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Fireball - Precision Mortar Munition
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Developed
by Israel Aircraft Industries
Systems, Missile & Space Group |
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Fireball is a
laser homing 120/121mm mortar bomb, (the system also fits into a 81mm
mortar bomb diameter). It is designed for first-shot, first hit
capability and can be used with rifled or smooth bore tubes.
Firing the Fireball requires no ranging,
as the weapon
uses a unique guidance method that provides course adjustment by
gliding, extending range capability. The bomb to
detects the target as it glides to the laser detection "basket",
by GPS navigation, where it acquires the target and diving for the
kill. The target's GPS location is fed to the bomb before launch
and provides for improved hit accuracy over standard mortar bombs,
when laser designation is not available. With laser designation,
the bomb can reach an accuracy of 1 meter CEP or less, attacking
stationary or moving targets. Fireball uses various warhead fusing
options - fragmentation, against soft targets, percussion against
armor and penetration type for defeating bunkers and targets
inside buildings. The weapon is designed to score a single-shot
target kill in urban environment, utilizing a steep trajectory
minimizing collateral damage. Due to the unique aerodynamic
design, Fireball has almost twice the range of conventional mortar
bombs, (up to 15 km).
The system is
currently in development stage. All its critical components have
already been tested under high G loading and actual mortar firing.
further system tests are planned soon. A variant of the Fireball
is also considered for tube artillery (152, 155mm). |
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