Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall are set to unveil their Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System (GMARS) at the Eurosatory 2023 show in Paris.
The GMARS is capable of firing the PrSM rocket with a range of 400km making it the longest-range artillery system in the world. It also supports the GMLRS with a range of over 70 kilometers, the ER GMLRS with a range of 150 kilometers and the ATACMS with a range of 300 kilometers. Future munitions options include a surface-launch cruise missile with a range of over 370 kilometers and a 122 MM Rocket with a range of 22 kilometers.
The GMARS system is a multiple rocket launcher featuring a two-pod configuration, supporting long-range and extended long-range rocket fire missions. The system boasts several features, including high mobility with shoot-and-scoot capability, operability by a crew of two with cabin capacity for three, and rapid emplacement without the need for outriggers. It is equipped with a boom and hoist system for safe and rapid reload in all weather conditions and is compatible with MLRS Family of Munitions. The system is inertially navigated and GPS-aided for short- and long-range firepower, sharing component commonality with the M270/HIMARS and the HX Series of Mobility Platforms. It is also interoperable with NATO forces using MLRS and HIMARS, designed for future flexibility and multi-domain operations. Rheinmetall’s 8x8 truck ensures logistical commonality and self-covering long distances, compatible with German Army systems.
The GMARS specifications include a length of 9.8 meters, a width of 2.5 meters, a stowed height of 3.9 meters, and a combat-loaded weight of less than 40 tons, with an empty weight of 31,140 kilograms. It has a maximum speed of up to 100 kilometers per hour and a maximum operational range of 700 kilometers under nominal conditions.