Lockheed Martin Develops New Rocket Launcher to Modernize US Army Artillery Capabilities.

During the US Army’s Human-Machine Integration Summit IV, held at Texas A&M University, Lockheed Martin recently introduced a mobile launcher concept. This new launcher, capable of carrying up to 24 227mm guided artillery rockets, is designed for integration on a 10×10 Marine Corps LVSR truck, potentially supporting various munitions. Among the compatible systems could be surface-to-air interceptors, ATACMS short-range ballistic missiles, and PrSM missiles. If implemented, this launcher may provide both offensive and defensive capabilities through a mobile logistics platform.
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Lockheed Martin displayed the launcher on a Marine Corps MKR18 LVSR truck, structurally similar to the Army’s M1075 Palletized Load System (PLS), both produced by Oshkosh Defense. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin via The War Zone)

The prototype displayed uses the Marine Corps MKR18 LVSR truck, a vehicle similar in structure to the Army’s M1075 Palletized Load System (PLS), with both vehicles produced by Oshkosh Defense. There are suggestions of a potential connection to the earlier Palletized Field Artillery Launcher (PFAL) program, aimed at enhancing logistical vehicles with artillery functions. The launcher’s expanded capacity, potentially carrying up to 24 rockets, quadruples the payload of current HIMARS systems. This modular design could support munitions from the MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM), such as GMLRS, ATACMS, and PrSM missiles. Initial configurations may allow for six GMLRS rockets, two PrSMs, or one ATACMS per module, with potential expansion to PrSM variants, including those with ranges up to 1,000 kilometers and options for anti-ship targeting.

The U.S. Army Futures Command (AFC) has ongoing modernization projects that could align with this launcher’s capabilities. Among these are the Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) initiative, targeting a range increase from the existing 30 kilometers to over 70 kilometers, and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), operational since 2023, intended as a replacement for the ATACMS. The PrSM program may evolve to include the capability for engaging moving targets. AFC is also working on the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), which aims to engage distant, high-value targets. Another AFC project, the Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML), involves an unmanned HIMARS variant designed to improve operational flexibility while minimizing personnel exposure.

The launcher’s configuration allows for potential integration of various interceptors, indicating a dual capability for both artillery and air defense. Compatible interceptors may include those from the PAC-3 family, AIM-9X, and Tamir interceptors used in Iron Dome systems. The LVSR platform has previously demonstrated capacity for large payloads, such as serving as a launcher for DARPA’s OpFires hypersonic missile project. If integrated as projected, this launcher would connect with the Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), facilitating coordination with radar and sensor networks to provide a comprehensive defense against aerial and missile threats. However, its larger structure might reduce mobility in comparison to the HIMARS system, which is optimized for deployment via C-130 transport.

The U.S. Army Futures Command is actively focused on advancing MLRS capabilities to enhance range, precision, and adaptability. The ERCA system aims to extend artillery reach beyond 70 kilometers, a significant increase from current systems’ ranges. The PrSM, compatible with both the M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS, is designed to double the missile capacity per launcher while providing improved accuracy. With operational capability achieved in 2023, the PrSM may be adapted in the future for engaging moving targets. The LRHW program, a collaborative project across military branches, is focused on developing a ground-launched hypersonic missile system for engaging high-value targets over extended ranges. Finally, the AML initiative involves developing unmanned, remote-controlled HIMARS variants to improve operational flexibility and reduce personnel risks in artillery missions.