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TUCSON, Ariz.: Raytheon Company 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.
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“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.
Raytheon Company, with 2006 sales of $20.3 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs more than 80,000 people worldwide.
