Rockets/Missiles
The Multiple-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) provides counterfire, suppression of enemy air defenses and destruction of light and personnel targets. The MLRS delivers large volumes of firepower in a short time against critical, time-sensitive targets. The basic rocket warhead carries dual-purpose, improved conventional munition (DPICM) submunitions. The MLRS, however, is capable of supporting and delivering all of the MLRS family of munitions (MFOM), including the Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) variants. Growth programs are under way to extend the range and accuracy of rockets and missiles and to upgrade the launcher fire control and mechanical systems.
The U.S. initial operational capability for the MLRS was achieved in 1983. Starting in FY 1989, the MLRS has been coproduced by the United States, Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom. As of September 1997, the United States had procured 857 launchers.
Two parallel enhancement programs have been directed toward the M270 tracked MLRS launcher: the M270 improved positioning determining system (IPDS) and the pending M270A1 upgrade.
The M270 IPDS program is an interim upgrade applied to a select number of launchers to provide the ability to fire the longer range GPS-guided ATACMS Block IA and Block II missiles until M270A1 launchers are fielded. The modification kit features the IPDS line replaceable unit (LRU) with an embedded GPS receiver. The new LRU replaces the improved stabilization reference package/positioning determining system (ISRP/PDS) LRU found in the current M270 launchers. Other components of the IPDS modification include a 4-megabyte electronics unit (twice the M270's capacity); GPS antenna, data transfer device and associated cables; expanded hoist bumpers for ATACMS Block IA missile pod hang angles; and additional training and maintenance equipment.
Lockheed Martin is under contract and has incorporated two new upgrades to the current MLRS system. The new M270A1 Launcher appears identical to existing M270s while incorporating an improved fire control system (IFCS) and an improved launcher mechanical system (ILMS).
The IFCS allows for more sophisticated munitions and reduces operating costs. The IFCS upgrade includes a new fire control panel with video, a full keyboard, a gigabyte of program storage and GPS navigation. With distributed multiprocessor technology, the IFCS will be able to process large blocks of data from new smart munitions within tactical time lines. Operating and maintenance costs will be reduced by 38 percent because of the greater reliability and ease of repair on IFCS parts. The new system meets requirements for the first digitized corps and allows for future growth, being capable of firing future munitions and having a greater capacity to expand situational awareness.
The ILMS dramatically reduces the time needed to aim and reload the launcher. In a typical fire mission, the ILMS-equipped launcher is six times faster than the current M270 launcher, with reload time decreased by more than 38 percent.
Crew and launcher survivability will be greatly enhanced by decreasing total exposure time on the battlefield. The new system reduces operations and support (O&S) costs by 38 percent while incorporating state-of-the-art electronics and embedded global-positioning and inertial navigation systems.
Procurement of the M270A1 began in 1999. A confidence demonstration was successfully completed in 2000. Systems integration testing and extended systems integration testing of software were successfully completed in 2001, with all exit criteria being met or exceeded.
In 2000, the Army accepted delivery of the first M270A1 low-rate initial production (LRIP) launcher. To date, 30 M270A1 launchers have been delivered. LRIP III and IV are currently in progress. The entire MLRS family of munitions, including the MLRS M26 rocket, extended-range rocket, reduced-range practice rocket, guided MLRS rocket, ATACMS Block I, ATACMS Block IA and ATACMS Block II, have been successfully fired from the M270A1. The first unit has been fielded at Fort Hood, Texas, and fielding is ongoing in South Korea.
The High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) is the newest variant of the multiple-launch rocket system family. HIMARS is a highly mobile artillery rocket system offering MLRS firepower on a wheeled chassis.
HIMARS carries a single six-pack of MLRS rockets, or one Army tactical missile system (ATACMS) missile, on the Army's new family of medium tactical vehicles (FMTV) 5-ton truck. HIMARS is designed to launch the entire MLRS family of munitions, including the MLRS basic, M26 rocket, extended-range rocket, the reduced-range practice rocket, guided MLRS and all ATACMS variants.
HIMARS is part of the rapid force projection initiative, an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) program. Four prototypes have been built by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas, with three vehicles delivered to the XVIII Airborne Corps for a two-year evaluation.
