MIM-46 Mauler Forward Area Air Defense System

Specifications

Year: 1960
Manufacturer(s): General Dynamics - USA
Production: 1
Capabilities: Anti-Aircraft/Airspace Denial;

Crew: 3
Length: 8.27 ft (2.52 m)
Width: 8.83 ft (2.69 m)
Height: 6.56 ft (2 m)
Weight: 12 tons (11,300 kg); 24,912 lb

Power: 1 x General Motors 6V53 6-cylinder diesel engine generating 212 horsepower.

Speed: 37 mph (60 kph)
Range: 298 miles (480 km)

Operators: United States (canceled)

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.

Armament

1 x 9 Missile Launcher

Ammunition:
9 x XMIM-46A Surface-to-Air Missiles

Variants / Models

• XMIM-46A "Mauler" - Project Series Designation
• RIM-46A "Sea Mauler" - Shipborne version (launcher only), never produced.