|
|
Background
— Artillery — Long-Range Precision Rocket System |
|
Long Range Precision Rocket System – LM's Multiple Launch Rocket System by Another Name?
The conditions and requirments of this LOI effectively limits the choice to Lockheed Martin's MLRS
which is in widespread NATO service and combat-proven. The new variants include GPS-guided projectiles [2], this
GMLRS have now entered US and UK service. The British chose the US M2 Bradley-based M270 tracked
launcher (even though the 'donor' vehicle is not in UK service ). Canada faces a similar dilemma – do we
accept the non-standard tracked launch vehicle like Britain did or look for other possibilities? There is
another MOTS option.
|
|
|
HIMARS High Mobility Artillery Rocket System
The US has another MLRS vehicle in service, the M142 HIMARS consisting of a 6-round launcher on
a 5-ton FMTV truck. Although an M142 carries only half the
number of rockets as the M207, this truck-based MLRS also weighs half as much as an M270. So, DND must decide
between the vehicles' transportability and tractability. In other words, is getting the launcher anywhere in
the world quickly the top priority or is it more important for the launcher vehicle to be able to tackle any form
(or condition) of terrain once it gets there?
|
|
|
Shortening the LRPRS Field – Outsiders and Also-Rans
DND's LOI makes clear that precision guidance and proven NATO service are paramount for the LRPRS. That rules out
several potential candidates. The UK's Lightweight Mobile Artillery Weapon System - Rocket ( LIMAW-R, left ) never
made it beyond the prototype stage (DND has no desire to break in a new system – especially in such small
numbers). The NATO system similar to the 227mm MRLS is a Turkish 220mm rocket by Roketsan (right) but this system
offers no precision guidance. By default, that leaves the US MRLS.
|
|
[1] The LOI gives no specifics about the desired performance of the projectile or its launcher vehicle.
That will be spelled out in the SOR.
[2] The terminology becomes rather confused. Originally, multi-launch rocket systems were, by definition, unguided.
Their purpose was to 'saturate' a target rather than strike with accuracy. As with GPS-guided artillery shells, the line between 'artillery' and a 'missile' has
blurred.
|
|
DND's Long-Range Precision Rocket System (LRPRS) project calls for 17 launchers, missiles, plus associated equipment
and ancillary vehicles, as well as the usual in-service support and training. This project is at the 
must be proven in NATO service, and, obviously, the projectile must meet DND performance standards as
laid out in the LOI and SOR. [1]