Lockheed Martin's HIMARS achieves 1 million operational hours

DALLAS, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System has achieved one million operational hours with the U.S. Armed Forces.

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, also known as HIMARS, is a lightweight multiple rocket launcher used by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps for artillery support. The system carries six rockets at a time, and is transported by a five-ton truck. Lockheed Martin says the system has had a 99 percent operational readiness rate over the past decade.

"This milestone is a testament to the legacy of performance and quality of design of the HIMARS system," Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Tactical Missiles Vice President Ken Musculus said in a statement. "HIMARS offers an unmatched strategic, combat-proven capability that helps Soldiers and Marines achieve their missions."

The U.S. Army began fielding HIMARS in May 2005, arming the 3rd Battalion, 27th Artillery Regiment with the system. The Army has since equipped 14 battalions with HIMARS, including National Guard units. The Marine Corps received its first HIMARS launchers in 2007.

HIMARS is crewed by three operators, including a gunner, a driver and launcher chief. It can be armed with the entire Multiple Launch Rocket System family of munitions.