Modular Artillery System

The Modular Artillery System (MAS) combines an assortment of artillery packages based upon the 8-ton light track cargo carrier. Because this vehicle is PLS equipped, it offers a variety of tactical options for the employment of artillery on any given battlefield. It also dramatically improves our logistical support capabilities in this area.

PLS racks limited to a total weight of 7.5 tons each should be developed with the following systems in mind:

105mm light Howitzer – the rack would include the gun, ammunition storage, and room for personnel. Mounted to the vehicle, this system could engage in shoot and scoot tactics or the package can be off-loaded and dug in as a fixed position.

MLRS pallet – this rack would include the weapons portion of a lightened version of the existing MLRS system. As with the Howitzer option, the weapon could be employed mounted or dismounted.

EFOG-M pallet – this rack would provide for the same mounted or dismounted options but carries EFOG-M missiles in a standing configuration.

TSAM pallet – this rack provides a surface-to-air missile system based on the AMRAAM missile. The pallet includes a firing turret with the ability to reload from an internal magazine.

Mobile Gun Reload pallet – this pallet replaces the ammunition support vehicle that is often paired with self-propelled artillery. This pallet provides the ability for the SP howitzer to back up to the pallet and ammunition and propellant are automatically uploaded.

Command and Control pallet – this rack carries a shelter complete with all the necessary command and control systems for the deployed artillery.

Radar pallet – this rack carries an AESA-based radar panel to provide air defense and counter battery radar coverage.

With this system, the TSV could haul two pallets of any type, one on the vehicle and one on the accompanying trailer. By keeping the pallets to an 8-ton weight limit, all will be transportable by CH-47 helicopters. Operationally, four options would be available.

The weapon could remain mounted on the vehicle and used as mobile artillery when in high intensity areas to remain mobile.

The weapon could remain mounted with a reload pallet on a trailer to retain mobility when there isn’t as much of a threat.

The pallets could be off-loaded and the vehicle becomes the reload supply platform.

The vehicle could be left out of the equation with the entire deployment and ammunition supply provided by CH-47s.