M142 HIMARS

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems

Weight: 24,000 lb

Length: 23 ft

Width: 8 ft

Height: 10.5 ft

Crew: 3

Max Rate of Fire: 6 rockets

Maximum Range: 45 mi

Operational Range: 298 mi

Speed: 53 mph

Offering Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) firepower on a wheeled chassis, the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is the newest member of the MLRS launcher family.

HIMARS carries a single six-pack of rockets or one ATACMS missile on the Army's Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) 5-ton truck, and can launch the entire MLRS family of munitions. It was successfully combat-tested in Operation Iraqi Freedom. HIMARS is C-130 transportable and can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers. It also incorporates the self-loading, autonomous features that have made MLRS the premier rocket artillery system in the world.

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The HIMARS fire control system, electronics and communications units are interchangeable with the existing MLRS M270A1 launcher, and the crew and training are the same.

Under contract to the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 400 HIMARS launchers to the Army, Marine Corps and international customers.

In May 2005, the 3rd Battalion, 27th Field Artillery Regiment, XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery became the first unit equipped with HIMARS. Since then the Army has fielded eleven additional battalions, in both active and National Guard units. The Army plans to field an additional six battalions. Additionally, the Marines have fielded more than 38 launchers.

HIMARS has expanded its global presence and has begun to serve the international market, including such countries as Jordan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.