MARS 3
EUROPEAN LONG RANGE PRECISION FIRES SYSTEM
MARS 3 is a new Multi-domain Rocket Artillery System developed by KNDS Deutchland. The system is manufactured, sustained and controlled in Europe.
MARS 3 is a flexible and responsive multi-launch system designed to meet today’s long-range fire support needs. Able to respond rapidly across a variety of mission scenarios, it delivers unmatched precision and target effect.
The MARS 3 launcher is fully autonomous and incorporates an automatic target acquisition system to ensure on-demand availability for fire missions. After the target has been engaged, its shoot and scoot capability allows it to quickly relocate and re-engage.
MARS 3 bridges the gap between conventional artillery systems and long-distance cruise missiles through two unique features. One, the system is vehicle agnostic, which means it can be mounted on a variety of platforms. Second, it is ammunition agnostic, allowing interchangeability between different rocket and missile types.
How these advanced features are delivered and why the system represents a fundamentally new and highly effective approach to rocket artillery is explained below.
Product features (based on IVECO TRAKKER)
Dimensions L x W x H
10.60 m / 2.55 m / 3.85 m
Combat weight
< 40.0 t
Engine power
397 kW (540 HP)
Maximum Speed
90 km/h (road)
Effective firing range
< 300 km
Ammunition (2 Pods)
Mix of European legacy and other rockets Adaptable to future missiles
Rate of fire
e.g. 12 rockets in ~60 seconds
Target engagement
Azimuth: > 180°, three fire directions
Crew
2-3 soldiers
Protection
High protection level to customer specification
Supported effectors
In rocket artillery, the ammunition usually defines the launcher. Only OEM ammunition can be fired from OEM launchers. With MARS 3 KNDS Deutschland revolutionizes this principle. MARS 3 is not bound to a specific OEM ammunition. The concept of an open architecture is more than 20 years old and has been applied successfully by KNDS Deutschland in the European Fire Control System of the German MARS II. This is possible because KNDS is not an ammunition OEM and can take a neutral position in the best interest of the customer while ammunition OEMs have competing interests.
MARS 3 is able to integrate almost every artillery rocket or missile.
MARS 3 capable to integrate
(legal permission requiered)
More Effectors capable to be integrated
All Launcher Systems and Effectors made in Europe
Known HMI
- End user’s fire support system
- Modular Fire Control System supporting listed munitions
The open Modular Fire Control System is not limited to rockets from a single rocket manufacturer.
The launcher and MFCS are intentionally designed to make the integration of new ammunition as simple as possible.
MARS 3 is not bound to a specific carrier vehicle. It can be easily integrated onto almost any customer-specific vehicle by means of a customised adapter frame. Even if a nation requires only a few rocket artillery systems, these can be integrated into the customer´s existing fleet without creating an additional supply chain for the vehicle. The use of an in-service vehicle maximizes the synergies for maintenance and training for the user.
The open Modular Fire Control System is not limited to rockets from a single rocket manufacturer. The launcher and MFCS are intentionally designed to make the integration of new ammunition as simple as possible. As a result, the MARS 3 is capable of firing legacy and future effectors. A wide range of rockets and missiles is already integrated or in the process of being integrated. Some of these are already in service. Some will be available in near or medium term. The portfolio includes assets with a range of 300+ km, anti-tank mine barrages, loitering ammunition or cruise missiles capable of engaging targets both on land and at sea. The choice of effector is almost unlimited for the user nation. MARS 3 provides unique multi-domain capabilities. This allows rocket artillery to be rethought and to prevail in the demanding tactical scenarios of today and tomorrow. Current conflicts demonstrate the importance of not being dependent on a single ammunition manufacturer. MARS 3 offers true interoperability.
Possible platforms
BAE Tracked, IVECO 8x8 Wheeled + Crane, Scania 8x8 Wheeled, Tatra 6x6 Wheeled
With MARS 3, KNDS Deutschland now introduces the Modular Fire Control System (MFCS). The Modular Fire Control System is open for any kind of effectors and combines the experience and know-how of the legacy rocket artillery system MARS II with the modern standard components of the recently fielded armoured howitzer RCH 155 into an efficient and adaptable modular rocket artillery system. By using the RCH 155 architecture, KNDS Deutschland creates a standard interface for the world’s leading artillery systems MARS 3, RCH 155 and Panzerhaubitze 2000.
Related products to the MARS 3
You will find many other products from KNDS Deutschland to accompany this one, which are associated with the product illustrated.
