American Lockheed Martin announced that on July 7 it delivered the first upgraded M-270A2 MLRS to the US Army. In 2017 the US Army signed a contract to upgrade 160 M-270 launchers to the M-270A2 level with the intention of upgrading another 225 M-270A1 launchers to the same level. The upgraded systems are expected to remain in service until 2050.
In the US Army, the M-270 serves in the original version M-270 (the first systems entered service in 1983), in the interim version M-270 IPDS (Interim Improved Position Determining System), which adds to the launchers the ability to use the missiles MGM-140B Block.1A, which entered service in 1998, in the upgraded M-270A1 version (available in the mid-2000s) and now in the newer M-270A2 version.
Compared to the M-270 and M-270 IPDS versions, the M-270A1 version incorporates an improved fire control system and an improved launcher mechanical drive system. Combined, these two improvements reduced the reaction time of the launchers and added the ability to use the guided rockets of the GMLRS family as well as the MGM-168 Block.4A missiles (the first production contract for these missiles, for the US Army, was signed in March 2002).
The M-270A2 upgrade package is broad, applicable to all previous versions and designed to keep the M-270 modern until 2050. It incorporates the new CFCS (Common Fire Control System), new engines and transmission system of movement, improved launcher and stronger cabin armor.
It also incorporates new rocket baskets that can be refueled without being removed. Today, the baskets in use are removed and another basket is placed in their place, resulting in wasted restocking time and increased costs. With the new baskets, not only will there be a financial benefit, but the replenishment time will also be reduced.
Other improvements involve the incorporation of a new host computer, GPS antenna, new displays and a new remote control system for the launcher. The CFCS enables the use of the extended-range GMLRS-ER rockets as well as the in-development PrSM (Precision Strike Missile), which will replace the ATACMS.
