M142 HIMARS

Brand: Lockheed Martin
Category: Artillery & Indirect Fire
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Caliber & Firepower 227 mm Rockets / ATACMS Missile
Maximum Effective Range 80 km (GMLRS) / 300 km (ATACMS)
Mobility / Platform Type Truck-mounted (6×6 FMTV)
Fire Control & Targeting System Digital FCS with GPS/INS Guidance

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	M142 HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System)
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Rocket Artillery / Precision Strike System
Caliber	227 mm (GMLRS rockets) / ATACMS (missile family)
Year Introduced	2005 (initial fielding)
In Service	Yes
Unit Cost	Approx. USD 4.5–6 million per launcher (varies by package)
Crew Required	3 personnel (typical)
Platform Type	Truck-mounted (6×6 tactical vehicle)
Power Source	Diesel (vehicle engine)

2. Performance & Firepower

Maximum Effective Range	GMLRS: ~70–80 km (typical) / ATACMS: up to ~300 km (variant)
Minimum Range	~1.5–15 km (depending on munition and profile)
Rate of Fire (Sustained / Burst)	One pod: 6 rockets in under a minute (salvo); reloads between 5–15 min
Accuracy (CEP)	≤ 10 m (GMLRS GPS/INS guided)
Elevation Range	Dependent on launcher geometry; sufficient to engage area targets
Traverse Range	360° (platform can slew launcher/routing as required)
Recoil System	Rocket launch (soft-mount considerations); vehicle damping provided
Reload Time	5–15 minutes to change pods (crew & resupply dependent)

3. Ammunition & Warhead Options

Compatible Ammunition	GMLRS (unitary & alternative warheads), ATACMS, future PrSM
Caliber Standard	227 mm rockets; ATACMS missile family
Warhead Type	Unitary HE, alternative warheads (unitary/area effects), precision-guide
Warhead Weight	Varies by rocket/missile (GMLRS unitary ≈ 90–100 kg warhead; ATACMS larger)
Fuse Type	Impact / Programmable (munitions dependent)
Muzzle Velocity	Rocket-propelled flight profiles (not applicable as ballistic muzzle)
Guidance	GPS/INS (primary); advanced navigation aids in specific munitions
Effective Burst Radius	Munition-dependent; GMLRS unitary: tens of meters; area warheads larger

4. Fire Control & Targeting Systems

Fire Control System	Digital ballistic computer integrated with launcher controls
Aiming System	GPS + INS, onboard sensors; inertial navigation
Communication Link	Tactical data link / secure radio / ability to integrate with C2
Night Operation	Full mission-capable with digital fire control and sensor feeds
Automation Level	Semi-automated mission planning and fire sequencing
Targeting Assistance	Integration with UAV spotters, forward observers, radar and C2 nets

5. Launcher / Platform & Mobility

Platform Type	Truck-mounted (6×6 tactical truck — FMTV / equivalent)
Vehicle Model	FMTV family / M1140-series or equivalent tactical truck
Mobility Range	~480–500 km (operational range; payload & config dependent)
Top Speed	~85–95 km/h (on-road)
Ground Clearance	~300–350 mm (typical truck)
Setup / Emplacement Time	≲ 3 minutes (deploy-fire-relocate shoot-and-scoot)
Transportability	C-130 / C-17 air transportable (with prep)

6. Protection & Survivability

Armor Level	Light (driver/cab protection options available)
CBRN Protection	Optional/vehicle-dependent
Counter-Battery Radar Integration	Yes (networked integration with radar/networks)
Smoke Launcher System	Optional on vehicle variants
Shoot-and-Scoot Capability	Yes (designed for rapid displacement after firing)
Signature Reduction	Tactical procedures + reduced dwell times

7. Command, Control & Networking

C2 System	Integrates with Brigade/Division Fires C2 and BMS
Connectivity	SATCOM (optional), secure radios, tactical data link
Network Capability	Fully networked (UAVs, radars, forward observers)
Operation Mode	Manual, semi-automated, networked fire missions
Compatible Systems	UAV spotters, counter-battery radars, Joint fires networks

8. Operational History

Primary Operators	United States, Ukraine (provided), Poland, Romania, Singapore, UAE (varies)
Combat Proven	Yes (Iraq, Syria, Ukraine reported use)
Operational Deployment	Deployed in expeditionary operations and allied forces
Conflict History	Iraq War, Syria operations, Ukraine conflict (2022–present)
Notable Feature	High accuracy, mobility, and rapid response long-range fires

9. Dimensions & Weight

System Weight	Vehicle + launcher: ~16,000–18,000 kg (variant dependent)
Transport Configuration	Air/Sea/Land compatible

10. Maintenance & Support

Maintenance Cycle	Manufacturer scheduled periodic maintenance; hourly/mission checks
Field Servicing Time	Minor field repairs < 1 hour typical (component dependent)
Spare Parts Availability	High for US / allied supply chains; depends on contract
Training Requirement	Crew initial qualification ~2–4 weeks; sustainment training ongoing
Support Package	OEM ILS / Army logistic support packages available

11. Economic / Procurement Data

Estimated unit cost	Launcher ≈ USD 4.5–6 million (depends on config & packages)
Cost per Round	GMLRS ≈ USD ~100,000 (public estimates vary by variant & contract)
Country Procurement Program	U.S. Army procurement & Foreign Military Sales to allies
Export Status	ITAR-controlled; exports via FMS approvals
Manufacturer Website	Lockheed Martin — product pages and program fact sheets

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10

PROS

Exceptional long-range precision strike capability
Rapid mobility and C-130 transportability
Combat-proven reliability in multiple conflicts
Advanced digital fire control and GPS guidance
Low maintenance and high operational availability

CONS

Limited rocket capacity per launcher (6 rockets)
High unit and munition cost
Dependence on satellite guidance for precision
Vulnerable to counter-UAV detection
Export restrictions under U.S. ITAR

M142 HIMARS – Precision Rocket Artillery for Modern Warfare

The M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is one of the most formidable and combat-proven rocket artillery systems in the world. Designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin, this truck-mounted launcher provides unmatched precision, range, and mobility for rapid deployment in complex battlefields. Developed to meet U.S. Army and Marine Corps requirements for responsive long-range fires, HIMARS delivers devastating accuracy while remaining transportable by C-130 aircraft.

A Proven Battlefield Success

The HIMARS gained global recognition during the Russia–Ukraine conflict, where it played a decisive role in disrupting enemy logistics and command centers. Its GPS-guided GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets and long-range ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) missiles gave Ukrainian forces precision strike capabilities previously unmatched by conventional artillery. This success demonstrated the system’s value in asymmetric and high-intensity warfare alike.

Design and Capabilities

Mounted on a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) 6×6 chassis, the M142 carries one launch pod capable of firing six 227 mm rockets or a single ATACMS missile. The system’s digital Fire Control System (FCS) and advanced GPS/INS guidance enable pinpoint accuracy up to 80 km with GMLRS and 300 km with ATACMS. Its “shoot-and-scoot” design minimizes counter-battery vulnerability, ensuring survival on fast-moving frontlines.

M142 HIMARS Price in US

The M142 HIMARS system is valued between USD 5–6 million per launcher, depending on configuration and included munitions. Each GMLRS rocket costs roughly USD 100,000, while ATACMS missiles exceed USD 1 million. Despite its high cost, the system’s combat effectiveness and modular flexibility make it a cornerstone of U.S. long-range precision fires.

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