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 Industries 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 MDC 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)
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

1. 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.
   Range: As per long range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Mega Damage: Varies with missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
   Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of two.
   Payload: Twelve (12) Long Range Missile or Two (2) Cruise Missiles

[Golden Age Weaponsmiths TM, Wellington Industries TM, and Iron Heart Industries TM are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc.]

By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune ).

Copyright © 1998, Kitsune. All rights reserved.