General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems announced today that it has successfully developed and tested a new approach for low-cost guided mortars called the 120mm Roll-Controlled Guided Mortar (RCGM). Under a cooperative research and
development agreement with the U.S. Army TACOM-ARDEC, Picatinny Arsenal,
N.J., General Dynamics successfully tube-launched and guided RCGM prototypes
from a M120 120mm mortar weapon system at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving
Grounds.
The Roll-Controlled Guided Mortar uses standard 120mm M934A1 mortar-round
components, including the warhead and fuzing elements, to reduce costs and
risks in response to an accelerated fielding timeline for this critical operational capability.
Several key enhancements are made to evolve the M934A1 into a precision
mortar, while using existing warheads to maximize its lethality:
* The, the standard fuze (M734A1) is adapted to include an integrated fuze-and-Global-Positioning-System (GPS) guidance, navigation and control (GNC) subassembly while maintaining the current fuze-setting method and function.
* The GNC subassembly incorporates a GPS receiver with a low-cost control system known as the Roll-Controlled Fixed Canard (RCFC) system that allows the mortar to adjust its flight to reach the intended target.
To further reduce costs and speed deployment, the RCGM cartridge maintains
the "look and feel" of the existing M934A1 cartridge, so no major changes in
operating procedures are necessary. The fuze, warhead and LAP production
will occur on existing, operational lines.
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