LARS-1 (Leichtes Artillerie Raketen System)

History of LARS-1 (Light Rocket Artillery System)

The Light Rocket Artillery System (LARS) was developed by the West German Army in the 1960s and eventually brought it into combat service in 1969. The vehicles were self-propelled rocket launchers in the same style as the classic Soviet rocket trucks seen during World War II (1939-1945). LARS connects Magirus-Deutz Jupiter series 6x6 wheeled trucks with a positionable dual launcher system on the rear flat section. Each launcher contains 18 110mm rockets for a total of 36 rockets ready to fire. A pair of Contraves Fieldguard radars form part of the Fire Control System (FCS).

The resulting product then becomes "LARS-1".

The supply vehicle was part of the LARS-1 mission and carried an additional 144 rockets. Reloading takes about 15 minutes. When ready to fire, the vehicle is stationary and supported by lowered support legs at the rear of the chassis. The launch unit can then be trained (powered) into the target area, raised to the desired range, and released within seconds of its launch tube. Each missile weighs 77 pounds and can carry HE-FRAG (High Explosive, Fragmentation), SUB-MUN (SUBMUNitions) and smoke payloads.

The maximum engagement distance is 14km and the minimum listed safe distance is 6km. An improved missile type was then introduced, increasing the range to 25 kilometers. The crew compartment is fully armored to withstand small arms fire.

The efforts of the LARS-1 spawned its successor, the LARS-2, which produced enhanced missile capabilities on a MAN 6x6 truck chassis. The LARS-2 system was subsequently replaced by the American Chain Rocket System M270 Multiple Launch Rocket (MLRS) adopted by the Bundeswehr.

In German, Light Artillery Rocket System becomes "Light Artillery Rocket System".

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

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Armor

36 x 110mm rockets and an additional 144 are served by the accompanying support vehicle. Variable warhead type.

Changes