Image source: topwar.ru
The German company Rheinmetall and the American Lockheed Martin have introduced a new MLRS GMARS, which has a significantly increased range of fire.
At this demonstration, retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of the US Army in Europe, emphasized the critical need for a new generation of long-range systems, pointing out that the GMARS related to it would provide a significant advantage on the battlefield due to improved range, speed and operational flexibility.
Image source: topwar.ru
The latest GMARS prototype
With a combat weight of less than 40 tons, the GMARS launcher is based on the chassis of a Rheinmetall HX3 tactical truck. The crew consists of two soldiers with the possibility of accommodating a third. The design of the PU in two containers allows you to place different types of ammunition in it at the same time, which, in particular, use MLRS M270 MLRS and HIMARS. The developers named the dates of the first live firing of the system, indicating that they are scheduled for the summer of 2025.
Image source: topwar.ru
GMARS supports the "shoot and run" mode of operation, that is, it can quickly roll out of position after firing to avoid counter-battery effects. The guidance system includes inertial and GPS navigation, which contributes to the accuracy of fire. Allegedly, it can already hit targets at a distance of more than 400 km when using a PrSM missile. At the same time, it is planned to further increase the range of fire due to new missiles.
