MIM-46 Mauler

History

The MIM-46 "Mauler" was an unfortunate U.S. Army attempt at a mobile chain-propulsion surface-to-air missile defense system. The Mauler project was put on hold after development problems due to various technical glitches. These include structural defects in the rocket launcher during launch, problems with the rocket motor after the rocket has fired, and basic aerodynamic issues related to rocket flight.

The MIM-46 will feature a 3?3 missile block arrangement on the chassis of the ubiquitous M113 armoured personnel carrier, known as the "XM546 Tracked Fire Unit" in the Mauler configuration. By 1965, the U.S. Army decided to focus its energy and funding on the M48 "Jungle" air defense system.

Details of the XMIM-46A missile include a barrel length of 6 feet (1.83 m), a width of 13 inches, and a unit weight of 120 pounds. The missile can travel at 1,000 meters per second and defends against ceiling heights of up to 20,000 feet within 5 miles (8 kilometers) of the launch point.

The XMIM-46A relies on a 19-pound explosive fragmentation warhead propelled at high speed by Lockheed's solid-fuel rocket motor.

The RIM-46A "Sea Mauler" was intended to be the US Navy's naval version of the launcher, although it was never produced.

Specification

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

9 x XMIM-46A surface-to-air missiles

Changes