CAMDEN, Ar. - Production of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher has resumed in the United States for the first time since 2013.
The mid-June presentation of a DD 250 Certificate of Acceptance for HIMARS launcher #481 marked the success of a new production line and the resumption of a production capability critical to US and partner nations' field artillery defense. The Lockheed Martin line in Camden, Arkansas, recently completed the first 30 days of HIMARS production, turning out launchers to support foreign military sales to US partners.
The wheeled HIMARS is an all-weather, 24/7, precision strike weapons launcher fully integrated on a 5-ton family of medium tactical vehicle truck chassis. A 3-person crew operates the HIMARS, consisting of the Driver, Gunner, and Launcher Section Chief. With a pod capable of launching guided rockets and missiles, HIMARS supports light, early, and forced entry operations with high volume destructive, suppressive, and counter-battery fires.
The Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems Project Office, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, manages the currently fielded HIMARS, the tracked Multiple Launch Rocket System launcher, and the family of munitions employed by both. PFRMS also develops and manages efforts addressing launcher and munition obsolescence and modernization.
Since fielding began in July 2005, HIMARS has been continuously deployed in combat by both the US Army and US Marine Corps to support US Central Command participation in coalition operations throughout the world. International partners began utilizing FMS variants of the launcher in 2010. Final production of the original HIMARS inventory requirement completed in 2013.
The US HIMARS fleet passed the one million operational hour milestone in early 2016, accruing another 125,000 operational hours by the end of that year. The wheeled launcher routinely maintains high readiness, averaging close to 94% from June 2016 through June 2017.
PFRMS Project Manager Col. James C. "Chris" Mills, primarily credits this remarkable performance to the skill and commitment of the Users and Maintainers. "We have a solid design that has served the American military well, but the consistently high level of HIMARS readiness speaks to the expertise and dedication of those in the cab together with those who maintain each launcher in the fleet."
As originally produced, the HIMARS service life was set at 25 years and supported by a sustainment plan including modification and upgrade to address obsolescence.
Now, nearly four years after HIMARS completed its last production lot, the Army is moving to extend the HIMARS service life beyond 2050 through recapitalization, and considering courses of action to potentially expand the fleet.
Renewing HIMARS manufacturing creates other benefits. "An active production line enables rapid response to changing conditions and emerging requirements. That flexibility is important," Mills said.
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