Mary-Louise Hoffman
The U.S. Army has tested an upgraded version of a Lockheed Martin-built multiple launch rocket system at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico as part of the military service’s Improved Armored Cab initiative.
The M270A1 MLRS is designed with a missile and rocket launch platform and fired 138 rockets during the June 26 demonstration, according to an article published Friday on the Army website.
Test officers evaluated whether the new armored platform could withstand the stress of extensive firing and moving as it avoided possible counter-battery fires from an opposing artillery unit.
“As opposed to our normal training, we’re really pushing the limits of fires and what these systems can really do, giving us an opportunity to really see how far we can go with this system,” said Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Roundtree.
The branch evaluated the system at WSMR because of the location’s varying temperature, dusty environment and rough terrain for realistic battlefield operations, according to the article.
The U.S. military used MLRS platforms during Operations Desert Shield and Storm and the Operation Iraqi Freedom.
