with the Soviet Army in the late 1970s, and was its first modern spin and fin stabilized heavy multiple rocket launcher. The BM-27 Uragan is capable of launching 220 mm rockets from 16 launch tubes mounted on the rear of a ZIL-135 8x8 chassis.[4] This vehicle is extremely similar to that used in the FROG-7 free flight rocket system. It has two gasoline engines that power its 20 tonnes to a maximum speed of 65 kilometers per hour. One engine drives the four wheels on the left of the truck, while the other engine drives the four wheels on the right. The ZIL-135 has eight wheel drive, but only the front and rear axles are used for steering. It has a maximum cruising range of 500 kilometers. The cab of the ZIL-135 is NBC protected, allowing the rockets to be fired without exposing the crew to possible contaminants.[5][6] The six-man crew[4] can emplace or displace the system in three minutes. Before firing, stabilizing jacks must be lowered and the blast shield raised to protect the cab and its occupants. Indirect fire aiming is achieved with the use of a PG-1 panoramic telescope. Although there are no night vision sights, the driver of the launch vehicle is equipped with a night vision device. The BM-27 can use HE-FRAG, chemical, explosive or scatterable mine (PTM-3 or PFM-1) submunition equipped rockets, all of which are detonated by electric timing fuses. Each rocket weighs 280.4 kilograms. The warheads weigh between 90 and 100 kilograms, depending on type. A full salvo of 16 rockets can be fired in 20 seconds and can engage targets within a range of 35 kilometers. Because of the size of the warhead, the range of the rocket and the speed that a salvo can be delivered, the BM-27 is very effective at mine laying. Each 220 mm rocket can scatter 312 anti-personnel PFM-1 mines. Minefields can be laid behind a retreating enemy or even be used to trap an enemy by encircling them with mines. Tactics such as this were often used by the Soviets in Afghanistan. Once the rockets have been fired, 9T452 (another ZIL-135 based vehicle) is used to assist in reloading. It carries additional rockets and a crane to transfer the rockets from the reload vehicle to the launcher.[4] The entire reloading procedure takes around 20 minutes. Variants 9P140 Uragan: Standard variant on ZIL-135 truck. Uragan-1M: Variant presented to the public in 2007; all processes are automated. Can also fire the 300 mm rockets of the BM-30 Smerch system.[9] Reloading is simplified by substituting barrels; can be fitted with two banks of six 300 mm launch tubes or 15 220 mm launch tubes. Deliveries to the Russian Army started as of September 2016. Can fire guided 220 mm rockets with a range of 70 km (43 mi).[ 9A53 Uragan-U: Successor with 2 × 15 launch tubes; presented in 2009 on 8×8 MZKT-7930. Thanks to its modular assembly the BM-30 Smerch and BM-21 Grad rockets can also be fired. Bastion-03: Prototype by Ukrainian company AvtoKrAZ, presented in 2010. Installed on a 6×6 truck type KrAZ-63221RA. Burevia : Prototype Burevia or Storm by the Ukrainian Shepetivka Repair Plant involving a new digital fire control system capable of target sharing and mounted on a Tatra 8x8 T815-7T3RC1 chassis

Russia - Uragan and Grad-M

Russian artillery drills with MLRS "Uragan" and "Grad-M" in the Kemerovo Wilayah region

 

Source: Military Update

US - MLRS Exercise Defender Europe 2021

Source: Military Footage Archive - MFA

M270 Rocket Launcher Live-fire | Exercise Defender Europe 2021

Soldiers from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 77th Field Artillery Regiment, 41st Field Artillery Brigade, kick-off Fires Shock with a live-fire exercise with British Soldiers from 3rd Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery who are supporting NATO Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup-Estonia, here May 5, 2021. DEFENDER-Europe 21 is a large-scale U.S. Army-led exercise designed to build readiness and interoperability between U.S., NATO allies, and partner militaries.

UK - MLRS 101 Regiment RA

 

101 Regiment is the only reservist unit that operates the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) - the British Army’s main precision fire weapons system.

MLRS is equipped with up to 12 high-explosive warheads and a GPS guidance system able to fire accurately at a range of up to 70 kilometres.

