MLRS stands for Multiple Launch Rocket System, an analogue of the term RSZV (reactive multiple launch systems). Both systems – M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS belong to MLRS. HIMARS stands for High-Motion Artillery Rocket System.

The HIMARS system has higher mobility (wheels instead of tracks), but half the firepower. The M270 MLRS uses a tracked base and can carry more ammunition.

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

Mobil M142 HIMARS carries only 1 box of 6 missiles or one ballistic missile. The rate of fire of the M270 is 12 missiles per minute, and HIMARS can launch 18 missiles during this time.

HIMARS

The length is 7 meters, the height is 3.2 meters, the width is 2.4 meters. Such an installation 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 (during a refueling) 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. The maximum movement speed is 64 km/h, the range of motion is 480 km.

Launchers M270 and M142 HIMARS are used to attack enemy concentration zones, artillery and other weapons, command points and control systems, attack cargo transport, combat vehicles, armored personnel carriers, provide fire support to their troops, etc.

Since these systems can use different types of ammunition, the M270 and M142 can serve:

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

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

• 227 mm caliber unguided rockets capable of flying at a distance of up to 45 km;
• High-precision missiles (Guided MLRS) M30 and M31 at a range of up to 70 km;
• AFOM/ATACMS class high precision 610 mm long range ballistic missiles can travel between 140 and 300 km.

Also compatible with HIMARS and M270 is the latest high-precision missile of the new generation – the Precision Attack Missile (PrSM), capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 500 km.