Norway hands over three MLRS M270s to Ukraine: what the new weapon can do

The countries of the world are increasingly transferring weapons to Ukraine against the Russian invaders. Today, June 29, it became known that Norway will transfer three MLRS M270 missile systems to our country.

The head of the Norwegian defense department, Bjorn Arild Gram, said that the weapons needed significant modernization, so the country agreed with the UK that they would receive Norwegian weapons, modernize them and send them to Ukraine.

The site “Today” figured out what is known about the new weapon.

Details

As noted, the M270 MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) is an American universal launcher used as a MLRS and a tactical missile launcher. It was adopted by the US Army in 1983, and is currently in service with the armies of 17 countries around the world.

Shooting from an M270 MLRS at Otterburn Proving Ground, March 2, 2015. Photo – Wikipedia.

System characteristics:

• weight in combat position – 24 560 kg;
• length in the stowed position – 6970 mm;
• width in the stowed position – 2970 mm;
• height in the stowed position – 2620 mm;
• caliber – 227 mm;
• minimum firing range – 2000 m;
• maximum firing range – 40,000 (MFOM), 80,000 (AFOM) m;
• affected area – 25,000 m²;
• salvo time – 48 s;
• engine type – VTA-903T;
• engine power – 500 l. With.;
• maximum speed on the highway – 64 km / h;
• cruising range on the highway – 480 km.

Interestingly, the launcher is mounted on the tracked base of the American Bradley platform. A special armored cabin accommodates a combat crew of three people – installation commander, gunner and driver.

MLRS is designed to destroy closed firing positions in all weather conditionsincluding in the zone of residence of enemy troops and equipment, positions of artillery and air defense of the enemy, trucks and armored personnel carriers.

In addition, the M270 MLRS has navigation tools, topographic reference and a control panel – all the necessary information is displayed on its light panel. The filtering unit protects against damage due to radioactive contamination of the area or the use of chemical weapons.

At the same time, the launch of shells is carried out directly from interchangeable containers. Projectiles can be stored in such containers for 10 years, being ready for use. Loading, aiming and firing a volley of 12 rounds requires five minutes.

The price of M270 MLRS is about $2.3 millionbut it is noted that the weapon has modifications, so the price may increase.

Earlier, the Segodnya website wrote that this week the United States plans to announce the purchase for Ukraine of an advanced medium-range and long-range anti-missile and air defense system. We also wrote about the American HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems, which are already hitting the invaders with might and main.