Right in the bull's-eye: a new development of high-precision ground-based weapons


First launch KFK in late 2012, testing new smokeless engine. Details of test launches, little is known, other than the request MBDA that rockets flew as far as expected
The need for precision hover and reducing indirect costs has boosted the development of a considerable number of advanced weapons systems-level soldiers, as well as fire support systems.

The emergence of terrestrial precision weapons in the last decade has allowed soldiers to cause an unprecedented amount of firepower on targets located in close proximity to their own positions.

Referring to the fact that certain types of weapons range approaching 100 km, and the accuracy of fit within ten meters, a senior officer at the AUSA conference in October 2012, added that confidence in the accuracy of fire support systems eliminates the concept of "dangerous proximity". Obviously, it was an exaggeration, but the fact remains, modern Army rarely had to fire at targets when the artillery fire "walks" within a wide range.

As always retains the two main types of high-precision features: fire indirect fire support using such systems as guided missiles for multiple launch rocket systems from Lockheed Martin GMLRS and Excalibur guided artillery shells from Raytheon at the highest level. There is also a growing interest in short-range precision weapons, such as Spike NLOS from Rafael, and at a lower level to a portable system capable of delivering highly accurate exposure.

Starting with a lower level systems, several countries have increased the number of complexes of heavy weapons in its infantry units deployed in Afghanistan to ensure that these units have increased capability to engage targets in shelters. When it comes in contact with the snipers, nestled in a well-protected position, often the first tool for the dismounted soldier was portable antitank system for accurate neutralization sniper from a distance beyond the reach of his arms. This practice largely proved its effectiveness, but without a doubt it was very expensive, the more even light, portable systems are not ideal for use in extreme temperatures and in the highlands of Afghanistan.



Betonoboynymi complex Saab Carl-Gustaf M3

So people started searching in other directions. For example, the U.S. Army has accelerated its Adopting a recoilless "rifles» Saab Carl-Gustaf M3 for punching walls before standing armed only with special units. Army in 2010 started rolling a grenade launcher with programmable fuse ATK XM-25 to destroy targets for natural cover.

Germany is currently considering more specialized high-precision solution through its project Wirkmittel. Here, the company MBDA is working on his new missile KFK (Kleinflugkorper - small missile), the veil over which was ajar after flight testing in September 2012.


Launcher Wirkmittel 90

Title missiles is consistent with its size, because the system refers to the "smaller class than existing missiles" that allows you to move it almost every soldier with minimal additional stress to separate. MBDA company spokesman said that the goal of development was to supplement these existing systems, such as «Carl-Gustaf, Matador, or AT-4", and not replace them. These already facing armed system could be applied to making passages and where necessary uncontrollable destructive power, while KFK could be used for more accurate exposure, in particular to combat snipers in protected positions, or in situations that require very little likelihood of indirect losses.

MBDA representative said that the project for about a year (in October 2012) and is currently the company assesses and reduces the technical risks for the system, which could become the first in a family of new weapons. She held in September 2012, two flight tests of the new smoke-free propulsion system.

He declined to elaborate on the tests or the manufacturer of a new rocket engine, saying that technology vendors and serial system can still change. This applies to the sets of guidance and the missile. Although the decision to adopt an accurate guidance system has not "made", a company spokesman acknowledged that the missile will have a system with target acquisition before starting LOBL (lock-on before launch), which likely will use opto-electronic or semi-active laser guidance to neutralize targets in line of sight.

No planning for installing any type of communication channel, at least in the initial stages. Thus, the missile "fire and forget" will have its own set of homing.

Warhead also still may change because of its set of high objectives are basically sniper caches and unarmored targets. The company MBDA suggest to use a fairly standard high-explosive warhead, and possibly with the fragmentation effect.

Her protivosnayperskaya role means that she needs to beat the likely target. The company intend to achieve the range of the missiles, at least 1.2 km, and maybe 2 miles. Such range is no exception to the traditional anti-missile systems of course, but a very difficult task for a small controlled system.

On a single accessible today rocket visible image cruciate short stabilizers in the tail of a rocket with wings dlinnohordnymi along the hull, providing aerodynamic lift and enhances range missiles. But, nevertheless, a company spokesman said that the final shape of the rocket can still undergo some changes.

Along with the widespread deployment of these weapons have one primary design goal is to provide its small cost: "We're talking about several thousand euros," a company spokesman said. "We're not talking about tens of thousands, otherwise it will lead us to another category of missiles." Along with a reduction in the cost of rockets "we study interfaces that enable us to use a common sight, and also for other unguided weapons systems. Compromise between price and capabilities will allow to decide whether a missile launched from a reusable or disposable tubes. "

The project KFK constantly works on modeling, testing and risk reduction, which eventually had to be completed full-fledged fire testing in hover mode in 2013.

