The M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a highly mobile artillery rocket system utilized by the United States Army. Capable of firing a variety of munitions, the effectiveness of the M270 depends on strict loading procedures to prepare the system for executing its deadly fire missions.
Once a firing mission is received, the crew swings into action to load the rockets onto the M270 in a precise sequence. The vehicle carries two pods, each holding six rockets for a total of 12 ready to fire at a moment’s notice. The crew chief oversees the loading process, working together with the driver and gunners.
The first step is to unlock the pod covers and raise them hydraulically to expose the rocket cells. Each rocket must then be carefully extracted from its storage rack using an overhead crane. Safety pins are removed before transporting the rocket by trailer to the raised cover door of the M270.
With guidance from the crew chief, the first rocket is then loaded into the rear cell of the right pod. The hydraulic system gently positions the rocket vertically in the cell, taking care to avoid any sudden jolts. The crew chief verifies the rocket is properly seated before bolting down the retention clamps.
In similar fashion, the remaining five rockets are loaded into the right pod from back to front. The crew takes caution to avoid damaging the sensitive rocket motors or tangling any wires. Strict adherence to the loading sequence ensures proper weight distribution in the pod.
With the right pod fully loaded, the process is repeated to fill the left pod from rear to front. Each rocket is safely rolled into position and clamped down. The crew chief double checks that all retention bolts are tightened before closing the covers over both filled pods.
If fewer than 12 rockets are required for the mission, the crew chief will direct dummy rockets to be loaded in the front cells. This maintains balance in the pod and also provides consistent exhaust blast effects. The dummy rockets are handled the same as live rockets during the loading evolution.
With the rocket pods fully loaded, the crew shifts focus to entering mission parameters. The fire control system is programmed with target coordinates and other variables. Complex calculations determine the precise trajectory and fuze settings for each rocket.
Before firing, the crew chief leads final safety checks of the vehicle and loaded munitions. When all systems are ready, the M270 takes position at the launch point. The crew unlocks safety devices then awaits the final cue from the fire direction center.
Within seconds of receiving the fire command, the first rocket screams off the launcher. Blast doors direct the exhaust straight back as the pods ripple fire from rear to front. In under a minute, all 12 rockets rapidly exit the pods. The M270 has quickly delivered a devastating strike of tightly clustered ordnance on target.
The well-drilled crew immediately begins reloading to ready follow-on fire missions. Thanks to proper procedures, the M270 reliably hammers targets with its rockets. While complex, mastering the specific sequence for loading this vehicle forms a foundation for conducting a successful artillery mission.
