M142 and M270 pods come in two variants:
• Launch Pod Container (LPC) for six MLRS or GMLRS
• Enclosure Assembly Launch Pod (EALP) for one ATACMS
From a distance the two look the same, as EALPs are dressed up to look like LPCs. Let's first look at LPCs.
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• Launch Pod Container (LPC) for six MLRS or GMLRS
• Enclosure Assembly Launch Pod (EALP) for one ATACMS
From a distance the two look the same, as EALPs are dressed up to look like LPCs. Let's first look at LPCs.
1/n
Each LPC holds six metal tubes, each tube with one rocket.
LPC pods are recycled. Once the rockets are fired the pods are returned to Lockheed Martin's Camden facility in Arkansas and refilled with the current version of 227 mm diameter rocket (as of 2022 that is GMLRS, from
2/n
LPC pods are recycled. Once the rockets are fired the pods are returned to Lockheed Martin's Camden facility in Arkansas and refilled with the current version of 227 mm diameter rocket (as of 2022 that is GMLRS, from
2/n
2023 it will be ER-GMLRS).
From close up LPC pods are easy to recognize: on the rear the six tubs protrude from the aluminium plate that holds them in place.
The photos below show US Army (photos 1-3) and Ukrainian Army M142 HIMARS loaded with GMLRS pods.
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From close up LPC pods are easy to recognize: on the rear the six tubs protrude from the aluminium plate that holds them in place.
The photos below show US Army (photos 1-3) and Ukrainian Army M142 HIMARS loaded with GMLRS pods.
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On the front side only the covers of the six rocket tubes protrude from the aluminium plate that holds them in place. And the covers are framed by a metal band.
(Btw. flat covers = M28 training rockets, inward curved covers = GMLRS)
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(Btw. flat covers = M28 training rockets, inward curved covers = GMLRS)
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ATACMS have a diameter of 610 mm, so only one fits in a pod.
Below a Lockheed Martin technician is working on a M39-series EALP that will be used to house an updated M57E1 ATACMS.
I drew some red arrows to highlight a grey band running around the ATACMS enclosure, because
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Below a Lockheed Martin technician is working on a M39-series EALP that will be used to house an updated M57E1 ATACMS.
I drew some red arrows to highlight a grey band running around the ATACMS enclosure, because
5/n
this is where the fake plastic cover is screwed on.
These covers are painted black and then six flat rocket covers are glued on to make ATACMS' EALPs look like M28 training LPCs.
An enemy drone or recon team observing these from a distance will be fooled, but from
6/n
These covers are painted black and then six flat rocket covers are glued on to make ATACMS' EALPs look like M28 training LPCs.
An enemy drone or recon team observing these from a distance will be fooled, but from
6/n
close up GMLRS LPCs and ATACMS EALPs are easy to distinguish.
The black lines on the plastic covers are the pre-cut breaking lines, that allow the ATACMS to easily punch through the back and front covers.
7/n
The black lines on the plastic covers are the pre-cut breaking lines, that allow the ATACMS to easily punch through the back and front covers.
7/n
Once a crew has fired their GMLRS or ATACMS the rear of the pod clearly shows what ammo was used.
Below is a Ukrainian M142 after firing its six M31A1 GMLRS rockets.
If this would have been an ATACMS there would be now just one gaping hole (No photo of a used EALP exists).
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Below is a Ukrainian M142 after firing its six M31A1 GMLRS rockets.
If this would have been an ATACMS there would be now just one gaping hole (No photo of a used EALP exists).
8/n
So what do you do if you want to make sure no one knows you have received ATACMS missiles?
Well, you cover the rear of your M142 HIMARS carrying EALPs... and that is what Ukraine is doing now.
9/end
Well, you cover the rear of your M142 HIMARS carrying EALPs... and that is what Ukraine is doing now.
9/end
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