On May 20, 1998, HIMARS successfully fired the first MLRS rockets from a prototype launcher at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. This was the first in a firing program that includes 76 rockets and an Army TACMS Block I missile. To date, HIMARS has fired the entire MLRS family of munitions. On December 22, 1999, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control-Dallas was awarded a 36-month engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contract. The first unit is scheduled to be equipped in FY 2005. The Army plans to procure more than 700 HIMARS launchers.
In 2000, the U.S. Marine Corps joined the HIMARS program. The Marine Corps is conducting a technology demonstration to evaluate the system, with the objective of fully incorporating HIMARS into the Corps. The Marine Corps is planning to equip two battalions with HIMARS.
The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Blocks I and IA provide long-- range, surface-to-surface fire support for Army corps and division operations.
Both ATACMS Blocks I and IA are surface-to-surface guided missile systems with an antipersonnel/antimateriel (APAM) warhead. The ATACMS with an APAM warhead attacks soft area targets at ranges well beyond the capability of existing cannons and rockets. Targets include surfaceto-surface missile and multiple rocket launcher units; air defense systems; logistics elements; and command, control and communications complexes.
The M270 MLRS launcher fires ATACMS Block I missiles to engage targets at ranges out to 165 kilometers. The Block I was employed in combat action in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm and effectively destroyed high-priority targets. The contractor completed deliveries of the Block I missile in 1997.
The ATACMS Block IA, with enhanced accuracy enabled by GPS augmentation, has a 300-km reach. Block IA began fielding in FY 1998, and retrofit of selected launchers to Block IA capability occurred simultaneously with missile fielding.
The ATACMS Block IA Unitary Missile Program is a U.S. Army initiative developed as a result of lessons learned in Kosovo. It was clear that battlefield commanders needed a weapon with precise guidance and lower lethal radii to minimize collateral damage. Future military operations will require the need for precision attacks on critical point targets, to include those in urban environments or restrictive terrain, under all weather conditions while minimizing collateral damage.
The Army TACMS unitary missile is a responsive all-weather, long-range missile with a high-explosive, single-burst warhead fired from the multiple-launch rocket system family of launchers. The ATACMS Block IA missile is converted to the unitary configuration by replacing the antipersonnel/antimateriel (APAM) munitions and integrating a proven government-furnished unitary warhead (470-lb. SLAM/ HARPOON) and fuze into the warhead section.
The missile has a range of approximately 300 kilometers and provides the Army the capability to attack high-payoff, time-sensitive targets without placing combat or support aircraft and crews at risk. Its precision accuracy, the absence of potential submunition duds and reduced lethal radii overcome collateral damage concerns.
First delivery of an Army TACMS unitary missile was completed within four months of contract award, and the flight test was successfully conducted in April 2001 at White Sands Missile Range. The Army TACMS unitary missile was launched from an MLRS IPDS launcher and flew 139 kilometers to the target impact site. The target array was constructed to obtain a qualitative measurement of the warhead effects via indicators placed in the impact area. The results of the flight test indicate that the warhead effects were fairly concentrated, dissipating within a hundred meters of the impact area with no duds or unexploded ordnance.
The Army TACMS unitary quick reaction program is currently under way and provided the Army with 43 missiles (including one for testing) in the first quarter of 2002. Additional missiles are being procured.
The ATACMS Block II provides longrange, surface-to-surface fire support. The ATACMS Block II is a modification of the currently fielded and combat-proven ATACMS Block I missile family. The Block II will deliver 13 brilliant antitank (BAT) or pre-planned, product-improved (P31) BAT submunitions at supersonic velocity out to 145 kilometers, where they will autonomously attack and destroy numerous high-payoff targets. The initial BAT warheads will enable the engagement of moving armored formations at long range. When loaded out with P3I BAT submunitions, the target set will expand to include stationary armor as well as moving or stationary surface-to-surface missile (SSM) launchers and multiple rocket launchers.
In November 1993, the ATACMS Block II became the carrier for the BAT submunition. Approval of the Block II continued development program occurred in May 1995. The first flight test of an ATACMS Block II missile occurred in the fourth quarter of FY 1997. Fielding commenced in the first quarter of FY 2002.
