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Mid-Range Munition Projectile Scores Direct Hit Against T-72 Tank |
Released on Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Raytheon's Mid-Range Munition Projectile Scores Direct Hit Against T-72 Tank
TUCSON, Ariz., March 14, 2007 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE:
RTN) successfully conducted the first beyond-line-of-sight mission using a
dual- mode imaging infrared/digital semi-active laser seeker on its
Mid-Range Munition, Chemical-Energy guided projectile.
The test firing from an M1A2 Abrams tank March 1 at Yuma Proving
Grounds, Ariz., demonstrated the projectile's ability to successfully
acquire laser designation and transition the tracking function to the
imaging infrared sensor against a T-72 tank target. The sensor guided the
munition to a direct hit at a distance of 5.2 kilometers (3.5 miles).
The dual-mode seeker demonstrated its most flexible mode that exploits
sensor fusion. During off-set designation mode, the Mid-Range Munition,
Chemical-Energy seeker first uses the laser spot to mark near the intended
target, and then using sensor fusion, the imaging infrared seeker
autonomously finds the qualified target closest to the laser spot.
"The round hit within inches of the aim point, demonstrating complete
mission success," said Rick Williams, Raytheon Mid-Range Munition program
manager. "Mid-Range Munition, Chemical-Energy has demonstrated all required
operational modes."
The Raytheon Mid-Range Munition, Chemical-Energy projectile is designed
to provide the U.S. Army with lethal, one-shot capability as the service
continues its transformation to lighter, more deployable combat forces. The
Mid-Range Munition, Chemical-Energy, which will autonomously attack
battlefield targets at beyond-line-of-sight ranges, with or without
external laser target designation, is a key component of the Army's Future
Combat Systems vehicles.
"This team, composed of members from Picatinny Arsenal, Raytheon and
General Dynamics-OTS, is the first to have met all the performance and
testing requirements of the U.S. Army dual-mode, Mid-Range Munition Science
and Technology Demonstration program," said Ken Pedersen, Raytheon vice
president of Advanced Programs. "This final test demonstrates Mid-Range
Munition's high level of functional maturity; it is a direct indication
that Mid-Range Munition is ready to enter system design and development."
The Mid-Range Munition, Chemical-Energy program is jointly developed
and managed by U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering
Center and Project Manager - Maneuver Ammunition Systems at Picatinny
Arsenal, N.J.
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