UK - Royal School of Artillery

UNITED KINGDOM 

ROYAL SCHOOL OF ARTILLERY

US - MLRS Firepower

 America's Artillery Capabilities: On target! MLRS 270 & MGM-140: 227mm M26, M30/M31 missile

Source: Military Update

Turkey - Army MLRS - Ballistic Missile Power

 

Source: Den ProHD

TRG-122 - Range 40 km

TRG-300 - Guided MLRS - Range 120 km

Global - Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) - Top 10

 TOP 10 Best Multiple-Launch-Rocket-Systems (MLRS) In The World 2020/ Military Technology & Weapons 2020 *

Source: Russian Armed Forces

10. SR-5 - CHINA - Range 50 - 70 km

9. Pinaka Mk II - INDIA - Range 75 km

8. ASTROS II - BRAZIL - Range 80 - 90 km

7. M142 HIMARS - UNITED STATES - Range 85 - 90 km

M270 MLRS - UNITED STATES - Range 70 - 80 km

6. T-300 Kasirga - TURKEY - Range 100 km (Based on Chinese WS-1B

5. Tornado-G\S РСЗО - RUSSIA - Range 100 - 120 km

4. Lynx-EXTRA - ISRAEL - Range 150 km

3. Polonaise (MLRS) - BELARUS - Range 200 km

2. AR3 BRE6 - CHINA - - Range 140 - 280 km

1. WS-2D (MLRS) - CHINA - - Range 200 - 400 km

NATO - Forces Carry Out Artillery Training

 NATO members conduct a live fire training exercise using self-propelled multiple launch rocket systems and self propelled howitzers.

HIMARS / MLRS / PzH 2000

Russia - Bastion-P

Source: 

Military Update

The K-300P or Bastion-P is a Russian mobile costal defense missile system. The "P" letter in the designation denotes "mobile". This coastal defense missile system is known in the West as SSC-5 or Stooge. Development began in the 1990s.

   The Bastion-P is in service with the Russian armed forces. First 3 systems were delivered to the Russian military in 2010. These are in service with the Black Sea Fleet. Latter additional missile system were delivered to the Black Sea Fleet and the Northern Fleet. This coastal defense system has been exported to Syria (2 systems) and Vietnam (2 systems).

   The main role of the Bastion-P is to engage various surface ships. It can also engage carrier battle groups, convoys or landing craft. In some cases missiles fired from this system can target surface targets.

   The Bastion-P launcher carries two P-800 Oniks/Yakhont (SS-N-26 Strobile) anti-ship cruise missiles. These have a range of 300 km with hi-low flight trajectory and 120 km with low-low flight trajectory. It is worth noting that the same missile was used as a basis for the BRAHMOS cruise missile.

   The missile has a two-stage propulsion system. It uses solid-fuel rocket booster for initial acceleration and liquid-fuel ramjet for sustained supersonic cruise. The booster is ejected by the airflow after it has burned out.

The warhead weights about 200-250 kg. It seems that this missile can carry nuclear or conventional warheads.

    It is a fire-and-forget type missile. It uses a satellite guidance at the initial stage of the flight and active radar guidance when it approaches a target. This missile uses a Russian sea-skimming cruise missile technology. It can fly at altitude from 5 to 14 000 meters above the sea level. At the final stage of the flight it has minimum altitude. Also it can maneuver at supersonic speed before hitting the target. Close-in weapon systems might not be effective against this missile, as it travels too fast. Also this missile can be used in electronic countermeasures environment. So it might be a hard nut for air defense systems to intercept.

   The launcher vehicle is based on a Belarusian MZKT-7930 heavy high mobility chassis. Vehicle has good cross-country mobility and can operate over rough terrain. The TEL vehicle is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, operator and driver.

   The TEL vehicle can launch its missiles within 5 minutes from travelling. Vehicle has a vertical launch configuration. It can launch both missiles with short interval of 2-5 seconds between the launches. The missile can be used up to a Sea State 7.

   The mobile launcher can remain on active standby over a period of 3-5 days. Once supported by a combat duty support vehicle, the Bastion-P launchers can remain on active standby for up to 30 days.

A battery of Bastion-P consists of 4 mobile launchers, 1-2 command and control vehicles, 1 support vehicle; 4 transloaders. Launcher vehicles can be located up to 25 km away from the command and control vehicles. The whole Bastion-P battery is controlled from the main Naval headquarters. If required launcher vehicles can operate autonomously.

   Also Russians propose additional over-the-horizon radar for the Bastion-P. A mobile version is based on the same MZKT-7930 8x8 high mobility chassis. Alternatively Russians their Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopter for this role.

