View source for Multi-Mission Launcher

{{Short description|United States Army missile launching system}}
{{Infobox weapon
|name= Multi-Mission Launcher
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|origin=United States
|used_by=[[United States Army]]
|type=[[short range air defense]] (SHORAD), [[Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar]] (C-RAM), and [[Multiple rocket launcher]] 
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|designer= US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC)
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|manufacturer= [[United States Army]]
|production_date=2016
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|range= <{{cvt|3|nmi|km}} for Stinger, <{{cvt|5|nmi|km}} for Hellfire, <{{cvt|22|nmi|km}} for AIM-9X, <{{cvt|40|nmi|km}} for Tamir
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|elevation= 90 degrees
|traverse= 360 degrees
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[[File:IFPC Inc 2-I launch of an AIM-9X Sidewinder Missile.ogv|thumb|IFPC Inc 2-I launch of an AIM-9X Sidewinder Missile]]
[[File:IFPC Longbow vs Outlaw 25 March 2016.ogv|thumb|IFPC Longbow vs [[Griffon Aerospace MQM-170 Outlaw|MQM-170 Outlaw]] 25 March 2016]]
[[File:Tamir Firing from IFPC Inc 2-I Multi Mission Launcher.ogv|thumb|Tamir Firing from IFPC Inc 2-I Multi Mission Launcher]]
The '''Multi-Mission Launcher''' ('''MML''') is an open-systems architecture multi-role missile launching system created by the [[United States Army]]'s [[Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center]].

==Development==
The MML has its roots in the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2-Intercept program which also included the development of the [[Miniature Hit-to-Kill Missile]] (MHTK). The system is intended to close gaps in the Army's cruise missile,  [[short range air defense]] (SHORAD) and [[Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar]] (C-RAM) defenses.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |title=Army nearing strategy on way ahead for Indirect Fire Protection Capability |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2018/10/10/army-nearing-strategy-on-way-ahead-for-indirect-fire-protection-capability/ |website=defensenews.com |publisher=Sightline Media Group|date=2018-10-07 }}</ref>

The MML was developed by the Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC). Unusually, AMRDEC served as the prime integrator instead of a private defense contractor; this lowers R&D costs as well as allowing the Army full ownership of the weapon system's source code and intellectual property which significantly lowers sustainment cost. The MML is the first major development program successfully undertaken by the government industrial base in more than 30 years.<ref name="United States Army">{{cite web |last1=Boyd |first1=Collins |title=U.S. Army successfully fires AIM-9X missile from new interceptor launch platform |url=https://www.army.mil/article/165134/us_army_successfully_fires_aim_9x_missile_from_new_interceptor_launch_platform |website=Army.mil |publisher=United States Army |accessdate=6 November 2018}}</ref> The [[Miniature Hit-to-Kill Missile]] was developed by [[Lockheed Martin]] specifically for the MML. Intended to fill the C-RAM role this approximately {{convert|2.5|ft|cm}} and {{convert|5|lb|kg}} missile fits four to a MML pod.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tomkins |first1=Richard |title=Lockheed tests mini-missile interceptor |url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2016/04/05/Lockheed-tests-mini-missile-interceptor/6031459877830/ |website=ups.com |publisher=United Press International |accessdate=12 November 2018}}</ref> Other missiles considered for MML were Expanded Mission Area Missile (EMAM), Israeli [[Iron Dome|Tamir]] and [[Stunner (missile)|Stunner]] missiles, and Accelerated Improved Interceptor missile.<ref name=defensenews-off-table-2019>{{cite web | url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/ausa/2019/10/15/army-developed-multimission-launcher-off-the-table/ | title=US Army-developed multimission launcher is off the table | date=15 October 2019 }}</ref>

