The MIM-46 "Mauler" was an ill-fated attempt at a tracked mobile surface to air missile defense system for the US Army. The Mauler project was dropped after development issues resulted from various technological failures emerged. These included structural deficiencies of the missile canisters during launch, rocket motor problems occuring after ignition of the missile and basic aerodynamic issues related to the missile in flight. The MIM-46 was to feature a three-by-three missile block assembly atop the chassis of the ubiquitous M113 Armored Personnel Carrier, designated as the "XM546 Tracked Fire Unit" in the Mauler configuration. By 1965, the US Army decided to focus its energies and funding on the M48 "Chaparral" air defense system instead.
Details of the XMIM-46A Missile includes a running length of 6 feet (1.83 meters), a width of 13 inches and an individual unit weight of 120lbs. The missile could speed along at 1,000 meters per second and defend altitude ceilings of up to 20,000 feet with an operational range of 5 miles (8km) from the launch point. The XMIM-46A relied on a 19lb blast fragmentation warhead and was propelled at speed by a Lockheed-brand solid fuel rocket motor.
The RIM-46A "Sea Mauler" was to be a navalized version of the launcher portion for the United States Navy though none were ever produced.
Power & Performance Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the MIM-46 Mauler Forward Area Air Defense System.
1 x General Motors 6V53 6-cylinder diesel engine generating 212 horsepower. Installed Power
37 mph 60 kph Road Speed
298 miles 480 km Range
Structure The physical qualities of the MIM-46 Mauler Forward Area Air Defense System.
3 (MANNED) Crew
8.3 ft 2.52 meters O/A Length
8.8 ft 2.69 meters O/A Width
6.6 ft 2 meters O/A Height
24,912 lb 11,300 kg | 12.5 tons Weight
Armament & Ammunition Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the MIM-46 Mauler Forward Area Air Defense System.
1 x 9 Missile Launcher
AMMUNITION: 9 x XMIM-46A Surface-to-Air Missiles
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
Nightvision - NOT AVAILABLE.
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Protection (CBRN) - NOT AVAILABLE.
Variants Notable series variants as part of the MIM-46 Mauler family line.
XMIM-46A "Mauler" - Project Series Designation
RIM-46A "Sea Mauler" - Shipborne version (launcher only), never produced.
Operators Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the MIM-46 Mauler. Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.
Total Production: 1 Units Contractor(s): General Dynamics - USA
[ United States (canceled) ]
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Image from the United States Department of Defense imagery database.
Going Further... The MIM-46 Mauler Forward Area Air Defense System appears in the following collections:
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