   Russian military operates a broadly similar Bal coastal defense missile system, which was adopted in 2004. It uses less capable Kh-35 anti-ship cruise missiles, but carries 8 missiles per launcher vehicle.

Global - MLRS

Source: Russian Armed Forces

TOP 10 Best Multiple-Launch-Rocket-Systems (MLRS) In The World 2020/ Military Technology & Weapons 2020 

Rocket artillery:

10. SR-5 CHINA

9. Pinaka Mk II INDIA

8. ASTROS II BRAZIL

7. M142 HIMARS | M270 MLRS Lockheed Martin Missiles UNITED STATES

The HIMARS is loaded with six rockets or 1 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles 270 km, which is very bad compared to the Russian Iskander missile with a range of 500km-5500km

6. T-300 Kasirga TURKEY\CHINA Roketsan

5. Tornado-G\S РСЗО RUSSIA

4. Lynx-EXTRA ISRAEL

3. Polonaise (MLRS) BELARUS

2. AR3 BRE6 CHINA

1. WS-2D (MLRS) CHINA

Germany - PzH2000 / MLRS

Source: Bundeswehr

German 295th Artillery Battalion conducts firing mixing Panzerhaubitze 2000 and Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

Russia - BM30 "Smerch"

 

Source: Military Weapons

 



The BM-30 #Smerch is designed to defeat personnel, armored, and soft-skinned targets in concentration areas, artillery batteries, command posts and ammunition depots. It was created in the early 1980s and entered service in the Soviet Army in 1989. When first observed by the West in 1983, it received the code MRL 280mm M1983. It is expected to be superseded by the 9A52-4 Tornado.

Type: Multiple rocket launcher
Place of origin: Soviet Union, Russia
In service: 1989 – present

Designer: Splav State Research and Production Enterprise
Designed: 1980s

Specifications
Weight: 43.7 t
Length: 12 m
Width: 3.05 m
Height: 3.05 m
Crew: 3

Caliber: 300 mm
Barrels: 12
Maximum firing range: 90 km

Main armament: 9M55 or 9M528 rockets
Engine: V-12 diesel D12A-525A 525 hp
Suspension: 8×8 wheeled
Operational range: 850 km
Speed: 60 km/h

Chassis: MAZ-543M or MAZ-79111
Emplacement Time: 3 min
Displacement Time: 2 min

Launch Rate
Salvo Time: 12 rounds in 38 seconds
Reload Time: 20 min

Russia - BM-21 "GRAD"

Source: Military Weapons

The BM-21 "Grad" is a Soviet truck-mounted 122 mm multiple rocket launcher. The weapons system and the M-21OF rocket which it fires evolved in the early 1960s and saw their first combat use in March 1969 during the Sino-Soviet border conflict. The complete system with the BM-21 launch vehicle and the M-21OF rocket is designated as the M-21 field-rocket system. The complete system is more commonly known as a Grad multiple rocket launcher system. In NATO countries the system (either the complete system or the launch vehicle only) was initially known as M1964. Several other countries have copied the Grad or have developed similar systems.

Type: Multiple rocket launcher
Place of origin: Soviet Union
In service: 1963–present

Designer: Splav State Research and Production Enterprise
Manufacturer: Splav State Research and Production Enterprise

Specifications (9K51)
Mass: 13.71 tonnes
Length: 7.35 m
Barrel length: 3.0 m
Width: 2.40 m
Height: 3.09 m
Crew: 3
Barrels: 40
Rate of fire: 2 rounds/s
Muzzle velocity: 690 m/s
Maximum firing range: 20 km (new rockets 30–45 km)
Sights: PG-1M panoramic telescope

Engine:
V-8 gasoline ZiL-375
180 hp (130 kW)

Suspension: 6×6 wheeled
Operational Range: 405 km
Speed: 75 km/h

US - ATACMS

Source: Lockhead Martin Army Tactical Missile System Block IA Unitary

ATACMS is a long-range guided missile that gives operational commanders the immediate firepower to win the deep battle. Each ATACMS missile is packaged in a MLRS look-alike launch pod and is fired from the MLRS Family of Launchers.

ATACMS Block IA

• Improved guidance package with Global Positioning System
• Carries a WDU18, 500-lb class blast fragmentation warhead
• Maximum range is 300 km

ATACMS missiles are fired from the MLRS M270 and M270A1 weapons platform. The ATACMS Block I Missile was very successful in Operation Desert Storm.