M 142 HIMARS is highly sophisticated rocket artillery system developed by US and has begun to serve in many militaries. Rocket artillery systems were first introduced by Korean kingdom against Japanese invaders in fifteenth century. The Hawacha was first multiple rocket launcher developed by Koreans which has ability to fire almost one hundred rocket powered arrows on enemy defenses. The Hawacha was consisted of the cart which can be move easily and Launchpad comprises of hundred cylindrical holes for arrows. The gunpowder was attached with the paper tube below the head of arrow. Blacksmiths and special operators for Hawacha were included in Korean armies. With the passage of time rocket artillery systems evolved with innovations and variations.
Technology was first exposed to British in Anglo-Mysore Wars .Tipu Sultan wisely used rockets known as Mysorean rockets against East India Company and defeated British army in Battle of Pollilur.The Tipu Sultan used rockets against British in this battle. Battle of Pollilur was most devastating battle for British army in Subcontinent which recorded highest number of British casualties. William Baillie who was commander and in charge of British army was captured and died in captivity of Hyder Ali (father of Tipu Sultan).After the capture of Mysore British sent rockets used by Tipu Sultan back to Britain for further research. Though rocket technology was already existed in Europe but Mysorean rockets have more range and were made up of better quality as compared to European counterparts.
Nowadays Rocket Artillery is integral part of military forces. With the capacity of carrying large payloads and extra range, rockets artillery can inflict massive destruction on enemy forces. As compared to Gun Artillery system Rockets artillery have zero recoil and can launch multiple rockets simultaneously on enemy forces. Artillery system with multiple rocket launchers have the ability of shoot and scoot which means fire and displace.Immeditaly leaving the place after firing in order to avoid counter attacks. Modern artillery rockets also use highly advanced GPS and navigation systems which give them ability to strike and hit the targets with pinpoint accuracy and precision.
M 142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System)
M 142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) is highly advanced mobile artillery rocket system developed by United States.HIMARS was effectively and successfully used by United States in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. HIMARS played a pivotal role in Russia-Ukraine war by giving Ukrainian army an ability to strike deep against Russian forces. With the induction of highly advanced Precision strike missiles (PrSM) HIMARS has become lethal and deadly artillery rocket system which has capability to neutralize and destroy aerial and land targets.
Development and testing of M 142 HIMARS
The system was first tested on April 1991 at White Sands Missile Range by US army. The Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC) with collaboration with Loral Vought Systems started working on HIMRAS program. The system was publicly revealed in 1993.
Design and Components of HIMARS
M1140 FMTV
HIMARS is mounted on new M1140 FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) truck frame.M1140 is tactical vehicle used in HIMARS system. Developed by Stewart & Stevenson M1140 vehicle is 6×6 truck can carry payload up to 5 tons. FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) are modern variation of Austrian Steyr 12M18 truck. The vehicle is tracked vehicle and has ability to provide logistical support in difficult terrain. The modern version of M1140 is equipped with latest and advanced technologies. M1140 vehicle is integrated with Enhanced Crew Protected Cab, and also with Armor Protected Cab. The FMTV is also equipped with LSAC (low signature armored cab) which provide protection to vehicle against mines and IEDS (Improvised Explosive Devices) .The vehicle has tire inflation system for suitable adjustments of tires of vehicle.
Launcher Pod of HIMARS
Launching pod of HIMARS consist of six launcher. The rockets are generally GMLRS (Guided multiple launch rocket system).The launchers of HIMARS are interchangeable with M270 multiple launch rocket system. The launcher of HIMARS can be easily transported by different logistics support aircrafts like C-17 Globemaster, C-5 Galaxy, and Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft.
Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile.
Lockheed Martin has also designed Army tactical missile system ATACMS for HIMARS .The ATACM is single missile which has operational range of almost 300 km.For Army tactical missile system HIMARS has only one pod. The Army tactical missile system ATACMS has three variants, The block 1 variant has range up to 165 km and can carry payload of 950 anti-personnel anti-material sub munitions. The second variant will be Block 1 A which has range of almost 300 km.Ability to launch from HIMARS ATACMS has ability to neutralize and destroy high payoff targets like enemy’s air defense assets, aerial platforms and infrastructures.
Electronic systems of HIMARS:
HIMARS has advanced improved launcher mechanical system ILMS and modern fire control system. The fire control system is integrated with advanced global positioning system and consist of gigabyte storage with video and keyboard control. Fire control system gives ability to gunner to carry mission in automatic or manual mode.HIMARS is also equipped with better networking and communication systems such as BMS which is Battle management system .The system provides capability to HIMARS to connect with artillery headquarters and strike observer missions.Enhanced situational awareness and better communication with other land assets give HIMARS an opportunity of better assessment, evaluation and striking capabilities.
