MLRS stands for Multiple Launch Rocket System, which is similar to the term MLRS (multiple rocket launcher). Both M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS are MLRS. HIMARS stands for High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

The HIMARS system has greater mobility (wheels instead of tracks), but twice as much firepower. The M270 MLRS uses a tracked base and can carry more ammunition.

The M270 MLRS carries 2 containers of 6 missiles, a total of 12 missiles. Or two ballistic missiles.

The M142 HIMARS mobile carries only 1 container with 6 missiles or a ballistic missile. The rate of fire of the M270 is 12 missiles per minute, and HIMARS can fire 18 missiles during this time.

HIMARS

Length 7 meters, height – 3.2 meters, width – 2.4 meters. This setup weighs more than 16 tons. It is designed for three crew members. The maximum speed at which HIMARS travels is 85 km / h, and the range (at a gas station) is 480 km.

M270

This installation is 6.85 meters long, 2.6 meters high and approximately 3 meters wide. It weighs 25 tons. It is also designed for three crew members: installation commander, gunner and driver-engineer. Maximum speed – 64 km / h, range – 480 km.

The HIMARS M270 and M142 launchers are designed to attack enemy concentrations, artillery and other weapons, command posts and control systems, attack trucks, military equipment, armored personnel carriers, provide fire support to their troops, and more.

Because these systems can use different types of ammunition, the M270 and M142 can be used to:

• defeats the enemy at close range;
• point defeat of a greater distance;
• launch of ballistic missiles.

American installations, depending on the modification, can fire various types of shells:

• 227 mm unguided rockets capable of flying up to 45 km;
• MLRS M30 and M31 long-range missiles with guidance up to 70 km;
• High-precision 610 mm long-range ballistic missiles of the AFOM / ATACMS class, capable of traveling from 140 to 300 km.

The latest high-precision missile of the new generation – Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), also compatible with HIMARS and M270, can hit targets at a distance of up to 500 km.