Golden Age Weaponsmiths M270 Multiple Launched Rocket System:
The M270 MLRS is a rocket launching platform designed to carry rockets and use them as rocket artillery. It acts as a supplement to gun style artillery and in some cases as a replacement for them. Similar rocket launching systems were in service before the coming of the Rifts and even after the coming of the rifts, Iron Heart Armament manufactured a similar system until they were captured by the Coalition. Many of the MLRS were placed in National Guard and Reserve Armories scattered around the United States and a reasonable number survived the coming of the Rifts and have been unearthed. Because these missile platforms are most useful to armies and mercenary companies, most that have been found by adventures have been sold to others including Golden Age Weaponsmiths. Golden Age refits the platforms and sells them to both mercenary companies at a fraction of what normal missile launching systems sell for.
The MLRS itself is constructed on an M-2 Bradley APC frame and was designed to carry twelve rockets. They were refitted to carry two large missiles instead of the rockets as well. The refitting of the platforms is relatively simple and Golden Age Weaponsmiths refits them within days. The mechanics at Golden Age Weaponsmiths cover the missile platform with M.D.C. armors. The launchers have also been refitted although the refit is not much more than a simple missile tube refitting on the launcher. Instead of carrying twelve rockets, the launcher has been refitted to carry twelve long range missiles. The post rifts missiles are approximately the same size as the rockets but often unguided missiles will be carried in the launcher to reduce the cost of ordinance expended. They cost much less and for artillery support work just as well. If the launchers were fitted for large missiles, those missiles were about the size of cruise missiles and the launchers have been fitted to carry cruise missiles instead of the original missiles.
Model Type: GAW M270 MLRS
Vehicle Type: Missile Launching Platform
Crew: Three (Driver, Gunner, and Chief).
M.D.C. by Location:
[1] Tractor Treads (2): | 30 each | |
Missile Launchers (2): | 60 each | |
Crew Compartment: | 80 | |
[2] Main Body: | 220 |
Notes:
[1] Depleting the M.D.C. of a tread will immobilize the platform until
it is replaced. Replacing a tread will take 1D6x10 minutes by a trained
crew (2 replacements are carried on board) or three times as long by the
inexperienced. Changing the tread is only advisable when the vehicle is
not under attack.
[2] If all the M.D.C. of the main body is depleted, the vehicle is
completely shut down and is unsalvageable.
Speed:
Ground: maximum speed on land is 40 mph (64.4 kph). The vehicle is designed to
traverse virtually all terrain and can climb at up to a 60% grade
although at a much slower speed (About 10% of maximum road speed).
It can also climb barriers and ford trenches. The vehicle can also
handle side slopes of up to 30%.
Maximum Range: 383 miles (483 km)
Statistical Data:
Height: 9 feet 9 inches (3.0 meters)
Width: 10 feet 6 inches (3.2 meters)
Length: 22 feet 6 inches (6.9 meters)
Weight: 55,000 pounds (25,000 kg)
Power Source: Conventional, Diesel (Cummins VTA-903T water-cooled
4 cycle diesel)
Cargo Capacity: Minimal, enough for equipment with crew
Black Market Cost: 125,000 Credits.
Weapon Systems
- Missile / Rocket Launchers (2): Has two launchers that can
fire missiles. The launcher was originally fitted to carry two missiles
or twelve rockets. The launchers have bee refitted to either carry a total
of twelve long range missile or two cruise missiles. In many cases, long
range missiles will be unguided to reduce the cost of ordinance used. The
launchers can rotate 360 degrees.
Maximum Effective Range: As per long range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
Mega Damage: Varies with missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)
Rate of Fire: Can fire missiles one at a time or in volleys of two.
Payload: Twelve (12) Long Range Missile or Two (2) Cruise Missiles
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Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).
Copyright © 1998, Kitsune. All rights reserved.