Crew of HIMARS
The crew of HIMARS consist of three members Driver, Gunner and Section chief .the Gunner and section chief has ability to control and execute all functions. The crew is equipped with GENTEX Combat Vehicle Crewman (CVC) helmet system. The CVC helmet system provides extra noise protection with reliable communication.
Weapons and Armaments:
MLRS Multiple artillery rocket projectiles:
M 26 rockets
M 26 rockets are first’s series of rockets which are used in HIMARS and in M270.The M 26 rockets are used to destroy Infantry vehicles, battle tanks and enemy infrastructures
Warheads: 644 DPICM M77 sub munitions. Range: 15–32 kilometers
M26A1 ER rockets
Warheads: 518 M85 sub munitions. Range: 15–45 kilometers
M26A2 ER
Warheads: 518 M77 sub munitions. Range: 15–45 kilometers
GMLRS
Guided multiple rocket system are type of rockets equipped with GPS and inertial guidance systems.HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) uses variety of GMLRS.The maximum range of GMLRS is almost 92 km.Usually GMLRS uses series of M30 rockets.
M30 rockets
Warheads: 404 DPICM M101 sub munitions. Range: 15–92 km
M31 rockets
Warheads: 200 lb. (91 kg) high-explosive Range: 15–92 km
M 31 A Series
M31 A series consist of M31A1 to M31 A2 rockets The M31 Rockets are modified and upgraded version of M31 rockets.
Warheads: 200 lb. Range: 15–92 km
Extended ranges GMLRS
Lockheed Martin also developed extended range guided multiple rocket artillery for HIMARS.The extended range of GMLRS is almost 150 km.The successful test flight was performed in MARCH 2021.
ATACMS Army Tactical Missile System
Developed by Lockheed Martin ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) is long range single missile and can be fired from MLRS from launchers. More than 560 ATACM had been used successfully in combats, especially in operation desert storm 32 of them were fired from M270 MLRS.The missile is designed in block stages and latest variants are equipped with modern GPS and inertial navigation.
Army ATACMS Block I:
Warhead: anti-personnel/anti-materiel (APAM) warheads having 950 M-74 bomblets.
Range: 25-165 km
M39A1 (ATACMS Block IA)
M39A1 is equipped with GPS guidance and used in Iraq war, especially in Operation Iraqi freedom
Warhead: 300 M74 bomblets Range: 20–300 kilometers
M48 and M57 ATACMS
Both M48 and M57 missiles are GPS guided missiles and had been widely used in Iraq war
Warhead: 230 kg WDU-18/B penetrating high explosive blast fragmentation.
Range: 70–300 km
M57 and M57E1
M57 is using same GPS guided navigation systems as M48 but M57E1 is slightly upgraded version with updated guidance and tracking system. M57E1 is also using proximity sensor for airburst detonation.
Warhead: 230 kg WDU-18/B
Range: 70–300 km
Future replacement of ATACMS by Precision strike missile (PrSM)
US army is planning to replace ATACMS missile with latest and highly advanced Precision strike missile (PrSM).The first flight test of PrSM was conducted in October 2021 which almost exceeded range of 500 km.The Precision strike missile is fully compatible with HIMARS and it it is expected that launcher pod of HIMARS will be use as launcher for PrSM.
The launcher pod can be equipped with two PrSM having range of almost 500 km.Equipped with inertial guidance system precision strike missile will have cluster munition compliant for high lethality.
Effective use of HIMARS by Ukrainian military in Russia-Ukraine war
US supplied 39 HIMARS to Ukrainian military as a part of 9 billion security assistance pakage.Ukrainain armed forces effectively used HIMARS against number of Russian targets in counter offensive operations.HIMARS missiles inflicted severe damage on Russian infrastructure such as Dnipro river which connect city to Russian-annexed Crimea. Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges, former commander of the U.S. Army in Europe gave statement about the effectiveness of HIMARS.He said HIMARS, which fires a 200-pound warhead up to 50 miles and hits within 10 feet of its intended target, has virtually eliminated Russia’s numerical advantage.”You don’t have to have hundreds of artillery rounds to achieve the same effect as one rocket fired from HIMARS,”
Counter measures adopted by Russian military against HIMARS
Due to increasing counter attacks by Ukrainian military against Russia through HIMARS.Russia firstly focused to destroy HIMARS launchers using loitering munitions. Russia inducted Iranian made shahed-136 suicide drones to attack on Ukrainian military installations .Due to shoot and scoot property of HIMARS it was difficult for Russian forces to find out and destroy HIMARS launchers. Russians than initiated pole 21 electronic warfare system.Pole-21 electronic warfare systems disrupts signals essentials for GPS guided artillery and tries to deviate the artillery rocket from its specified trajectory.
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