Israeli company Rafael already has to his credit a couple of small light systems from their family Spike; it demonstrated its complexes and Mini Spike Spike SR (Short Range - melee) in summer 2012 Eurosatory exhibition in Paris.

Mini Spike - inexpensive universal weapons with little fragmentation warhead designed to defeat soft targets accurately. Spike SR complex is a much more standard; it is optimized for the more traditional tasks of the destruction of tanks and armored vehicles.

Like KFK, complex Mini Spike takes advantage of miniaturization. It consists of a miniature control unit start MICLU (miniature control launch unit), intended for guidance and missile launch length of 80 cm It can be carried in special backpacks, one person carries out the calculation MICLU and two missiles, and the second four missiles in a container .




Launch Mini Spike has a length of 80 cm, but it has a dual mode seeker and a radio frequency communication channel, increasing the range of action. Right complex in complete set



Upgraded launcher M270B1 British Army firing rockets regular GMLRS during testing range missile White Sands. At the bottom of the German Army M270A1

Shoot and watch

System uses the dual-mode seeker with an uncooled infrared sensor and a color camera and a day has a range of up to 1.5 km with three pre-selected flight profiles for greater flexibility in dealing with various objectives. It is a system of "fire and forget", but differs from KFK that has another mode of "fire and watch" work in the radio frequency range. The entire complex, rocket and sight, weighs 4 lbs.


Rocket Spike NLOS, released from an Israeli armored personnel carrier M113 is similar to the options facing British army

The following system-level soldier - Spike NLOS from Rafael, standing in service of Israel for many years. In late 2011, it became headline news when it was revealed that the British Army secretly purchased and deployed the system (still standing on the Israeli APC M113) in Iraq in 2007, and then in Afghanistan in 2009.

Israel used this rocket to destroy the rocket and mortar teams. She be induced by coordinates provided UAV surveillance, but it is clear that in Afghanistan, it was used as a simple tool for defensive combat systems, leading indirect fire and provide fire support for the infantry.

The system is well suited for such tasks, the missile has a hinged trajectory and relatively low speed flight that allows the crew to use the camera in her bow for precise targeting over a radio frequency to the target (often with a very steep dive down) at ranges up to 25 km from the start . All this is combined with a fairly small warhead, which allows to use a rocket in an urban setting and destroy targets, leading to indirect fire. First it was thought that when placed on the reverse slopes or in the depths of urban neighborhoods, they are relatively safe.

Other users are beginning to realize its potential. In 2011, South Korea has ordered around 50 missiles to units stationed on the islands Baengnyeong and Yeonpyeong in the Yellow Sea, near the place where it was sunk the South Korean corvette Chon An in 2010. Besides Yeonpyeong island is also an object of the North Korean artillery shelling.

However, in late November, the second anniversary of the attack on the Chon An came the news that their deployment is delayed until March or April 2013. The representative of the defense programs reported that the rocket has not delivered due to "technical problems", which is being studied.

Unitary munitions GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System - a guided missile for multiple launch rocket systems) in recent years has been the backbone of the munitions in several countries.

Unitary 227-mm rockets with GPS-guided GMLRS stand in the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, the UK, France, Germany and Italy, and they all contributed to its original design. Options have been sold well in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Singapore, and other unnamed state.

Rockets unitary GMLRS, carrying a single dvuhsotfuntovuyu explosive fragmentation warhead for point targets, played a significant role in conducting precision operations in Afghanistan, where they destroy targets at ranges in excess of 90 km, while in the U.S. Army say about its ballistic range from 15 km to 70 km + .

Rockets are often run with different numbers of volleys starts, each projectile is programmed individually to give their own set of GPS coordinates with a radial accuracy of less than 5 meters from the goal. On November 20, 2012 was issued by the U.S. Army, Marines and the British Army in 2418 unitary rocket GMLRS.

The company began work on the next contract for the seventh installment of missiles GMLRS Unitary, to be delivered by the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and the armies of Italy, Jordan and Singapore. It was reported that the delivery of this party will begin in 2013 and will last the entire 2014.
Meanwhile, the company Lockheed Martin continues to work on his own project GMLRS +, which examines potentially promising options GMLRS, and simultaneously begins to adapt the results of these activities to the specific needs of the army.

Factory tests demonstrated GMLRS + "scalable warhead" that will adjust the warhead detonation force depending on the purpose, tested the system's ability to change the trajectory of projectiles equipped with semi-active homing laser in the direction of the highlighted objectives conducted flight tests on a large range of 130 km. However, the army is likely, mainly interested in range and made a request for information to producers about the potential to increase the range of missiles GMLRS up to 250 km.