Multiple missiles have been integrated and tested with the system. In 2016 [[FIM-92 Stinger]] missiles were launched from a single tube MML at [[Eglin Air Force Base]] in Florida.<ref>{{cite web |author=News Desk |title=Multi-Mission Launcher Launch a Stinger Missile on First Test |url=https://defense-update.com/20160329_58969.html |website=Defense Update |publisher=Defense Update |accessdate=6 November 2018|date=2016-03-29 }}</ref> [[AIM-9X Sidewinder]] and [[AGM-114 Hellfire]] missiles launched from a FMTV mounted 15 tube MML were tested at the Army's [[White Sands Missile Range]] in New Mexico.<ref name="United States Army"/> In April 2016, also at White Sands and using the FMTV mounted MML, the Army evaluated the Tamir missile which serves as the interceptor in the Israeli/American [[Iron Dome]] System.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |title=Israeli Interceptor Launched From US System Destroys Target |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2016/04/20/israeli-interceptor-launched-from-us-system-destroys-target/ |website=Defense News |accessdate=6 November 2018|date=2017-08-08 }}</ref> Raytheon produces a licensed local version of Tamir missile under the name SkyHunter.<ref name=defensenews-off-table-2019/>

By March 2019, the IFPC requirement had been scaled back to focus on cruise missile threats, while C-UAS and C-RAM defense would be handled by other systems; attempting to combine all missions into one system resulted in technical challenges with the payloads and reloading procedures. This allowed the MML to be made larger to accommodate bigger or more missiles. The IFPC will be part of a layered air and missile defense system, with a battery of MMLs attached to each MSHORAD and [[Patriot missile]] battalion to handle higher- or lower-end threats.<ref>[https://breakingdefense.com/2019/03/army-reboots-cruise-missile-defense-ifpc-iron-dome/ Army Reboots Cruise Missile Defense: IFPC & Iron Dome]. ''Breaking Defense''. 11 March 2019.</ref> AMRDEC and CMDS will deliver eight MML systems by the end of 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) |url=https://missiledefenseadvocacy.org/missile-defense-systems-2/future-bmd-systems-2/multi-mission-launcher-mml/ |website=missiledefenseadvocacy.org |publisher=Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance |accessdate=2 August 2019}}</ref>

During testing the MML had issues with reloading and the AIM-9X interceptors were prone to overheating.<ref name="Defense News 2021" />

==Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2-Intercept==

===Weapon System===
Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2-Intercept (IFPC Inc 2-I) is a mobile ground based multi-role weapons system built around the Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System with an [[AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel]] acting as the prime sensor and truck mounted MML systems as shooters.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Osborn |first1=Kris |title=The U.S. Army's New Missile Launcher Has a Super Game Changing Trick Up Its Sleeve |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/the-us-armys-new-missile-launcher-has-super-game-changing-19074 |website=National Interest |publisher=National Interest |accessdate=6 November 2018|date=2017-01-16 }}</ref> The acronym IFPC is pronounced "if pick."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dayley |first1=Colonel Brant |title=The Future of U.S. Army Missile Defense |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvaQY6IKozY |website=www.youtube.com |publisher=Center for Strategic & International Studies |accessdate=10 December 2018}}</ref> The Army intends to integrate a 100-kilowatt laser weapon with the system, they awarded a $130m development contract to a joint [[Dynetics]] and [[Lockheed Martin]] team. Like the MML the system will be integrated with the FMTV. The Army intends to test a full (including laser) IFPC system in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |title=Dynetics-Lockheed team beats out Raytheon to build 100-kilowatt laser weapon |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/05/16/dynetics-lockheed-team-beats-out-raytheon-to-build-100-kilowatt-laser-weapon/ |website=defensenews.com |publisher=Defense News |accessdate=20 May 2019|date=2019-05-16 }}</ref> In 2019 the Army announced their intent to field a high powered [[microwave weapon]] as part of IFPC by 2024 with a demonstration in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |title=Soon to come to the Army: A high-power microwave to take out drone swarms |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/smd/2019/08/07/the-armys-indirect-fires-protection-system-is-getting-a-high-power-microwave/ |website=www.defensenews.com |date=7 August 2019 |publisher=Defense News |accessdate=8 August 2019}}</ref>

