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M395 Precision Guided Mortar Munition (PGMM) is under
development at ATK. The weapon will provide the
tactical commander with 'surgical' strike capability, to destroy
high value / high risk targets. The new bomb retains the dimensions and logistics of standard
120mm bombs.
The PGMM projectile
flies ballistically to a laser-designated target, maneuvers in
flight, and delivers its warhead for maximum effectiveness while
minimizing collateral damage. Its modular design allows
enhancements to meet future combat soldier requirements in range
and lethality.
For guidance it uses quadruple laser sensors, located at four
slotted windows around. Once a laser spot illuminated the target
is detected, miniature charges attached around the bomb's outer
skin are activated to adjust the bomb's trajectory to accurately
hit the target. ATK also utilized the advanced MOFA fuse to
achieve optimal terminal effect when defeating bunkers and
built-up targets.
Using such munitions could
increase the future effective range from 0.5 up to 15km. PGMM will
not use rocket assistance for range enhancement, but utilize
aerodynamic surfaces for the mid-course gliding. On the terminal
phase, a semi-active laser homing seeker acquires the target and
guide the munition to impact. Initial productions of the PGMM will
be equipped with semi-active laser seekers, and be capable of a
range of 7.5 km.
Follow-on systems could have optional thermal
imager, and extended range capability, as well as more choices for fuzes and warheads. The IR
seeker will detect and classify targets, process the information
automatically into navigation (GPS), guidance and control
subsystems to ensure first-hit-on-target. A self-destruct
mechanism eliminates the collateral damage from duds, for
advancing troops.
PGMM Passes PDR
By early January 2006 ATK and the U.S. Army have successfully
completed the preliminary design review (PDR) of the Precision
Guided Mortar Munition (PGMM). The PDR is one of several
milestones in the program launched in late 2004. The next
milestone is the critical design review in 2006. According to the
schedule, low rate initial production is to begin in 2008, leading
to the fielding of the new munition by 2010. The Army is
considering an earlier fielding date of 2009 given success in
system demonstrations planned for 2006-07.
PGMM will give U.S. soldiers unmatched precision capability in a
standard 120mm mortar. Launched from the currently-fielded 120mm
mortar tube, PGMM will fly in excess of seven kilometers and hit
its target with one meter accuracy. "PGMM will give the maneuver
commander his own multipurpose indirect fire precision strike
munition. This highly affordable munition will quickly eliminate
high value targets without causing collateral damage," said LTC
(P) Andre Kirnes, Product Manager for Mortar Systems.
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