"There are 4 warhead variants for the ASTROS launchers; the
32-round SS-30, 16-round SS-40, 4-round SS-60 and the 4-round
SS-80. The difference in the variants is dependent on the weight
and size of the rockets they fire. The numbers used in the variants
indicates the range of the rockets; an example would be the SS-80
which has an impressive range of 80 km."
The pros of the MLRS is that it can fire all its ammo in under a
minute.
All these units can be individually located in diverse locations
but ranged and timed to hit the same target at the same time. For
example, they can have 1 launcher in Kluang, 1 in Malaccca, and 1
in Muar but they all fire at, say PL Airbase - and timed so that
the rockets all land at the same time. This means that within a
span of a couple of minutes, PL Airbase will receive 48 incoming
rockets from just 3 launchers.
Another 3 launchers can be ranged in on C Airbase, S Airbase, air
defense missile and radar sites and so on. This will immobilise our
airforce long enough for their airforce and artillery to bring
further destruction to our runways and other installations.
It won't destroy our airforce and some planes will already scramble
as soon as the firing is detected. But it will have the effect of
limiting our air capability if used effectively.
A battery of conventional howitzers will take a much longer time to
deliver this same amount of ordnance, giving important seconds,
even minutes, for people to take cover, for more jet fighters to
scramble etc.
Then after firing they'll all scoot.
This dispersion as well as the shoot and scoot method will make
counter battery fire or airstrike to Search & Destroy these
launchers harder. (This method of dispersing launchers was
practiced by Cold War ICMB units).
The cons of the MLRS is that they are less accurate than our
howitzers.