The ATACMS Penetrator program is an advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) that uses the ATACMS Block IA motor and guidance and control, and incorporates a U.S. Navy separating penetrator warhead. A follow-on program is being developed by the Army and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
The Extended Range Multiple-Launch Rocket System (ER-MLRS) will provide longer range rockets with a lower submunition hazardous dud rate for the MLRS. The ER-MLRS was the next logical step in the evolution of the MLRS rocket design. The program emerged from lessons learned during Operation Desert Storm, in which senior-level commanders, while applauding the effectiveness of the basic rocket, stated a requirement for greater range. The ER-MLRS is a free-flight, area-- fire, artillery rocket designed to enhance the capabilities of the MLRS.
The ER-MLRS extends the 31.8-km range of the basic rocket to approximately 45 kilometers. The extended-range variant has the same diameter and length as the basic rocket, but it has been modified to include a lengthened motor and a shorter warhead section with fewer DPICM grenades. The launch pod for the ER-MLRS incorporates a new no-load detent (soft launch) system and is similar in appearance to the existing 426 LPC.
Funding constraints, coupled with the decision to use guidance packages on extended-range rockets, resulted in a limited production, low-rate procurement strategy until the guided MLRS (GMLRS) rocket procurement starts.
Only about 4,000 ER-MLRS will be procured. This provides the field with a limited capability until the more effective GMLRS is fielded.
The Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) supports Army Transformation with increased overmatch capabilities and a reduced logistics footprint over current free-flight rockets. GMLRS will be employed with the M270A1 and the HIMARS launchers. GM_LRS is a multinational development program with the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Germany that upgrades the extended-range multiple-launch rocket system (ER-MLRS).
Using various components from the ERMLRS (grenades and rocket pods), it will transform the MLRS free-flight rocket into a precision-guided rocket by incorporating a guidance and control package and a new rocket motor to achieve greater range and accuracy.
Guidance will be performed by a low-- cost tactical-grade inertial measurement unit (IMU), which will be aided by a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. GPS is not mission essential, but provides a further increase in accuracy when used in conjunction with the IMU. GMLRS provides the necessary components (guidance, controls and motor) for further precision and smart submunition variants.
GMLRS will have a maximum range of more than 70 kilometers with accuracy measured in meters. It will carry a warhead payload of 404 dual-purpose improved conventional munition (DPICM) bomblets. The modular design will facilitate future growth.
GMLRS began an advanced technology demonstration (ATD) in 1994 with five ATD flight tests completed in 1999. An international memorandum of understanding with France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom was signed in 1998. The program made the transition into engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) in 1999 and is managed by the U.S. Army MLRS project manager as an international cooperative development program.
The EMD preliminary design review was successfully completed in 1999. In 2000, the program demonstrated an acceptable DPICM dispense threshold and rocket motor preflight readiness tests. In December 2000, GMLRS successfully completed its first ballistic flight test. GMLRS is undergoing production qualification flight testing with a projected initial operational capability of FY 2005.
A preplanned product improvement to GMLRS is the guided unitary MLRS (GUM). GUM integrates a 200-pound unitary warhead into the GMLRS and provides an enhanced antijam and accuracy processor. This low-cost, low-risk program will greatly reduce collateral damage by providing a one-round, one-kill capability.
Self-propelled Cannons/Support
The M109A6 Paladin 155-mm Self-Propelled Howitzer provides the primary indirect-fire support to heavy divisions and armored cavalry regiments.
Like the earlier M109 models, the M109A6 Paladin is a fully tracked, armored vehicle. The enhanced Paladin configuration is achieved through extensive modifications to existing M109A2/A3 vehicle hulls and the subsequent introduction of an entirely new turret structure.
The Paladin includes an onboard automated fire control system (AFCS), which provides ballistic computation, weapon control, a vehicle location/navigation system, secure radio communications systems, an improved M284 cannon and M182A1 gun mount, automotive improvements, improved ballistic and nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) protection, driver's night-vision capability and built-in test equipment. Additional chassis upgrades include a remotely actuated travel lock (for quicker emplacement and displacement), longer torsion bars (to help support the new turret) and a low-heat rejection engine with an improved cooling system.
