MGM-140 ATACMS facts for kids
The MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System, often called ATACMS (pronounced "uh-TACK-uhms"), is a powerful type of tactical ballistic missile. It is made by an American company called Lockheed Martin.
This missile is quite large, standing about 13 feet (4.0 m) tall and 24 inches (610 mm) wide. It uses a special type of fuel called solid propellant, which helps it fly very fast. The ATACMS can travel a long distance, with some versions able to hit targets up to 190 miles (300 km) away.
ATACMS missiles are launched from special military vehicles. These include the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), which moves on tracks like a tank, and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), which is a wheeled vehicle.
A cool fact about the ATACMS is how it's hidden. The container it launches from looks just like a regular container that holds six smaller rockets. But inside, there's only one ATACMS missile. This clever design makes it harder for enemies to know which container holds the bigger, more important missile.
Quick facts for kids MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) |
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An ATACMS being launched by an M270
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| Type | Rocket artillery Tactical ballistic missile |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1991–present |
| Used by |
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| Wars | |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ling-Temco-Vought |
| Designed | 1986 |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| Unit cost | $820,000 (FY1998) (or ~$1,476,000 FY2022) |
| No. built | 3,700 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 3,690 pounds (1,670 kg) |
| Length | 13 feet (4.0 m) |
| Diameter | 24 inches (610 mm) |
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| Maximum firing range | 190 mi (300 km) |
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| Wingspan | 55 inches (1.4 m) |
| Flight ceiling | 160,000 ft (50 km) |
| Maximum speed | In excess of Mach 3 (0.6 mi/s; 1.0 km/s) |
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Guidance
system |
GPS-aided inertial navigation guidance |
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Launch
platform |
M270, HIMARS |
Contents
What is the ATACMS?
The ATACMS is a type of missile that can be launched from the ground to hit targets far away. It's called a "tactical" missile because it's used for specific, shorter-range missions on a battlefield, rather than very long-range attacks.
How Does it Work?
The ATACMS uses a solid rocket motor to launch. This motor gives it a lot of power to quickly accelerate to very high speeds. It can fly faster than three times the speed of sound!
The missile uses a special guidance system that combines GPS (Global Positioning System) with an inertial navigation system. This helps it know exactly where it is and guides it very accurately to its target.
Who Designed and Built It?
The ATACMS was first designed by a company called Ling-Temco-Vought in 1986. Today, it is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a large American defense company. Over 3,700 of these missiles have been made.
Where is ATACMS Used?
The ATACMS missile has been used by several countries around the world. The United States military uses it, and so do countries like South Korea, Romania, Greece, Turkey, and Poland. More recently, Ukraine has also received and used these missiles.
Major Conflicts and Wars
The ATACMS has been used in several important conflicts since it was introduced in 1991. These include:
- The Persian Gulf War
- The War in Afghanistan
- The Iraq War
- The Russo-Ukrainian War
See also
In Spanish: MGM-140 ATACMS para niños
