U.S. to send long-range rockets to Ukraine ---------------------------------------------------- The United States has agreed to send Ukraine more advanced rocket systems as part of a new $700 million package of military assistance ---------------------------------------------------- M142 HIGH MOBILITY ARTILLERY ROCKET SYSTEM (HIMARS) Truck-based rocket launcher built by Lockheed Martin Munitions Six 227mm rockets or one tactical missile Fully enclosed armoured cab for crew of three Vehicle cruising range: 480km Maximum road speed: 94km/h Restrictions: U.S. says missiles would not be used to strike targets within Russia Firing range About 80km – much further than existing Ukrainian artillery GPS guidance: Weapon believed to be more accurate than equivalent Russian systems “Shoot and scoot”: System can move into position, fire, retreat and reload in minutes Deployment: Transportable by C-130 or larger cargo plane ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sources: Army Recognition, BBC, Euronews, U.S. Army Pictures: DoD, Flickr © GRAPHIC NEWS