"We want our thoughts and our investments are focused on this latest request for extended range - said Scott Arnold, vice president of high-precision weapons in the company Lockheed Martin. - To do this, the company expects to conduct tests in the wind tunnel and testing rocket engines in 2013. "

Similarly, responding to interest the Army in charge of the driving action, the company Lockheed Martin has studied the idea of ​​modernization rocket ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System - tactical missile complex ground forces) has a range of up to 300 km. These works will be "focused primarily on affordability and obsolescence."

GMLRS was originally developed in two versions, the second type - this cassette rocket to combat air targets with 404 submunitions M101 DPICM (Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition), currently this option GMLRS discontinued.

Pentagon's decision of 2008 on Cluster Munitions and unintentional harm to the civilian population requires replacement warheads DPICM alternative warhead on GMLRS Alternative Warhead (AW) which does not leave unexploded ordnance on the battlefield. Work on the program was conducted by AW ATK and Lockheed Martin, which began in April 2012, the 36-month final stage of development and introduction into production. U.S. Defense Ministry will begin to deploy systems GMLRS AW in 2015.

As for launchers, the army has 223 machines MLRS M270A1, while the Army and Marines have 380 of the planned 420 units M142 HIMARS (High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System).

HIMARS is mounted on a five-ton truck chassis wheel FMTV (Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles) and is seen as improving the system M270A1. It should reduce operating costs and requires fewer strategic lift (run C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster) to transport the battery compared to tracked MLRS.

However, in the long term the U.S. Army plans to have both systems HIMARS and MLRS in their units, so should get M270A1S enclosure with enhanced protection, universal MSA and other improvements to reduce obsolescence and increase commonality with platforms M142.

Platform or container HIMARS carries six rockets or one missile ATACMS. The complex itself may download missiles maintained a crew of three people from the armored cockpit protects from exhaust gases, debris and ballistic threats.

At the smaller end of the spectrum of precision defeat the U.S. military continues to develop 155mm GPS-induced ammunition Excalibur.


Good mobility and high precision M777 howitzers were highly appreciated by the military in Afghanistan, where, among other things howitzer shells fired Excalibur Block Ia-2 GPS-guided



Excalibur projectile with a GPS-guided

GPS-guidance technology

At this time, Excalibur munition has been deployed in two variants: variant Ia-1 (designation XM982), production and development of which began in 2007, and subsequent version Ia-2 (M982), which has a longer range, improved noise immunity and bottom gasifier from BAE Systems Bofors.

At the end of October 2012 Raytheon Company reported "on more than 600 shells" hunted in the theater at the time. Munition uses GPS guidance for radial accuracy of about 6 meters, the company said. This allows the use of weapons in an urban environment and be used for fire support when their forces are in close proximity to the enemy.

At the end of November 2012 the army evaluated test results Excalibur next execution, Block Ib (M982E1), which was held Value Engineering to reduce the cost of the projectile about 50%, which will ultimately depend on how many pieces will be bought.

In order to hold qualifications and announce initial production, which was scheduled for this month, the Army and Raytheon Company conducted a series of tests of shells Block Ib in September and October 2012.

The company said that in late October during qualification testing all eight shells landed Ib within 5 meters of their targets. Also had "conducted successful" reliability test, 14 "test rounds" shoot from the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer in extreme environments. The procedure included the firing of projectiles shooting and 17 ° on targets at ranges of over 35 km.

In June, Raytheon reported that Marines set a record, shoot two shells Excalibur Ia-2 at a distance of over 36 km in real combat conditions. While growing range appear, consumption of shells in the theater is also growing. In June 2012, the company Raytheon announced the shooting of more than 500 rounds, and by the end of October 2012 announced that more than 600 shells. Of course, this is an imperfect measurement of necessity or practicality, since the number of bagged shells depends on their availability, fire regulations and other external factors, but, nevertheless, the use of Excalibur projectile increases. This could change the trend that the army watched in its portfolio ammunition in 2010. Then the army reduced the planned procurement volume precision-guided munitions, as it was found that they spent not as much as expected. Indeed, predictions suggested that the demand for precision shooting to continue in the next decade, even if the war in Afghanistan has gradually come to naught in the following Two years. Sales of ordnance or sets guidance of NATO countries may be about 6.27 billion dollars from 2012 to 2021, based on planned orders about 130,000 sets. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army and Marines patrolling again exploring the possibility of precision-guided munitions, although this time at the office. After several demonstrations in the information request in August 2012 the army has requested from industry data on possible solutions LMAMS (Lethal Miniature Aerial Munition System - lethal miniature aerial munitions). In the army, considering LMAMS as "loitering precision munitions, standing in the arsenal of a small unit that allows hitting enemy soldiers without an unprecedented scale of turning soldier under direct enemy fire."
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