A unitary-warhead version of the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) could be delivered within three months, according to Lockheed Martin. The company is also developing modifications to the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)which would turn the rocket artillery system into a smart weapon.
The delivery promise follows a fast-track development programme, secretly initiated during Operation Allied Force against Yugoslavia, according to company officials. Plans to field an early-model ATACMS unitary warhead were shelved following the ceasefire in early June.
The end of hostilities came as Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control engineers were ready to assemble hardware for flight tests.
Lockheed Martin could be ready in six weeks to initiate a $10 million test programme, involving up to three flights. As many as 50 unitary warheads could be produced by the end of the year, with initial fielding early next. Engineering and manufacturing development of an advanced unitary weapon could begin in 2002. Engineering and manufacturing development of a 300km-range (185km) weapon would take 24 months, while development of a 500km-range version would take another year as a new motor is needed.
The initial unitary-warhead weapon would also have a 300km range, but be equipped with the WDU18B blast fragmentation warhead from the Boeing AGM-84 Harpoon to attack buildings, bridges and bunkers. The more advanced unitary-weapon would be able to knock out some hardened targets with incorporation of smart fuses under development by the US Air Force.
Lockheed Martin is also working on two MLRS research and development programmes. The Guided MLRS (GMLRS)programme involves the USA, UK, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA and will integrate a global positioning system-aided inertial guidance package on to an extended-range rocket body. Small canards on the rocket nose provide basic manoeuvrability, further improving the accuracy of the weapon when engaging targets at ranges of 60km, compared to 45km for earlier MLRSs.
The second development is MLRS Smart Tactical Rocket (MSTAR) which modifies the weapon to carry two Northrop Grumman Brilliant Anti-Armour Technology (BAT) submunitions. Officials believe the GMLRS improvement is needed to make MSTAR more effective.
Still in early development, flight testing of an engineering and manufacturing development version of GMLRS will begin early next year.
The Army has yet to draft a requirements document for GMLRS, which customarily leads to a procurement programme.
The MSTAR project is an advanced concept technology demonstration. Last month, Northrop Grumman successfully flight tested two BAT surrogates from an MLRS launcher.
Source: Flight International