Addressing the Ukrainians on April 13, 2022, Volodymyr Zelensky listed the weapons needed to defeat the enemy. Among other things, universal launchers were designated M142 HIMARS.

What is HIMAR?

Reactive volley fire system with increased mobility. It is designed to attack the areas where the enemy is concentrated, their artillery and other weapons, command and control systems, PP systems, technical support units.

What are the benefits:

• Versatility – a volley of up to 6 rockets or an operational and tactical ballistic missile ATACMS;
• increased mobility – the system is based on the FMTV chassis (medium family of tactical vehicles);
• high level of automation and accuracy;
• In a volley of 6 guided missiles with cluster bombs, each missile is split into many small charges. The system is capable of hitting targets over a wide area;
• “airportable” system (ready time is no more than 10 minutes after disembarkation)
• relatively low price – about 5.6 million dollars.

Specifications:

The reactive volley fire system includes: M142 model combat vehicle, transport and charging vehicle, rockets (guided and unguided), fire control equipment.

fighting machine – An upgraded version of the 5-ton Stewart & Stevenson truck with a 6×6 wheel formula with a range of 480 km. The engine works in conjunction with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The crew consists of three people: driver, gunner, commander. In extreme conditions, even one person can cope with a combat mission.

Transport and charging machine – truck with crane and trailer. It has a 6×6 wheel formula like a combat vehicle, the crane is located at the back of the truck.

The HIMARS launcher can fire unguided M26 rockets with a range of 32-45 km, guided M30 / 31 projectiles with a range of 60-70 km, long-range ATACMS long-range ballistic missiles with a maximum range of 300 km. several meters. Combat unit – 227 kg. The charging mechanism can be controlled both from the driver’s cabin and with the remote control. The second option is especially suitable for learning – it is open.

The maximum speed of the charged vehicle is 89 km/h, and the speed without ammunition is 5 km/h higher. The maximum slope that the car can overcome is 60 degrees. Horizontal firing angle – 280 degrees. Rate of fire – 1, 2, 3, 6 per minute, aiming range – up to 300 km. Maximum range – 300 km.

Special importance for Ukraine

The system allows the shooting of military facilities such as airports, headquarters, communication centers located close to the Ukrainian border.