The MARS II / MLRS evolution rocket launcher unites maximum precision with long range. This artillery system is the advancement of the basic MLRS system, which was developed by the partner nations Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the USA and Italy in the early 1980s and introduced in the US armed forces in 1983.
MARS II / MLRS evolution – Medium Artillery Rocket System
Armoured driver’s cab
The driver’s cab provides space for a crew of three.
Proven drive unit
High-torque engine with 368 kW
High mobility
Integrated and battle-proven chassis
High laying speed
In the upgrade version for Germany, Italy and France, the hydraulically driven laying drives were converted to electric laying drives (ELDS). This enables much faster laying.
High firepower
The carriage fires 12 unguided 230mm rockets in approx. 60 seconds. The newly integrated European Fire Control System EFCS additionally enables guided missiles (GMLRS) to be fired.
Facts about the MARS II/MLRS evolution
The MLRS has been in use in Germany since 1990 under the designation MARS – Medium Artillery Rocket System.
During networked operating command, the MARS was an effective partner for engaging area targets in conflict scenarios in general and operative fire missions. MARS can fire different types of ammunition at individual targets over distances of 10 to 40 km.
MARS II/MLRS-E and the new GMLRS (Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System): The development and procurement of modern GMLRS rockets required upgrades to the MLRS launcher, which now bears the name MARS II/MLRS-E. MARS II/MLRS-E in combination with GMLRS enables the high-precision engagement of point and individual targets (artillery sniper weapon).
In cooperation with various European partners, KNDS Deutschland upgraded and modernised the MLRS for several nations:
- Germany: from MARS to MARS II/MLRS-E
- Italy: from MLRS to MLRS Improved
- France: from MLRS to Lance Roquette Unitaire (LRU)
Further information
Individual upgrade measures
- Integration in the European Fire Control System (EFCS) with the additional function of firing guided GMLRS rockets.
- Replacement of the obsolescent hydraulic laying drives by an electric laying system (Electrical Launch Drive System – ELDS) developed by KNDS Deutschland, which enables rapid laying and reduces maintenance and repair effort as compared to the hydraulic system.
- Installation of a fully automatic halon and CFC-free fire extinguishing system which uses nitrogen as the extinguishing agent for the engine compartment. It enables automatic fire monitoring and fighting, even up to 24 hours after the MARS II/MLRS evolution launcher has been shut down. This retrofit package is –unlike the other two upgrade measures – currently only used in Germany and Italy.
- The MARS II/MLRS evolution system is prepared for further future capability expansions.
Performance characteristics of MARS II/MLRS evolution
In addition to unguided rockets, the EFCS fire control system of the MARS II/MLRS evolution – can currently fire the two GMLRS variants UNITARY (warhead) and SMArt (Sensor-fused Munition Artillery). Further GMLRS munitions types are currently in development.
- Product specifications
- Performance features
- Downloads
| Length | 6.97 m |
| Width | 2.94 m |
| Height | 2.59 m |
| Total weight | 26.6 t |
| Main armament | 1 rocket launcher with 12 launch tubes |
| Rate of fire | 12 rockets in approx. 60 sec. |
| Combat range | > 70 km (GMLRS) |
| Crew | 3 persons |
| Engine performance | 368 kW |
The MARS II/MLRS evolution together with the guided GMLRS UNITARY artillery rocket forms a system which, with its outstanding range of over 70 km, completes tasks with the necessary precision and desired effect under any operating conditions.
- Firepower: High rates of fire (12 rockets in approx. 60 sec.) with numerous types of rockets and target-dependent, optimised submunitions.
- Versatility: Wide usage spectrum thanks to broad bandwidth of ammunition with ranges of over 70 km
- Mobility: Excellent mobility with long range and rapid relocation capability (shoot and scoot).
- Expandability: The system is configured for future ammunition types and capacity expansions.
MARS II/MLRS evolution in pictures
The MARS II/MLRS evolution in various mission scenarios.
