Country of origin |
West Germany |
Entered service |
1980 |
Crew |
3 - 5 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Weight |
17.48 t |
Length |
8.28 m |
Width |
2.5
m |
Height |
2.99 m |
Armament |
Caliber |
110 mm |
Number of tubes |
36 |
Rocket weight |
34 kg |
Warhead weight |
? |
Firing range |
6.5 - 25 km |
Full salvo duration |
18 s |
Reloading time |
15 minutes |
Mobility |
Engine |
MAN diesel |
Engine power |
320 hp |
Maximum road speed |
80 km/h |
Range |
500 km |
Maneuverability |
Gradient |
60% |
Side slope |
30% |
Vertical step |
~ 0.6 m |
Trench |
0.6 ~ 1.2 m |
Fording |
1.2 m |
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The LARS-2 (Leichtes
Artillerie Raketen System) is an upgraded variant of the original LARS
multiple launch rocket system. Between 1980 and 1983 all 209
original LARS
systems were upgraded to the LARS-2 standard. This multiple launch
rocket system played an important role with German Army's artillery
forces. In 1998 the last LARS-2 was phased out from active service
in favor to the US
M270 MLRS.
Launcher has
two packs with a total of 36 tubes for 110 mm rockets. The LARS-2 fired improved
rockets, fitted with newly developed warheads. Aditionally cluster
and smoke warheads were developed for the LARS-2. The cluster
warhead had five AT-2 anti-tank mines or anti-personnel submunitions. These rockets
had a maximum range of 19 to
25 km.
The LARS-2
was fitted with improved FIELD GUARD fire control system. Rockets
could
be fired from the driver's seat or remotely from the vehicle.
Vehicle was
fitted with 7.62 mm machine gun for self-protection and limited air
defense capability.
The original
LARS used chassis of the Magirus-Jupiter. The upgraded LARS-2
launchers were mounted on the
MAN
KAT 1 6x6 high mobility truck chassis. This vehicle is powered by a
diesel engine, developing 320 horsepower.
The LARS-2
was reloaded manually. It took about 15-20 minutes. Reload rockets
were carried
by and escorting high mobility truck.
Battery of
these multiple launch rocket systems had a FERA fire control
vehicle, based on the
MAN
KAT 1 4x4 high mobility truck.
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