M270-MLRS
The Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) provides the Army an all-weather, indirect, area fire weapon system to strike
counterfire, air defense, armored formations, and other high-payoff targets at all depths of the tactical battlefield. Primary
missions of MLRS include the suppression, neutralization and destruction of threat fire support and forward area air defense
targets.

The Multiple Launch Rocket System is a versatile weapon system that supplements
traditional cannon artillery fires by delivering large volumes of firepower in a short time against
critical, time-sensitive targets. These targets often include enemy artillery, air defense systems,
mechanized units, and personnel. MLRS units can use their system's "shoot and scoot" capability to
survive while providing fire support for attacking manuever elements. MLRS is not intended to
replace cannon artillery, but has been designed to complement it.


MLRS performed extremely well in Operation Desert Storm (ODS) in which
significant numbers of
launchers were deployed. All operational requirement were met and, in
most cases, exceeded levels for readiness, reliability and
maintainability. MLRS units from the United Kingdom were also involved
in ODS and proved the value of this multi-national system. The new
upgrade MLRS (Deep Attack Launcher) also demonstrated its enormous
capability during the first operational firings of the longer range
ATACMS.

The Army has initiated an extensive improvements program to
enhance MLRS's basic capability. The improvements are in three areas--an
extended range rocket (from 32 kilometers to 50 kilometers), an
improved fire control system, and an improved launcher mechanical
system. The extended range rocket has a reduced payload of M77
submunitions and a longer rocket motor to enable attainment of the
additional 18 kilometers of flight. The improved fire control system
includes a meteorological sensor, a positioning navigation unit combined
with global positioning system and a new launcher interface unit with
increased throughput capacities in the main and communication
processors. The improved launcher mechanical systems consists of
non-developmental item improvements to the elevation transmission,
elevation motor, azimuth motor and motor control.

(more specs--> http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m270.htm )