MLRS Product Improvement Program

Abstract

Program element (PE) 0603778A MLRS Product Improvement Program supports development and testing of the Army's rocket launcher fleet, including the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launcher and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher. MLRS and HIMARS launchers support the Army's number one priority modernization effort, Long Range Precision Fires. Updated launchers are required to fire current and future munitions such as the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and Extended Range (ER) Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). Funding from both Projects 093 and DX8 contributes to common efforts between both launcher platforms such as Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT) integration and rocket launcher software development effort by Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center (CCDC AvMC). The goal is to develop common solutions applicable to both MLRS and HIMARS launchers. Project 093 M270A1 MLRS launcher is a full-spectrum, combat-proven, all-weather, 24/7 lethal and responsive, precision strike weapon system. MLRS provides critical missile precision strike, operational shaping fires, counterfire, and close support destructive and suppressive fires. MLRS is a tracked, indirect fire, rocket/missile launcher capable of firing two pods of precision rockets/missiles from the current MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM) to include the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Unitary (GMLRS-U), GMLRS-Alternative Warhead, the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and future MFOM to include the ER GMLRS, and the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). Funds software development, training updates, Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT) technology implementation, integration of satellite communications, and nonrecurring engineering for the MLRS launcher. Funds development related to maintaining capability associated with the current and evolving threat. Funding in FY 2023-2025 also funds non-recurring engineering for system hardware and software modernization to the MLRS chassis, Launcher Loader Module, and Fire Control System. Funding from both Projects 093 and DX8 contributes to common efforts between both launcher platforms such as APNT integration and rocket launcher software development effort by CCDC AvMC. The goal is to develop common solutions applicable to both MLRS and HIMARS launchers. Justification: Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 Base funding in the amount of $5.036 million for Project 093 continues tactical launcher software development, qualification, and materiel release to support the Fire Control System (FCS) electronic obsolescence mitigation hardware upgrade required to operate a MLRS launcher. The tactical software is a critical developmental item required to field additional launchers, maintain backward compatibility for current fleet sustainment, and is the first release of government developed software common to both the MLRS and HIMARS launcher. The FY 2021 funds also allow additional integration of Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT) capabilities, and integration of satellite communications, allowing the MLRS to continue to effectively operate in near peer and peer threat environments. Project DX8 M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher is a full-spectrum, combat-proven, all-weather, 24/7 lethal and responsive, precision strike weapon system. HIMARS provides critical missile precision strike, operational shaping fires, counterfire, and close support destructive and suppressive fires. HIMARS is a C-130 or C-17 transportable, wheeled, indirect fire, rocket/missile launcher capable of firing one pod of precision rockets/missiles from the current and emerging MLRS MFOM, to include the GMLRS-U, GMLRS-Alternative Warhead, the ATACMS and future MFOM to include the ER GMLRS, and the PrSM. Funds software development, training updates, APNT technology implementation, integration of satellite communications, and nonrecurring engineering for the HIMARS launcher. Funds development related to maintaining capability associated with the current and evolving threat. Funding from both Projects 093 and DX8 contributes to common efforts between both launcher platforms such as APN integration and rocket launcher software development effort by CCDC AvMC. The goal is to develop common solutions applicable to both MLRS and HIMARS launchers. FY 2021 Base funding in the amount of $5.121 million for Project DX8 supports tactical launcher software development and qualification to support the Fire Control System (FCS) electronic obsolescence mitigation hardware upgrade required to operate a HIMARS launcher. The tactical software is a critical developmental item required to field additional launchers, maintain backward compatibility for current fleet sustainment, and is the first release of government developed software common to both the MLRS and HIMARS launcher. This effort funds research integration of Assured Positioning, Navigation and Timing (APNT) capabilities, and integration of satellite communications, allowing the HIMARS to continue to effectively operate in near peer threat environments.

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Document Details

Document Type
R2 Budgetary Justification
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2021
Source ID
0603778A_7_2040_PB_2021
Change Summary Explanation
FY 2021: The $12.720 million decrease in base funding is a result of Army realignment of funds to higher priority programs.
Service Agency Name
Army

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Army

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Artillery
  • Artillery Rockets
  • Close Support
  • Control Systems
  • Cost Analysis
  • Engineering
  • Fire Control Systems
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Indirect Fire
  • Multiple Launch Rocket System
  • Munitions
  • Navigation
  • Rocket Launchers
  • Short Range Ballistic Missiles
  • Software Development
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space

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