===FMTV mounted Multi-Mission Launcher===
The MML was planned to be fielded carried aboard a [[Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles]] truck; each FMTV carries fifteen MML tubes organized into three five-tube clips. The launcher is highly maneuverable with 360 degrees of rotation and a full 90 degrees of elevation. Each FMTV pulls a standard trailer with a tactical missile data link and a standard 60&nbsp;kW generator.<ref>{{cite web |first1= |title=Multi-Mission Launcher |url=https://www.amrdec.army.mil/amrdec/pdf/MML_Fact_Sheet%2003_08_2017.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107010146/https://www.amrdec.army.mil/amrdec/pdf/MML_Fact_Sheet%2003_08_2017.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |website=amrdec.army.mil |publisher=AMRDEC |accessdate=6 November 2018}}</ref> Development of the platform utilized components from the [[Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles#Variants|M1157 Dump Truck]] and [[M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Howard |first1=Courtney |title=U.S. Army engineers prep Multi-Mission Launcher prototype, designed to defeat UAS, missiles, rockets |url=https://www.intelligent-aerospace.com/articles/2015/09/u-s-army-engineers-prep-multi-mission-launcher-prototype-designed-to-defeat-uas-missiles-rockets.html |website=intelligent-aerospace.com |publisher=Intelligent Aerospace |accessdate=9 May 2019|date=September 2015 }}</ref>

==Derivatives==
=== Enduring Shield ===
Enduring Shield from [[Dynetics]] uses a launcher based on the MML. The stacking system was redesigned to cost less and gains in probability and reducing complexity were also made. Like the MML the Enduring Shield launcher is payload agnostic allowing a wide range of missiles to be integrated into the system.<ref name="Defense News 2021" >{{cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |title=Dynetics unveils Enduring Shield, its solution for the US Army to counter cruise missiles |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/06/04/dynetics-unveils-enduring-shield-its-solution-for-the-us-armys-future-cruise-missile-defense-capability/ |website=www.defensenews.com |date=4 June 2021 |publisher=[[Defense News]] |access-date=5 June 2021}}</ref> Dynetics' MML-based Enduring Shield design was selected by the U.S. Army over the [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems|Rafael]] Iron Dome in August 2021.<ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2021/08/24/heres-who-the-us-army-has-tapped-to-build-an-enduring-capability-to-counter-drones-and-cruise-missiles/ Here’s who the US Army has tapped to build an enduring capability to counter drones and cruise missiles]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 24 August 2021.</ref> A typical Enduring Shield platoon will consist of four launchers linked to one [[AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel]] radar via the Army's Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) network; each launcher carries 15 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and is deployed off the back of [[Palletized Load System]] or [[M1120 HEMTT Load Handling System|Load Handling System]] trucks.<ref>[https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/army-eyes-supersonic-cruise-missile-interceptor-for-new-air-defense-system Army Wants Supersonic Cruise Missile Interceptor For Its New Air Defense System]. ''The Drive/The War Zone''. 17 January 2023.</ref><ref>[https://www.defensenews.com/land/2023/10/09/army-pursuit-of-new-air-and-missile-defense-interceptors-heating-up/ Army pursuit of new air and missile defense interceptors heating up]. ''[[Defense News]]''. 9 October 2023.</ref>

==See also==
* {{lwc|Air Defense Anti-Tank System|ADATS}}
* {{lwc|Multi-Mission Effects Vehicle}} 
* {{lwc|Iron Dome}}
* {{lwc|Antelope air defence system}}
* {{lwc|Middle range Multi-Purpose missile}}
* {{lwc|NASAMS}}
* {{lwc|Sky Sword II}}
* {{lwc|CAMM (missile family)|CAMM}}
* {{lwc|MICA (missile)|VL MICA}}
* {{lwc|Hisar (missile family)|HİSAR}}
* {{lwc|SPYDER}}
* {{lwc|AN/TWQ-1 Avenger}}
* {{lwc|MIM-72 Chaparral}}
* [[United States Army air defense]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2010s]]
[[Category:Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons of the United States]]
[[Category:Self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons]]
[[Category:United States Army equipment]]