According to information published on July 12, 2022, the American company Lockheed Martin confirms the delivery to the U.S. army of the first M270A2 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) variant during a ceremony that was held on July 12, 2022, at the Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas.
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The new M270A2 MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System for U.S. Army. (Picture source Lockheed Martin)
"This delivery represents a significant milestone for Lockheed Martin as the modernized system will support the Army and allied partners for decades to come," said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our award-winning Camden facility continues to produce world-class vehicles, and this newest M270A2 launcher will continue our legacy of combat-proven reliability."
Lockheed Martin, in partnership with the Red River Army Depot, is modernizing M270 with a brand new 600 horsepower engine, an Improved Armored Cab, and Common Fire Control System (CFCS). This upgrade provides compatibility with future munitions like the Extended-Range GMLRS and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The complete restoration ensures the M270-series launcher remains highly effective and reliable to serve the U.S. Army and partner nations through 2050.
The M270A2 is a Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) enabling, heavy-tracked mobile launcher, transportable via C-17 and C-5 aircraft. The launcher and its munitions are designed to enable soldiers to support the joint fight by engaging and defeating artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor, and personnel carriers at greater distances than previously capable.
The enhanced MLRS M270A2 launcher can engage and relocate at high speed, dramatically reducing an adversary’s ability to locate the system. Similar units have been in operation with the U.S. Army since 1983.
The M270 continues to exceed performance requirements and remains in high demand as evidenced by recent launcher production contracts, that include international orders for the United Kingdom.
The general layout of the M270A2 seems very similar to the original M270 and is based on the same tracked chassis. The crew cabin of the A2 version is higher and has reinforced armor to increase protection against the firing of small and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) threats.
The M270A2 is powered by a new engine developing 600 hp and is also equipped with a new upgraded transmission.
The M270A2 is equipped with a new launcher module and is able to fire the ER GMLRS (Extended Range Guided) rockets which are a new developmental variation of the Guided MLRS family, ER GMLRS offers an extended range out to 150 kilometers in all weather conditions. ER GMLRS shares significant commonality with legacy Guided MLRS and is deployable by HIMARS and the MLRS M270 family of launchers. The rounds incorporate a larger motor and have enhanced maneuverability due to tail-driven control.
