"Thomas Schoene" wrote in message
hlink.net...
Kevin Brooks wrote:
"Thomas Schoene" wrote

I think GMLRS is headed toward a unitary round more than smart subs.
ATACSM BAT may still show up, though.

I believe you are correct, but I am not sure that the use of a a smart
submunition warhead is dead yet. The interest in being able to engage
transient targets and reduce the sensor-to-shooter cycle time would
seem to point to a place for such a system.

OH, I agree that there will be such weapons in inventory,. But I'm not
sure
there is funding to give every system this option.

It seems to me that the planned off-the-shelf 155mm smart submunition
round,
a possible Excaliber extended-range smart submunition round, and
ATACMS-BAT
will probably be sufficiently complementary that they don't also need an
MLRS smart submunition round.

True, but then the smartest option would probably be to skip the 155mm
rounds and just use the GMLRS and ATACMS. GMLRS' longer range when compared
to the current 155mm capability means you won't have to waste an ATACMS when
the target is in that range that exceeds the capability of the 155mm's (say
35-40 km) but also falls within the GMLRS max of around 75 km. Lay that
template down on a fluid mechanized battlefield and the area that results,
as measured from the FLOT, is going to put a band of about 30 km depth
beginning some 25 km the other side of the FLOT where your 155's can't
strike, and your ATACMS is being shot-short. With HIMARS ready to enter into
service (ISTR they were doing the troop trials a year or more ago) you are
guaranteed GMLRS availability across the spectrum, so the 155mm has no
advantage there either.




The Army has also just issued a contract (now under protest) for
manufacture of a 120mm Precision-Guided Mortar Projectile, and is
soliciting for an off-the-shelf round to complement the depleted
SADARM stocks.

The 120mm projectile is not going to be of much use in the deep
attack--not enough leg on it. In the close battle, the danger close
range would have to be a concern; lobbing autonomous IR or MMWR
guided munitions over the FLOT whre your own Brads and Abrams are
operating could be problematic. Is the new system going to use
autonomous targeting, or laser designation?

Laser, undoubtedly for the reason you suggest. Even live gunners have a
hard enough time telling an LAV and a BTR (for example).

I think the main purpose here is to give the Striker battalions a bit more
antitank and point hard-target firepower within their own zone of
influence.

OK, that would make sense (too bad the Army has yet to pick up the turret
mounted, breech loading 120mm mortar offered by one manufacturer (can't
recall which) that is already in service with the Saudi NG on their own
wheeled armored vehicles). I don't see it being of tremendous value to the
heavy units (given that your mortars will generally be a couple klicks or
more rearward of their supported elements, and the max range of the AT
systems available on both the Brad and Abrams, most of what the 120mm could
engage would already be in range of your primary AT systems in short order).

Brooks



--
Tom Schoene