Described as the first digitized combat vehicle in the Army's inventory, the Paladin has improved responsiveness, survivability, lethality and reliability compared to the earlier M109s.
The first 164 Army Paladin systems were manufactured under a September 1991 LRIP contract, resulting in first unit equipped (FUE) status in April 1993. The subsequent full-scale production (FSP), multiyear contract covered 630 howitzers. Additional options for 83 systems and a follow-on order for 73 Paladins brought the total number of units produced under FSP to 786.
On June 25, 1999, the Army received its 950th M109A6 Paladin. The event marked the end of full-scale production (164 LRIP + 786 FSP = 950 M109A6s).
The Army received a FY 2000 congressional plus-up for an additional seven Paladin vehicles for continued Army National Guard modernization.
The remaining M109 howitzer fleet has received the M109A5 upgrade, which included some of the same automotive and crew NBC protection improvements as well as the Paladin's M284 cannon and M182 gun mount. In addition, Army National Guard planners may seek funding for additional M109A6 upgrades in the coming fiscal years.
A parallel U.S. Army recapitalization effort can be seen in the M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicle (FAASV). The basic M992A0 FAASV emerged from an industry research and development project designed to provide self-propelled field artillery units with a ballistically protected vehicle capable of performing critical resupply and support functions. The FAASV system was type classified and entered production in 1983. It was based on an M109 howitzer chassis that provided the resupply asset with mobility and survivability characteristics commensurate with the supported cannon element. The system is now paired on a one-for-one basis with the Army's M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer.
Some of the Army's 664 basic M992A0 systems saw combat service in support of early M109 howitzers during Operation Desert Storm. Following that service, the program followed two development paths during the mid-1990s: new manufacture of 125 M992Als and upgrade of all M992AOs to M992A2 configuration. (All 125 M992A1s were also subsequently converted to the M992A2 configuration.) Both paths facilitated FAASV interoperability with the Paladin.
The M992A1 design, for example, incorporated Paladin's low-heat rejection engine, modification to propellant storage configuration and rear door/conveyor improvements (to facilitate operations with the M109A6).
The M992A2 upgrade was accomplished through a materiel change program. It includes all of the enhancements found in the Al package and such features as an improved radiator; reinforced sidedoor sponson; final-drive quick disconnect; relocation of the personnel heater and hydraulic reservoir; and improvements to auxiliary power unit (APU) reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM) criteria.
The final A1-to-A2 conversions were completed in March 1999, and final AO-toA2 conversions were completed in April 1999. In addition to these upgrade efforts, United Defense LP received follow-on contracts for 96 "new build" M992A2 systems in July 1996, with 36 additional conversion systems placed on contract in November 1998.
These 36 conversion systems are unique in that they were remanufactured into new M992A2s from long supply M109A2/A3 howitzer hulls. Program savings from this process allowed for an additional six M992A2 vehicle conversions (42 in total). Deliveries of these additional conversion vehicles were completed in December 2000.
Current inventories, however, still reElect a shortfall between M109A6 Paladins (957 units) and the supporting FAASVs (664 + 125 + 96 + 42 = 927). Program planners indicate that the Army is likely to seek funding to close this 30-vehicle gap and that further conversions of excess howitzers probably will be the acquisition method pursued.
The Crusader Advanced Field Artillery System* is a fully automated, 155-mm self-propelled howitzer that will provide a significant increase in artillery survivability, lethality, mobility and operational effectiveness. It is the first howitzer since World War II to provide U.S. cannon artillery with an overmatch capability, and it enables a force effectiveness increase of more than 50 percent. The Crusader could help the Army maintain combat dominance by hosting the most advanced ground combat vehicle technologies in the world. This integrated suite of technologies includes: an advanced, aircraft-like crew cockpit; drive-by-wire chassis; fully automated armament and ammunition robotic handling equipment; an actively cooled armament system; real-time situational awareness; integrated electronic architecture; embedded prognostics, diagnostics and fault handling; composite structures; and enhanced survivability-- keystone capabilities that would provide the technical foundation for successful development of future ground combat systems.
