What is known about HIMARS/Channel 24 collage
The American HIMARS multiple launch rocket system has already caused quite a stir among the occupiers. It is not surprising, because it is a powerful, long-range and incredibly accurate weapon that can grind almost any enemy fortification into gunpowder.
- 1HIMARS feature
- 2What is unique
- 3What are there are Russian analogues
- 4Danger for enemies
Universal platform, fast volleys and maneuverability on the battlefield. This is what the Armed Forces of Ukraine are now rebuffing the Russian invaders. HIMARS is the perfect complement to this war.
M142 HIMARS stands for “High Mobility Artillery System”. This high mobility gives the wheelbase. Came, worked and left. Thanks to the wheels, the movement is much faster when compared with the tracked M270 MLRS.
The development of this system was carried out at the American company Lockheed Martin in the zero years. Since then, this weapon has proven itself well in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. And since 2022, it has been showing itself effectively in Ukraine.
HIMARS Feature
This MLRS is used to destroy heavy armored vehicles, air defense systems, enemy fortifications and the destruction of manpower. In Ukrainian realities, HIMARS most often hit Russian ammunition depots. At the same time, the system fires 6 missiles per minute.
Only 3 people are needed to maintain this system :
- commander,
- driver,
- shooter.
It weighs almost 16.5 tons. It has a power reserve of 480 km and at the same time can reach speeds of up to 85 km per hour. Firing range from 70 to 300 km.
What is known about HIMARS/Video Screenshot
HIMARS are most often used for salvo fire at a distance of up to 80 km. These are 6 missiles that fly out up to a minute.
However, there are also MGM-140 ATACMS missiles in service – this is a projectile flying 300 kilometers away. So far, such long-range missiles have not been delivered to Ukraine. However, 70 and 80 is enough to hit the enemy in the rear.
What is unique
The main feature of HIMARS is their accuracy. Thanks to digital fire control systems, targeting takes less than a minute. And thanks to the fact that satellite navigation of missiles works perfectly and smoothly, shells will fall right on target.
The military can not be afraid, that due to settlements or buildings, the rocket will work abnormally. The real deviation from the target is less than one meter. That is, when the projectile is fired, it is guaranteed to hit its target.
What are Russian analogs
The Russians have the Uragan system, similar to HIMARS. However, there the range is only 40 kilometers, for a shot you need to choose a place and calculate the trajectory. The guidance is carried out with the help of a drone. In this case, the radius of deviation can reach one kilometer.
Of course, the Russians have other systems as well. A tornado, for example, where shells are placed at a distance of up to 120 kilometers. However, they have few such installations. The main strike force is made up of Grads and Hurricanes with a range of up to 40 kilometers.
Therefore, it is very important to have HIMARS. This weapon allows you to cover the Russian launchers, and themselves remain out of the affected area.
HIMARS/Photo US Armed Forces Press Service
Enemies Danger
HIMARS deploys in less than a minute. After 60 seconds, it releases all its ammunition and leaves the position just as quickly. During this time, the enemy will not have time to visit, let alone work. Maneuverability and mobility played a role here.
Pay attention! You can search and aim at the target even on the go. Then all that remains is to stop to fire a salvo.
According to Lockheed Martin, which manufactures these systems, HIMARS can operate in any terrain, in any weather and from any position.
Modern guidance systems on target, speed of use in combat and maneuverability put this MLRS in the first place among these launchers in the United States and made it one of the most powerful in the whole world.
