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However, the crew survived without a scratch thanks to improved ballistic and mine protection which included underbody armour and better protected seats in the cab, fitted to the system over the last year as part of an Urgent Operational Requirement.
The system's programme manager, Andy Bennett of Defence Equipment and Support's Artillery Systems team, said "The aim of the blast protection is to dissipate the effect of the explosion. The mine was designed to take out a tank, so for an MLRS launcher to take the effects of an anti-tank mine and the crew to survive without a scratch is fantastic.
"It shows that the efforts we are making to save our servicemen's lives are really working.
"Mines have already killed other vehicle occupants, but here the crew walked away unharmed and that is really gratifying."
The upgrades have been fitted on all operationally-deployed GMLRS launchers, and this weapon system is proving extremely successful in the battle against the insurgents with its ability to fire a precision guided rocket up to 70km.
Mr Bennett added "It is the weapon of choice in supporting our troops and those of the US and the Danes.
"We have vehicles that are working 24/7 at the moment and they are doing a brilliant job."
GMLRS launchers were uparmoured by Lockheed Martin UK with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and the Defence Support Group.
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