The Crusader XM2001 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) could deliver unprecedented firepower capabilities, with a first-- round response time of 15-20 seconds and a maximum rate of fire of 10-12 rounds per minute at ranges in excess of 40 kilometers. With its advanced technologies, a single Crusader will be able to fire up to eight rounds, which will strike the target simultaneously.
The foundation for SPH ammunition and fuel resupply is provided through a complementary mix of tracked and wheeled resupply vehicles (RSV-T, RSV-- W). The resupply vehicles will carry the necessary ammunition to meet the expected firing rates, meet the goals for autonomous operations and increased operational flexibility, and provide cost and sustainment advantages through component commonality with the SPH. Critical integral technologies and capabilities of the XM2002 RSV-T and XM2003 RSV-W include: automated docking and transfer of ammunition, fuel, and data between vehicles and automated, robotic ammunition handling internal to each vehicle. The RSV-T cockpit and crew stations, ammunition handling and storage systems, and engine and chassis will be essentially the same as those on the SPH. The RSV-W will consist of a resupply module (RSM) transported by the M1075 palletized loading system (PLS). The RSM will incorporate most of the same automated ammunition handling equipment and automated docking, ammunition, fuel and data transfer equipment as the RSV-T.
In September 2000, the Army selected the Honeywell LV100-5 1,500-hp gas turbine engine as the engine of choice for the Abrams tank and the Crusader SPH and RSV-T. The Crusader program office partnered with the Abrams program office to form the Abrams-Crusader common engine (ACCE) program to jointly manage the development of the new engine. With this approach the Army will gain logistics advantages through the procurement, fielding and support of a common engine. This common engine would ensure that Crusader, the direct support artillery to the counterattack corps, could maintain and even exceed the mobility of the Abrams/ Bradley armored maneuver forces of the corps. The ACCE program would provide 29 engines to support both the Crusader program development and risk reduction (PDRR) and system development and demonstration (SD&D) program phases.
The Crusader advanced field artillery system was in the PDRR phase. This phase included the development and testing of the following program assets:
* LV100-5 engine: Developmental power plant test platforms to develop performance and reliability data on the LV100-5 gas turbine engine.
* SPH1: This prototype, self-propelled howitzer was tested at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., until the end of PDRR and will be the principal test asset to demonstrate milestone B firepower (range, rate of fire and thermal management) and automated ammunition handling against exit and success criterion. Since firing began in February 2000, SPH1 has successfully demonstrated the potential to achieve its rate-of-fire (ROF) and maximum range key performance parameters (KPP), firing 10.4 rounds per minute and exceeding a range of 40 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles.
* Crusader integrated test station (CITS): This test station, using objective electronics, mechanical munitions-handling robotics and tactical software, was the principal test asset for validating milestone B ammunition upload, resupply and ballistic firing computation.
The CITS consists of integrated SPH and RSV-T test stands with fully functional crew cockpits to provide the crews with real operator interfaces and environments. SPH functionality in the CITS supported simulated fire missions (such as ballistic computation and automatic gun-pointing), automated ammunition handling, electronic fuse setting, and laser ignition. RSVT functionality supported ammunition upload/download, rearm/exchange with the SPH and basic ammunition inventory management. The CITS began the integration, assembly, test and checkout (IAT&C) phase of development in April in the systems integration facility at United Defense, LP, Minneapolis, Minn. Testing to achieve milestone B exit criteria concluded during the early user experiment.
To align Crusader with Army Transformation to create a more lethal and more rapidly deployable force fully capable across the spectrum of operations, the program successfully concluded a comprehensive design refinement effort to produce a lighter (38 to 42 tons), more deployable Crusader without compromising the key performance parameters of range, rate of fire, SPH resupply rate and tactical mobility. Design refinements were achieved by reducing SPH and RSV-T length and width, reducing the onboard payload, kitting the armor, changing the power pack and suspension, and by changing the material, structure and components (such as selected use of titanium and composites).
The Crusader SPH, RSV-T and RSV-W will replace all M109A6 Paladin SPHs and M992A2 field artillery ammunition supply vehicles (FAASVs) in the active component. In addition, selected National Guard artillery battalions were going to replace their M109A6/FAASV fleets with the Crusader advanced field artillery system. The modular artillery charge system (MACS), a key enabling technology for automating ammunition handling and firing, was also being developed concurrently by the Crusader program office.
