SLU-FAE (Surface-Launched Unit, Fuel-Air Explosive)

Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) / Mine-Clearance Demolition Vehicle

United States | 1976

"The SLU-FAE mine-and-obstacle clearing vehicle failed to enter serial production."

Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one land system design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the SLU-FAE (Prototype) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) / Mine-Clearance Demolition Vehicle.

1 x Detroit Diesel (General Motors) 6V53T diesel-fueled engine developing 375 horsepower.
Installed Power

37 mph
60 kph
Road Speed

255 miles
410 km
Range

Structure
The physical qualities of the SLU-FAE (Prototype) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) / Mine-Clearance Demolition Vehicle.

4
(MANNED)
Crew

19.7 ft
6 meters
O/A Length

8.8 ft
2.68 meters
O/A Width

9.8 ft
3 meters
O/A Height

26,455 lb
12,000 kg | 13.2 tons
Weight

Armament & Ammunition
Available supported armament, ammunition, and special-mission equipment featured in the design of the SLU-FAE (Surface-Launched Unit, Fuel-Air Explosive) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) / Mine-Clearance Demolition Vehicle.

30 x 345mm rocket-launching unit over the rear of the hull.

AMMUNITION:
30 x 345mm HE rockets

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the SLU-FAE (Surface-Launched Unit, Fuel-Air Explosive) family line.

SLU-FAE - Base Series Designation; prototype model only.

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 09/25/2018 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

The quick mechanized advances of World War 2 (1939-1945) taught the future war planners of the Cold War (1947-1991) the importance of expedited mine and obstacle clearance. These two battlefield hindrances could delay army forces for hours to days depending on their nature. While the Allies ultimately claimed the victory in the world-wide conflict, this experience was not lost when planning for the future wars in Europe - against a new enemy in the Soviet Union.

In the late 1970s, the United States military (Army and Navy services) funded development of a dedicated mine-and-obstacle clearance vehicle built atop the existing framework of the M548 tracked vehicle (also making up the M752 "Lance" battlefield missile carrier). This allowed the unit to be tracked and capable of keeping up with the main mechanized fighting force (presumably United States Marines undertaking amphibious assault operations). The launcher component, a collection of 30 x 345mm rocket launch tubes, was seated atop a trainable mounting over the rear of the vehicle and sported a limited retracting feature.

The vehicle was named SLUFAE - "Surface-Launched Unit, Fuel-Air Explosive) - and was crewed by four. It weighed 12 tons and held a length of 6 meters with a width of 2.68 meters and a height of 3 meters. Drive power was provided by a General Motors 6V53T diesel-fueled engine developing 375 horsepower and allowing road speeds of 60 kmh with an operational range out to 410 kilometers. The hull remained amphibious and could also manage gradients of 60% and slopes of 30%.

Testing of the SLUFAE occurred between 1976 and 1978. The XM130 rocket had a range out to 150 meters and each weighed 86 kilograms with a 45 kilogram warhead fitted. As demolition weapons, the rockets were sound for destroying obstacles and activating buried mines however range was relatively short and required the vehicle to be close enough to a target area for the rockets to be truly effective. As a second-line, engineering-minded weapon, this was acceptable (in theory).

While promising, the SLUFAE venture was not followed through on and fell to history. The U.S. military continued the concept through the CATFAE ("CATapult-Launched, Fuel-Air Explosive") system instead.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the SLU-FAE (Surface-Launched Unit, Fuel-Air Explosive). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national land systems listing.

Total Production: 1 Units
Contractor(s): NWC - USA

[ United States (cancelled) ]

1 / 1

Image of the SLU-FAE (Surface-Launched Unit, Fuel-Air Explosive)

Image from the United States Army.

Going Further...
The SLU-FAE (Surface-Launched Unit, Fuel-Air Explosive) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) / Mine-Clearance Demolition Vehicle appears in the following collections:

HOME

ARMOR INDEX

ARMOR BY COUNTRY

VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2024 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks of the World U.S. Department of Defense Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols Breakdown U.S. 5-Star Generals List WWII Weapons by Country World War Next

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing military medals and ribbons. Special Interest: RailRoad Junction, the locomotive encyclopedia.

©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)