"Unmanned HIMARS": The US is developing a high-power AML MLRS capable of operating offline
The Western press published material on the promising development of new AML MLRS based on HIMARS installations, which are capable of operating without a crew, and are also equipped with twelve missiles instead of six. It is interesting that the authors began the article, apparently, with the phrase obligatory for the Western media: "HIMARS multi-purpose rocket launchers demonstrate their high efficiency on the Ukrainian front."
The development of an autonomous launcher AML (Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher), which is a modification of the MLRS HIMARS, is carried out by the Center for Research and Development of Advanced Technologies in Aerospace and Missile Systems DEVCOM AvMC, which is part of the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). The company is developing hardware and software that will allow the modified MLRS to operate both remotely and offline.
Unlike unmanned civilian vehicles, in the cabin of which there is still a person, an autonomous combat vehicle must perform complex maneuvers in an environment of increased danger almost autonomously. Engineers developing a robotic AML must solve the problems of overcoming unfamiliar rough terrain, avoiding obstacles, interacting with infantry and other equipment under the threat of enemy fire.
All these tasks for autonomous AML are solved not only through interaction with unmanned aerial vehicles that choose the route for the car, but also through the installation of a large number of sensors. Moreover, the sensors installed on the AML should be as passive as possible. As AvMC project manager Lucas Hunter eloquently remarked, “we need sensors that collect situational awareness data without emitting detectable energy such as light or sound”:
Because you don't want to be seen like a Christmas tree when the enemy is watching.
At present, the prototype of the new system looks like a standard M142 HIMARS based on an FMTV M1140 cargo truck with an armored cabin and a six-stage launcher, equipped with additional antennas and sensors. However, the target AML configuration will look different, the chassis will be devoid of a cockpit and will receive a new, larger launcher with 12 missile guides, the author of the material assures.
Due to the absence of a crew and a cockpit, the unmanned MLRS will receive not only twice the firepower, but also the ability to launch missiles at a much longer distance. Autonomous systems require fewer maintenance personnel, "which matters in relation to problems with attracting new candidates for service in the US Army," according to the author of an article in the Western media. Ideally, one technician would be able to service an entire platoon or battery of unmanned HIMARS.
Concept tests of the AML HIMARS Increment 2, equipped with PrSM missiles, were conducted by DEVCOM AvMC in mid-June 2021 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The tests were supervised by a long-range precision artillery team in conjunction with the Weapons Control Center for ground vehicles.
For some reason, the press does not tell how the tests went. It is possible that not everything went so smoothly there, otherwise the Americans would certainly tell about the successes.
In addition to DEVCOM AvMC, Raytheon is also developing the NEMESIS unmanned MLRS commissioned by the US Marine Corps. The RGM-184A NSM Block 1 missile launcher was created on the basis of the JLTV armored vehicle, lacks a crew cabin, but is equipped with a set of sensors above the engine compartment.
So far, there is no information about the amount of funding for "promising projects", as well as the timing of the appearance of serial samples of unmanned MLRS. There is a feeling that the Pentagon, together with controlled enterprises of the military-industrial complex, is again engaged in the development of the budget as part of another project with very murky prospects for actual implementation.
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