*On July 26, Undersecretary of Defense Edward C. Aldridge signed a memorandum directing that the U.S. Army take "prudent and deliberate actions to bring about an orderly termination of the Crusader program." The memorandum directs that development should continue either as part of other transformation programs or as an indirect fire technology demonstration.
Towed Howitzers
First used extensively during the Vietnam conflict, the M102 105-mm Towed Howitzer is a highly versatile weapon system with a maximum range of 11,500 meters.
Nearly one ton lighter than the World War II-era M101A1 105-mm towed howitzer (4,980 pounds) that it replaced, the M102 (3,338 pounds) proved to be a highly versatile weapon.
Most M102 systems have been replaced over the last decade by the M119A1 105-- mm towed howitzer.
The M119A1 105-mm Towed Howitzer was first issued to the U.S. Army's 7th Infantry Division (Light) in December 1989. Transportable by UH-60 helicopters, the lightweight, towed field artillery system (3,340 pounds) provided significantly greater range (14,000 meters standard/ 19,500 high-explosive rocket-assisted) and lethality than the M101A1/M102 105-mm towed howitzers that it replaced in a variety of light units.
Based on the L118 British light gun, the M119A1s provided to U.S. units were modified with U.S. fire control and the addition of brackets to incorporate a chronograph and battery computer system.
To provide even greater range and lethality for light unit fire support elements, the Army began fielding the M198 155-mm Towed Howitzer in early 1979. As a successor to the older M114A1 155-mm towed system, the 15,750-pound M198 provided a maximum range of 30 kilometers (with rocket-assisted projectiles) and the capability to fire a broader range of ammunition options than those available for 105-mm units.
Normally towed by a 5-ton truck, the M198 can also be moved by a CH-47D Chinook helicopter or Air Force assets, C-130 and larger.
The XM777 Lightweight 155-mm Howitzer (LW155) is a joint Marine Corps and Army program to replace the M198 155-- mm towed howitzer. The LW155 will be a general support system for the Army's light units, and it is the planned cannon fire support system for the Stryker brigade combat team. It will be the sole howitzer in the Marine Corps.
Its key performance parameters are a howitzer weight of less than 9,000 pounds, emplacement time of two to three minutes and a displacement time of one to two minutes. The LW155 uses the XM776 155-- mm cannon, giving it a maximum firing range of approximately 30 kilometers with rocket-assisted projectiles and 24.7 kilometers with standard rounds. It has a maximum firing rate of five rounds per minute and a sustained rate of two rounds per minute.
The first engineering manufacturing and development (EMD) LW155 was delivered to the government in June 2000. Three more EMD howitzers have since been delivered and are undergoing technical tests. Four more howitzers were delivered in December for multiservice operational test and evaluation. Two pilot production guns were delivered in March. Army initial operational capability is projected for the first quarter of FY 2005.
The XM982 Excalibur Extended Range Guided Projectile is a fire-and-forget guided projectile with a jam-resistant global positioning system (GPS) receiver and an inertial measurement unit (IMU) guidance package that enables the projectile to fly with GPS accuracy (6-meter circular error probable [CEP] unjammed; 9-meter jammed) to preprogrammed volley aimpoints independent of range. The Excalibur projectile employs a nonballistic flight path. It will use emerging technologies to achieve extended range.
The Excalibur projectile incorporates a modular design that carries one of three payloads: a DPICM, a sensor-fuzed munition (SFM) or a unitary warhead (penetrator) payload. The longer range capability permits attack of deeper targets. Firing units have greater survivability and positioning flexibility; they can now locate beyond the range of threat indirect fire weapon systems. The probability of fratricide from cannon DPICM firings should be significantly reduced by using DPICM submunitions with self-destruct and sterilization features.
The Excalibur provides the Field Artillery with improved fire support through an extended range, reduced fratricide, enhanced accuracy and a more lethal family of 155-mm projectiles in support of Army 2010 operations. Ranges for the Paladin are from 37-40 kilometers, with more than 50 kilometers for the Crusader.
