Lockheed’s Camden facility delivers HIMARS
Lockheed Martin has delivered the first High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher in which both the chassis and launcher components were manufactured at its facility in Camden, Arkansas, the company announced on 26 July.
Lockheed Martin is under a US Department of Defense foreign military sales contract to produce 12 new HIMARS launchers for an unnamed international customer. Delivery of all launchers will be complete by the end of 2017.
HIMARS is a lightweight mobile launcher, transportable via C-130 and larger aircraft, that fires Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and TACMS munitions. HIMARS consists of a launcher loader module and fire-control system mounted on a standard five-tonne truck chassis. The three occupants operating the systems are protected by a specialised armoured cab.
In addition to the US Army and Marine Corps, HIMARS is also fielded internationally.
Scott Greene, VP of precision fires for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘This delivery represents a significant milestone for Lockheed Martin in that we are now producing the HIMARS five-tonne trucks from the ground up in Camden. Our award-winning Camden facility continues to produce world-class vehicles, and this latest HIMARS vehicle coming off the line is indisputable proof of that.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Canada accelerates uncrewed aerial system procurement for NATO and Arctic forces
Canada plans to acquire at least 120 uncrewed aerial systems through two competitions with combined funding ceilings of C$32 million.
-
Front-line support: how UK industry is helping tackle Ukraine’s landmine challenges
Pearson Engineering has provided equipment and engineering expertise to the Armed Forces of Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022. The British company is now working to deepen engagement with the Ukrainian defence industry, expanding its support for the country’s population and laying the foundations for future technological innovation.
-
AUSA 2026: industry looks to make commercial platforms a military reality
With a production rate of more than 10 million vehicles annually, the US commercial car and vehicle manufacturing base is second only to China. Defence companies are looking at how the vehicles, technology and manufacturing capability can support programmes.