M901 missile launcher unit Patriot.

Technical Data

• Launcher Unit

  The M901 launching station is a remotely operated traversable launcher mounted on the rear of an M860 two-axle semi-trailer. In its original configuration, it is designed to carry four sealed canisters, each containing a single Patriot or PAC-2 missile. The launcher is powered by a 15 kW generator, which is mounted at the front of the semi-trailer, and it includes an integrated datalink terminal and electronics pack for communication and operational control. Stability during firing is ensured by two outriggers mounted on each side of the M860 trailer, which are deployed when the launcher is in firing position.

  In its PAC-3 configuration, the M901 was modified to accommodate the newer quad-pack canister system. Each quad-pack canister contains four PAC-3 missiles, increasing the total capacity to 16 missiles. While the overall design of the launcher remained the same, the inclusion of quad-pack canisters allowed the M901 to deliver significantly greater firepower. The 15 kW generator, datalink terminal, and electronics pack remained integral components, while the same set of outriggers continued to provide stability during operations.

  The M901 was further upgraded to support the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missiles. This version retained the quad-pack canister design, with each canister holding four PAC-3 MSE missiles, allowing for a total capacity of 16 missiles. Though the M860 trailer layout and power generation systems remained consistent with earlier models, the system was enhanced to handle the larger and more advanced MSE missiles. These missiles, with extended range and improved maneuverability, required additional support systems integrated into the launcher to optimize their performance. The outriggers continued to ensure stability during firing operations.

• Missiles

  The Patriot PAC-2 missile is designed to engage a variety of threats, including air-breathing targets such as aircraft and cruise missiles, as well as some short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). It utilizes a Track-Via-Missile (TVM) guidance system, where the MSQ-104 Engagement Control Station provides midcourse correction commands to guide the missile toward its target. The PAC-2 missile has an effective range of approximately 70-160 kilometers, depending on the type of target, and can intercept threats at altitudes of up to 24 kilometers. It is shipped and stored in rectangular container-launchers measuring 6.1 meters in length, 1.09 meters in width, and 0.99 meters in height. The container weighs 794 kilograms when empty and 1,696 kilograms when loaded. These sealed canisters allow for maintenance-free storage and transport, ensuring readiness in field operations.

  The Patriot PAC-3 missile introduces advanced capabilities specifically for ballistic missile defense. This missile employs a hit-to-kill kinetic mechanism, allowing it to directly destroy targets through collision rather than explosive force. It features an active radar seeker for terminal guidance, providing greater precision and effectiveness against high-speed targets. The PAC-3 has a range of approximately 20-35 kilometers for ballistic missile threats and up to 100 kilometers for air-breathing threats like aircraft and cruise missiles. It can intercept targets at altitudes of up to 30 kilometers. The missile is housed in a quad-pack canister, with four PAC-3 missiles fitting into the same container dimensions as the PAC-2. A fully loaded quad-pack container weighs approximately 1,765 kilograms. This configuration significantly increases the number of missiles that can be deployed from a single launcher, enhancing firepower and operational flexibility.

  The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) variant builds upon the PAC-3’s capabilities with an extended-range propulsion system and larger control surfaces, allowing for improved maneuverability and a greater engagement range. The PAC-3 MSE has an effective range of approximately 35-50 kilometers for ballistic missile threats and up to 120 kilometers for air-breathing targets. It can intercept targets at altitudes of up to 40 kilometers, making it well-suited to counter highly maneuverable and hypersonic threats. Like the standard PAC-3, the MSE is stored in quad-pack canisters, maintaining compatibility with existing launch systems while providing superior performance. These advanced missiles are designed for high reliability, with sealed canisters that require no maintenance during field operations, ensuring rapid readiness and deployment.

  Together, the PAC-2, PAC-3, and PAC-3 MSE missiles form a comprehensive layered defense system, addressing a wide range of modern threats with precision and efficiency. The M901 launching station’s ability to deploy these missiles in various configurations enhances its role as a critical component of integrated air and missile defense operations.

• Mobility

  The M901 launching station is mounted on an M860 two-axle semi-trailer, which is towed by an M983 10-ton tractor. The M983 is part of the HEMTT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) family and features an 8x8 chassis designed for all-terrain operations. It is powered by a Detroit Diesel MUI, 8V-92TA, V-8, 2-stroke diesel engine that produces 445 horsepower at 2,100 rpm, providing sufficient power to tow the fully loaded M860 trailer across challenging terrains. The truck can reach a maximum road speed of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) and offers a range of 500 km (310 miles) on a single fuel tank, depending on the terrain and load conditions.

  The M860 trailer includes turntable steering with an automatic locking feature, aiding in reversing operations and ensuring precise maneuverability in confined or challenging environments. The trailer is equipped with stability outriggers to support firing operations, and the missile canisters are mounted on the rear section for easy deployment. The system can be placed on slopes of up to 10 degrees, allowing it to operate effectively in varied terrain conditions.

  This robust mobility ensures that the M901 can be rapidly deployed, repositioned, and sustained in both strategic and tactical scenarios. Its speed and operational range, combined with all-terrain capabilities, make it a highly versatile and reliable platform for the Patriot air defense system.

• Combat Use

  The M901 Launching Station is a remotely-operated, self-contained unit designed for rapid and reliable missile deployment in combat scenarios. Operations are controlled by the MSQ-104 Engagement Control Station (ECS), which communicates with each launcher's Datalink Terminal (DLT) via fiber optic or VHF (SINCGARS) data links. The system includes integral leveling equipment, allowing it to be emplaced on slopes of up to 10 degrees. Each launcher is trainable in azimuth and elevates to a fixed, elevated launch position, eliminating the need for precise aiming before launch and minimizing reaction time. This capability ensures that the M901 is always ready to engage a target at a moment’s notice.

  The M901 is capable of detailed self-diagnostics, which it relays to the ECS through the data link, enhancing system reliability and situational awareness. The launching station comprises four major subsystems: the launcher generator set, the launcher electronics module (LEM), the launcher mechanics assembly (LMA), and the launcher interconnection group (LIG). The generator set features a 15 kW, 400 Hz generator, providing power for all launcher operations. The LEM is responsible for implementing real-time operations as requested by the ECS via the data link, ensuring seamless command execution. The LMA physically erects the launch platform, rotates it in azimuth, and positions the missiles for launch. Finally, the LIG connects the missiles to the launcher through the Launcher Missile Round Distributor (LMRD), which manages the electrical and command connections for missile deployment.

  This integration of advanced systems allows the M901 to deliver precise and rapid missile launches under a wide range of operational conditions, making it a critical component in modern air and missile defense strategies.

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