There are various rocket types which can be fired from MLRS and HIMARS & they include : -
M-30 or also known as GMLRS DPICM carrying 404 bomblets ; 70 km range ; area weapon
M-31 or also known as UGMLRS with 200 lb single warhead ; range 70 km ; precision strike weapon
M-26 the original version carrying 644 bomblets ; 32 km range ; area weapon
M-26A1 carrying 518 bomblets ; 45 km range ; area weapon
ATACM versions
The Israelis have developed TCS ( Trajectory Correction System ) for use in non GPS guided versions of above mentioned rockets. This is a very interesting solution in lieu of GPS guidance. The modified rocket has canard control surfaces & data link receiver. A ground station sends trajectory correction signals to the rocket when in flight & they claim CEP of around 10 m. This is a very inexpensive and simple alternative to precision strike when firng MLRS or HIMARS rockets.
MFOM data can be found here.
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/12820.pdf
GMLRS has been tested to 92km range already
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2009/MFC_110509_LockheedMartinsGuided.html
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Originally posted by Sepecat:There are various rocket types which can be fired from MLRS and HIMARS & they include : -
M-30 or also known as GMLRS DPICM carrying 404 bomblets ; 70 km range ; area weapon
M-31 or also known as UGMLRS with 200 lb single warhead ; range 70 km ; precision strike weapon
M-26 the original version carrying 644 bomblets ; 32 km range ; area weapon
M-26A1 carrying 518 bomblets ; 45 km range ; area weapon
ATACM versions
The Israelis have developed TCS ( Trajectory Correction System ) for use in non GPS guided versions of above mentioned rockets. This is a very interesting solution in lieu of GPS guidance. The modified rocket has canard control surfaces & data link receiver. A ground station sends trajectory correction signals to the rocket when in flight & they claim CEP of around 10 m. This is a very inexpensive and simple alternative to precision strike when firng MLRS or HIMARS rockets.
I remembered we ordered the M-31 unitary warhead. Strangely during the recent live-fire exercise in the US, Straits Times reported we have the bomblet version.
A simple case of reporter cock up (yet again). I don't think SAF is going to use the bomblet version as it is the equivalent of sowing dumb landmines. We are suppose to use only smart landmines?
I do not know which rocket type SAF purchased for HIMARS.
But from a military standpoint, I think the types of rocket SAF purchases will be based on their effectiveness & DPICM bomblets have proven to be remarkably effective in a conventional war scenario where for example when one needs to take out an artillery battery or battalion. With respect to " sowing dumb landmines" , there is a M-30+SDF ( Self Destruct Fuze ) version claiming a dud rate of <0.15% versus a dud rate of 2 to 4 % for M101 bomblets. One can also deduce that SAF will also have the bomblet version since SIngapore will not be party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions.
I am also quite certain that SAF will also have the M-31 version with the unitary warheard as this will be used for a different target set.
The UAVs can look 100+km behind frontlines. SOF/LRRP can also detect high value targets deep in enemy lines. So can rsaf fighters with Lantirn/Litening/Sniper pods. The HIMARs can hit such targets accurately with very little reaction time, in all weather, and without laser guidance. Same use in Ops Iraqi Freedom by the US Army.
Having said that, no reason why US army cannot supply MLRS munitions/ATACMs with both unitary and DPICM warheads, when required.
SAF already got plenty of arty eg primus, FH-2000, FH-88, Pegasus, 120mm that can arty support using DPICM. If there's heavy troop concentrations behind front lines, no reason why DPICM rounds shouldn't be used. It forces infantry to dig in or disperse. The ability to concentrate forces when the enemy is (forced to) disperse(d) is definitely an advantage. Losing mobility is another way to lose the initiative and kena out-flanked/surrounded.
Can't see SAF stopping at just 18 launchers.
I am sure that SAF has a program or schedule to purchase more over the long term.