The DPICM projectile contains 64 XM85 submunitions (with a self-destruct feature) and will be used against personnel, materiel, light armored targets and other area targets.
The SFM variant will be used to engage self-propelled artillery and armored targets.
The unitary warhead will be used against building-type targets in complex or urban terrains.
The EMD contract was awarded to Raytheon Systems Inc. Developmental testing is scheduled to conclude early in FY 2004 with IOC (unitary) late in FY 2006. As of this writing, DoD representatives have expressed a desire for and support of accelerated fielding of Excalibur.
Mortar Systems
The 60-mm M224 Lightweight Company Mortar serves in light infantry formations, including the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment. With a maximum range of approximately 3,500 meters, the M224 provides indirect-fire support across the entire company front and at sufficient range to engage targets out to the limit of the company zone of influence.
Tactical ammunition options include a high-explosive/multioption fuze, high-- explosive point detonating, white phosphorous/smoke and illumination. The smoothbore system can be gravity-fired or fired by using a manual spring-loaded firing system. It employs the M64A1 (replacing the M64) sight, which is self-illuminated for night operations.
Procurement of this system began in FY 1978 with more than 2,000 units fielded to the Army and Marine Corps.
The 81-mm M252 Mortar is the Army's designation for the Royal Ordnance L16A2 system. Originally referred to as the I-81 (improved), the M252 has a maximum range in excess of 5,935 meters, making it capable of indirect-fire support across the entire battalion front at sufficient range to engage targets out to the battalion's zone of influence.
With a sustained firing rate of 15 rounds per minute, the M252 can fire a variety of NATO-standard ammunition, including high-explosive, red phosphorous/smoke and illumination.
The M821A2 was type-classified with the M734A1 fuze to improve the safety, performance and producibility of the cartridge. The use of a HF-1 steel body on the M889A1, M821A1 and M821A2 cartridges significantly improves the lethality over previous generations of 81-mm cartridges.
The 120-mm (M120/M121) Mortar System provides an organic indirect-fire support capability to the maneuver unit commander. It is a conventional smoothbore, muzzle-loaded mortar system that provides increased range, lethality and safety compared to the World War II-vintage 4.2-- inch heavy mortar system it replaces in mechanized infantry, motorized, armored and cavalry units. With a maximum range of 7,240 meters, the system is employed in both towed (M120) and carrier-mounted (M121) versions and fires a family of enhanced ammunition that is produced in the United States.
Initial fieldings of the towed version began in September 1991 at Fort Lewis, Wash., followed by fielding of the M1064 carrier-mounted system. The subsequent upgrade of force package I and II carriers to M1064A3 configuration has been completed.
A complete family of 120-mm Enhanced Mortar Ammunition is being produced by several government and commercial sources. The M933/934 high-explosive round also received full materiel release and is in production. The M929 white phosphorus/smoke received full materiel release in the second quarter of 1999 and is in production. The M929 incorporates the M734A1 multioption fuze, which significantly improves performance, lethality, reliability and electronic countermeasure protection.
* The M734A1 fuze will also be incorporated into the improved 120-mm M934A1 high-explosive round. This round was released in the fourth quarter of 2000 and has 50 percent more lethality than its predecessor.
FY 2003 program projections call for development and qualification of an insensitive mutation solution for the M934A1 HE round, which is designated M934A1E1.
* The 120-mm M931 full-range training round received full materiel release during the second quarter of 1999 and is in production.
* The new 120-mm white (visible) light (M930) and infrared (M983) illumination rounds are in limited production.
The new Mortar Ballistic Computer (MBC), replacing the current M23, will initially employ new software hosted on the Land Warrior Advanced Warfighter Experiment (LWAWE) hardware system. Land Warrior production hardware will host the objective system.
The Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) will provide 120-mm mortar users with Paladin-like fire control capability that greatly improves mortar responsiveness and crew survivability. The EMD system is undergoing software development and hardware tests in the M1064 weapon carrier and the M577 fire direction center.
Technology leading to an extendedrange (10 to 12 kilometers) XM984 DPICM round that includes a self-destruct capability is also being developed.
The DPICM round will carry 54 M80 submunitions, doubling the lethality of the 120-mm high-explosive round. Advanced technology demonstrations (ATDs) have been completed and the program is poised to enter component advanced development (CAD).
