Lockheed Martin [LMT] May 28 announced it used its new Universal Fire Control System (UFCS) to launch the first Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) wheeled vehicle launcher during a recent test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
The UFCS is an evolutionary block upgrade of the MLRS Fire Control System that fires GMLRS munitions. The upgrade improves reliability, mitigates obsolescence and reduces the sustainment cost of current systems, the company said.
“The UFCS is now a demonstrated, cost-effective solution that will improve the reliability and extend the life of the MLRS family of rockets and launchers,” Jim Gribschaw, director of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said. “This new capability will enable more warfighters to have the dependable, long-range precision of the GMLRS at their command.”
During the recent test, UFCS launched four GMLRS rockets that then flew a pre-planned trajectory and successfully engaged their targets.
UFCS recently completed its Development and Qualification Program.
UFCS deliveries have begun under the HIMARS Full-Rate Production program. In March, Lockheed Martin also launched an ATACMS missile from a HIMARS equipped with UFCS.
GMLRS is an all-weather, precision strike, artillery rocket system that achieves greater range and precision accuracy requiring fewer rockets to defeat targets, thereby reducing the number of rockets necessary to defeat current targets as well as potentially limiting collateral damage.
GMLRS is a future force system that provides the joint warfighter with immediate, precision fires to engage, destroy and deny terrain to the enemy.
GMLRS is effective against counter fire, air defense, light materiel and personnel targets. GMLRS incorporates a GPS-aided inertial guidance package integrated on a product improved rocket body. Additionally, small canards on the Guided Rocket nose add basic maneuverability to further enhance the accuracy of the system.
HIMARS can accommodate the entire family of MLRS munitions, including all variants of the GMLRS rocket and ATACMS missiles. HIMARS can move away from the area at high speed following missile launch, well before enemy forces are able to locate the launch site.
Because HIMARS can be transported by C-130 it can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers and provides a force multiplier to the modular brigade.
It also incorporates the self-loading, autonomous features that have made MLRS the premier rocket artillery system in the world.
HIMARS carries a single six-pack of MLRS rockets, or one ATACMS missile.