Missile vehicle

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A missile vehicle, also known as a missile carrier, missile truck, or (if capable of launching) missile launcher vehicle, is a military vehicle that is purpose-built and designed to carry missiles, either for safe transportation or for launching missiles in combat. Missile vehicles include transporter erector launchers (TEL) and multiple rocket launchers (MRL).

The missile vehicle may be self-propelled, or the missile launcher may be on a trailer towed by a truck or prime mover. Long missiles are commonly transported parallel to the ground on these vehicles, and then elevated into an inclined or vertical position for launching. Single or dual missile vehicles often transport their missiles uncovered. The missile batteries of multiple rocket launchers often hold their missiles inside tubular or rectangular canisters for each missile, from which the missiles or rockets can be launched (or fired, in other words). Many missile trucks use large pneumatic tires, though some use continuous tracks.