El M270, renombrada plataforma terrestre MLRS a orugas para el lanzamiento de cohetes de artillería y misiles guiados, muestra su vigencia. Un ambicioso programa de modernización integral que incluye motorización, transmisión, módulos lanzadores y el sofisticado CFCS (Common Fire Control System), llevará al sistema a su versión M270 A2, lo que le permitirá extender su vida útil de servicio en el US ARMY hasta el año 2050.
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – Fire support experts at Lockheed Martin Corp. will refurbish 44 M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) field artillery systems for the U.S. Army under terms of a $226.3 million order announced Tuesday.
Officials of the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., are asking the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control segment in Grand Prairie, Texas, to upgrade existing M270A1 and decommissioned M270A0 MLRS artillery pieces to the new M270A2 configuration.
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 (ATACMS) missiles.
MLRS also will be able to fire the Army’s future Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and Extended-Range GMLRS rockets, which are in development.
The M270A2 is an upgraded variant of the Lockheed Martin M270 MLRS. It is scheduled to enter U.S. Army service next year. The A2 version features the Common Fire Control System (CFCS), as well as new engine, transmission, launcher-loader modules, and improved armored cabs.
The CFCS will be common to the Army MLRS and to the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The CFCS will help enable the MLRS to fire the extended-range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) munition, which has a range of nearly 94 miles, and is expected to see future upgrades in sensors, propulsion, and navigation.
The Army ordered the first batch of 50 M270A2 upgrade kits through a $362 million contract in April 2019 with deliveries expected to complete by 2022.
Army leaders say they plan to upgrade 225 existing M270A1 and 160 decommissioned M270A0 rocket launchers this decade, which should extend the life of the MLRS through at least 2050.
