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	Director, Operational Test & Evaluation
FY97 Annual Report

MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEM (MLRS) M270A1 LAUNCHER

	Army ACAT IC Program 857 systems Total program cost (TY$) $1,969.1M Average unit cost (TY$) $2.3M Full-rate Production 4QFY99 Prime Contractor Lockheed Martin Vought Systems

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010

The Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) provides the Army an all-weather, indirect, area fire weapon system to strike counterfire, air defense, armored formations, and other high-payoff targets at all depths of the tactical battlefield. Primary missions of MLRS include the suppression, neutralization and destruction of threat fire support and forward area air defense targets. The MLRS M270 Launcher is the standard U.S. Army platform for firing surface to surface artillery rockets and missiles. The improvements provided by the M270A1 will enhance the field artillery's support to armor and infantry units to reinforce the dominant maneuver force by improving the corps commander's precision engagement capabilities for shaping the battlespace at extended ranges.

MLRS consists of a self-loading launcher with an onboard fire control system (FCS). The launcher is mounted on a mobile track vehicle that carries 12 rockets or 2 Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) missiles, which can be fired individually or simultaneously. Rockets have a range beyond 30 kilometers, and the Army TACMS Block IA missile can reach to 300 kilometers.

The M270A1 program includes two major upgrades to the current M270 launcher. First is the Improved Fire Control System (IFCS), which replaces obsolete, maintenance-intensive hardware and software, providing growth potential for future munitions and the potential for reduced launcher operation and support costs. A GPS-aided navigation system for the launcher is being developed as part of IFCS to supplement the existing inertial position-navigation system. The IFCS modification will upgrade the electronic and navigation equipment, and revise the software architecture.

Second, the Improved Launcher Mechanical System (ILMS) is designed to decrease the time to aim and load the launcher. This is achieved by providing a faster launcher drive system that moves simultaneously in azimuth and elevation. ILMS is expected to reduce the traverse time from the stowed position to worst case aimpoint by approximately 80 percent. It will also decrease the mechanical system contribution to reload time by about 40 percent. The reduction in time spent at the launch and reload points is expected to increase survivability.

MLRS initial operational capability occurred in 1983. An MLRS initiative to examine potential obsolescence revealed that by the year 2003, 92 percent of the microcircuits used in the system would no longer be available. To combat the growing obsolescence, the Army initiated the IFCS program with a Milestone II in 4QFY92. Additionally, analysis following Operation Desert Storm identified a requirement for faster prosecution of highly mobile, short dwell targets by the M270 Launcher. In 4QFY95, the Program Manager, MLRS received approval to proceed with the ILMS program.

In early 1996, the M270A1 was designated as a pilot program for OPTEC's new integrated test and evaluation methodology. This concept stresses early involvement by all principal test and evaluation agencies, combined test events whenever possible, and accelerated development of an evaluation strategy, TEMP, and System Evaluation Plan (SEP). The resulting MLRS program restructure keeps the IFCS and ILMS modifications as two separate program elements until M270A1 system integration. At that time, the test programs combine as the M270A1 to undergo IOT and fielding.

While there were no operational test events in FY97, IFCS software is undergoing formal qualification testing, and the IFCS program system integration testing (SIT) will be completed in 1Q98. The IFCS SIT will include two live fire missions at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) during which an IFCS-equipped launcher will fire 3 M28 and 5 M26 rockets, respectively.

The Army will conduct an MLRS survivability assessment program to complete the survivability estimates of the M270A1, determine the effects of the M270A1 improvements on the survivability of the fielded launcher, and to develop recommended changes to the M270A1 and tactics to enhance the survivability of the launcher and crew. The Aberdeen Test Center began blast and shock tests in August, which will be followed by payload sensitivity tests in 1QFY98.

It is too early in the program to assess operational effectiveness and suitability. The M270A1 has four critical operational issues (COIs) addressing fire mission performance, responsiveness, reliability, and maintenance and training. These will be assessed using data from developmental test events, the combined DT/OT, and the M270A1 IOT. DOT&E approved the M270A1 TEMP on 26 November 1996, and testing to date is following the TEMP.

Recent blast and shock LFT&E events demonstrated that the basic system which has been in the field since IOC in March 1983, although sound, contains some design deficiencies. LFT&E blast and shock testing identified that doors and hinges receive damage that was unanticipated. Fuel lines tended to break under the same test conditions. Battle Damage Assessment and Repair activities identified and developed field expedient repair procedures to keep the vehicle operational; for example, fuel filter shut off and bypass, hub repair, door hinge expedient repair, and other items that, although modest in appearance, can help the vehicle to remain serviceable. Since the Command and Control Vehicle uses the same automotive components, this information is being incorporated into its design.

Based on the IFCS System Integration Tests and Extended System Integration Test (ESIT) results, OPTEC will produce a system assessment to support a 1998 low-rate initial production decision by PEO, Tactical Missiles to purchase the IFCS kits for M270A1 launchers. DOT&E will conduct its own assessment of IFCS ESIT results, and will review OPTEC's assessment in preparation for the LRIP decision.