M270 MLRS and M142 HIMARS Developments

Last edited:
Singapore buys a $73 million brain upgrade for its rocket artillery
https://defence-blog.com/singapore-buys-a-73-million-brain-upgrade-for-its-rocket-artillery/

DB_image_1250.jpg
 
Lockheed Martin unveils HIMARS FLEX with double firepower
https://defence-blog.com/lockheed-martin-unveils-himars-flex-with-double-firepower/
Key Points
  • Lockheed Martin unveiled HIMARS FLEX at Eurosatory 2026 on June 16, introducing a dual-pod launcher that doubles munitions capacity and adds air defense interceptor capability including PAC-3.
  • HIMARS FLEX uses the FLEXFires technology ecosystem to offer modular loadout options, optional autonomy, and compatibility with existing NATO GMLRS, ER GMLRS, PrSM, ATACMS, and PAC-3 munitions.
Click to expand...
 
I am curious how the pods are reloaded in that design. Their seems to be no internal crane like the original.
 
Defense Updates has put out a video about the HIMARS-FLEX:


The M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) has been one of the most operationally significant American weapons systems provided to Ukraine. It helped Ukraine halt Russian advances with surgical strikes against high-value targets deep behind enemy lines. Though rapid Russian tactical adaptations has adversely affected its reliability , it is still having meaningful impact on the battlefield.​
Click to expand...
The deployment in Ukraine served as the ultimate real-world marketing test for the HIMARS ecosystem. Its massive success triggered record purchase requests from nations seeking a mobile deterrent against regional aggression, including Australia, Taiwan, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Lockheed Martin has now announced - HIMARS FLEX , a modular evolution.​
Click to expand...
In this video, Defense Updates analyzes why HIMARS FLEX is a powerful new platform?
#defenseupdates #himarsflex #usmilitary
Click to expand...
Chapters:
0:00 TITLE
00:11 INTRODUCTION
01:06 SPONSORSHIP - NordVPN
01:40 HIMARS FLEX
04:27 WEAPONS COMPATIBILITY
06:33 ANALYSIS
Click to expand...
 

USMC Eyes General Atomics’ Bullseye Cruise Missile to Counter China​

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/07/usmc-general-atomics-bullseye-missile-china/
Bullseye, derived from Israeli defense contractor Rafael’s Ice Breaker, is a General Atomics’ built cruise missile capable of striking ground and maritime targets out to 300 kilometers. General Atomics first showcased the sea-skimming missile on the showfloor of Sea Air Space 2025, at which Naval News interviewed company President Scott Forney on Bullseye.
Click to expand...
Since its debut, Bullseye’s has been advertised as a missile designed to take down threats posed by anti-access, area denial networks, such as those fielded by China. A General Atomics advert showcased People’s Liberation Army bases on artificial islands in the South China Sea as some of the “current and future challenges” that the missile can counter.
Click to expand...
Deployment from fighters, including carrier based F-18 Hornets, and containers have also been highlighted. The containerized payload, dubbed “Bullseye in a Box” by General Atomics, can pack four Bullseyes. Work to integrate the system on the ubiquitous M142 High Mobility Rocket Artillery System is also underway.
Click to expand...
 
Scott Kenny said:
It is. Most of the combustion products are nastily toxic.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I just don’t think boron is a solution in this class of rocket.

There may be other reasons, but one technique I have heard of for increasing SRM efficiency is wires running through the fuel that conduct heat. This apparently pre heats the fuel and leads to a more efficient burn. That level of green seems more pronounced than what I would expect unless copper was part of the fuel, but on the other hand: modern photographic equipment often over emphasizes specific spectrums or colors. So I could see a very moderate copper presence creating a disproportional signature in an iPhone or similar recording device, especially because green is higher frequency/energy.
 
Scott Kenny said:
It is. Most of the combustion products are nastily toxic.
Click to expand...

It certainly was a problem for the proposed Boron-based zip-fuels in the 1950s along with combustion products that would clog the combustion and turbine section but I don't think this would be an issue for an expendable SRM.
 
NMaude said:
It certainly was a problem for the proposed Boron-based zip-fuels in the 1950s along with combustion products that would clog the combustion and turbine section but I don't think this would be an issue for an expendable SRM.
Click to expand...
Except this is a practice rocket that the ground crews will be standing in the exhaust plumes of.

Not a place you want nasty toxic things.

It'd be a thought for an air-launched missile.
 
Scott Kenny said:
Green flames out the back? Boron fuels?
Click to expand...
Animal Motor Works used to offer the "Green Gorilla" M2500. Some early Kratos Valkyrie launches had a green tint to the exhaust as well. Might be using something other than boron.
 

Similar threads

Back
Top Bottom