In addition, the 120-mm mortar system's tremendous growth potential is being exploited through another CAD program exploring the potential of XM395 PrecisionGuided Mortar Munitions (PGMM) at ranges of 12 to 15 kilometers. PGMM's extended range and precision strike capability will improve survivability and reduce collateral damage. PGMM can be launched from any standard 120-mm mortar platform with modification of existing force structure. Compared to other indirect fire weapons, mortars are very responsive, inherently deployable and tactically mobile. PGMM will further enhance modern mortar systems by achieving first round effects on target and multiple orders of magnitude increases in per-round lethality. Such a precision weapon will, when airlifted, maximize the lethality of the U.S. Army's lift capability and reduce the size of the logistics tail. Once fielded, PGMM will provide organic indirect precision strike capability to the maneuver force.
PGMM is a laser-guided 120-mm mortar with extended range glide capability. It has three major subsystems: seeker, projectile and warhead. The seeker is a low-cost strap-down laser sensor with superior reliability. The projectile has folded switchblade wings that provide lift and actuator controlled tail fins for controlled flight to the extended range. The glide and endgame maneuverability are achieved without the added weight, cost and complexity of a rocket motor. The warhead will be optimized to defeat threats behind protective cover, such as crew-served weapon stations, command posts and observers employed in fortified positions. The ability to take out precision targets in urban environments will be critical to future conflicts.
The asymmetrical nature of future threats combined with operations in urban environments, will require PGMM's surgical indirect fire capability both to minimize collateral damage and still allow commanders to destroy enemy targets that are close to sensitive cultural areas.
PGMM will provide dramatic increases in the survivability of friendly forces. Today, targets behind protective cover must be destroyed by hand-emplaced explosives or direct fire, often requiring a costly assault. The new capability provided by PGMM will defeat these targets without requiring a close-range attack.
The single-shot lethality of PGMM makes it exceptionally cost-effective. This system is under development by U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) Armaments Research and Development Center (ARDEC), Picatinny Arsenal, N.J.
The product manager, Firefinder (Communications and Electronics Command Systems Management Center), is conducting two programs designed to enhance Army capabilities to detect and target hostile indirect fire assets.
The AN/TPQ-36(V)8 Electronics Upgrade to the mortar-finding Firefinder improves the operations control group (OCG) through the installation of state-ofthe-art electronics and common hardware/software (CHS) in the lightweight multipurpose shelter (LMS). The upgrade is an open architecture design, and it allows Firefinder to communicate on the digitized battlefield. The operations central (OC) (previously the OCG) is mounted on an M1097 heavy Humvee, which tows the antenna-transceiver group (ATG) on a modified M116A2E1 trailer. A second M1097 Humvee carries a palletized MEP112A generator and tows an M116A2E1 cargo trailer. A Humvee reconnaissance vehicle (M998 or M1038) tows a second (backup) MEP-112A generator mounted on an M116A2E1 trailer. Major subsystems of the OC include an operator control station (OCS), a control/display terminal (CDT), a radar processor and a shelter. The CDT allows the operator to command and control system operations from a remote site up to 100 meters from the shelter. The radar processor performs all system-processing functions not assigned to the OCS and is programmable and reconfigurable to maximize system performance under varying target and operating environment conditions. The OCS provides the manmachine interface and is a modern Windows(TM)-type display. The LMS enhances the man-machine interface and electronics environment by providing 50 percent more interior space.
The Firefinder AN/TPQ-47 program will replace the AN/TPQ-37 artillery-locating radar. This upgrade will double the range performance and improve the target throughput, mobility, transportability and survivability while reducing the operations and support costs. The Firefinder AN/TPQ-47 will be capable of missile detection at maximum ranges of 150-300 kilometers, depending on the target radar cross-section, and will be capable of C-130 roll-on/roll-off transportability for rapid deployment. Crew size will be reduced from 12 to nine. The program will improve on the AN/TPQ-36(V)8 electronics upgrade program by providing the same man-machine interface. The AN/TPQ-47 system will also be capable of simultaneous transmission of target launch-point location information to theater missile defense assets and active air defense systems.
