Thursday, December 04, 2008

Spider

Origin
United States of America

Contractor/s
ATK Alliant Techsystems
Textron

Description: Spider is a sophisticated anti-personnel weapon system developed between Textron Systems, ATK and the US Army to replace landmines in the Objective Force Combat units associated with Future Combat Systems (FCS). Spider focuses on protecting forces and shaping the battlefield while minimizing collateral damage and risk to friendly troops. The system has been designed to warn of enemy forces approach and proceed to a selective engagement. Besides, this weapon system provides easy storage, transportation, rough handling and use throughout the world.

Spider consists of one/various Munition Control Unit (MCU), Remote Control Unit (RCU) and Repeater Units (RU). MCU has a pedestal based with a built-in communications module and connectors for up to six lethal and non-lethal devices or grenades. Its launch-on-command design allows for either individual or multiple launch as well as safe and rapid deployment, recovery, reload and redeployment. Its battery allows for continuous operation over 30 days. MCU can execute self-neutralize on command.

RCU is a standard rugged laptop computer which permits man-in-the-loop remote control over one or more MCUs in the field. RCU's communications module has an effective range of 1,500 meters to command launch of lethal/non-lethal ordnance. Repeater are optional items placed between MCUs and their RCU to extend the effective communications range beyond 1,500 meters. Such an architecture allows the operator in charge of Spider to choose among various engagement profiles. Spider's grenades can only detonate on command of the operator.

Specifications
Number of Weapons: 6

Performance: Endurance 30 day

Operators

United States of America

Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)

Last Updated: Saturday, November 22, 2008

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