ARTICLE

May 2004

Smart Missiles

Weapons Can Switch Targets in Flight, Send Back Pictures

by Frank Colucci

The Army is beginning to develop sophisticated “smart” missiles and launchers, intended to be deployed in advance of maneuver forces. Operated by remote control from miles away, these weapons would destroy enemy armored vehicles and other targets.

The project, called non-line-of-sight launch system, is one of several weapon platforms now being designed for the Future Combat Systems. The FCS is potentially a $90 billion program that aims to replace every weapon system in the Army with an integrated network of manned and unmanned vehicles.

The Army Aviation and Missile Command recently awarded a six-year $1.1 billion contract to a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The companies will split the work.

Each NLOS-LS system will consist of a container launch unit, packed with missiles, which will be fired vertically. Two types of munitions will be employed: a so-called “precision-attack missile” and a “loiter-attack missile.” Army officials say these missiles will be capable of identifying targets and re-directing themselves in flight, as targets move about. If the program stays on schedule, the first unit could be in operation by 2010.

According to current plans, each FCS brigade would be equipped with 60 launchers, which would make up a battalion. Within the battalion, NLOS-LS platoons will have three firing batteries and a headquarters component to position the weapons on the battlefield. Once deployed, the NLOS-LS remains unattended. It will be installed on the back of Army trucks, such as heavy wreckers, 5-ton tactical trucks or heavy Humvees.

Once the brigade commander decides to fire, a computer launches the appropriate missile automatically without a dedicated launcher crew or operator pushing a button at the launch site.

The missiles will have automatic target recognition sensors and a two-way data-link that takes targeting updates in flight and returns imagery. With an operator in the loop, the system can be used to change targets in flight and assess battle damage.

Much of the technology in NLOS-LS already has been demonstrated in other programs, officials note. Examples include propulsion, seeker, and communications technology developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, under a program called “net-fires.” The Air Force incorporated similar technologies in a cruise missile called the low-cost autonomous attack munition.

The Army expects to create a dedicated program office for NLOS-LS in 2005. In the meantime, a task force of about 35 Army officers, engineers, analysts, and support contractors manages the project.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is responsible for the loiter-attack missile. Raytheon Missile Systems is in charge of the precision-attack missile. Work on the launcher is divided between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Maritime Sensors and Systems. Company officials point out that the Navy is considering the vertical-launch NLOS-LS for its planned Littoral Combat Ship.

Both missiles are subsonic. The precision-attack weapon can uplink target updates and downlink images acquired just before impact. The loiter-attack missile cruises the target area and downlinks position, status, target identities and laser radar images. Though each missile is tailored to a different target set, both will fly from a common launcher.

The launcher is a 69-by-45 inch box. The vertical launcher directs exhaust plumes out the top to minimize impact on the carrier vehicle. Sixteen sealed canisters contain 15 missiles and a fire-control computer with GPS receivers, inertial platforms, radios, batteries, antennas and special purpose-computers.

The box, with missiles included, would weigh about 3,100 pounds. Both missiles measure 7 inches in diameter and about 60 inches long and weigh approximately 120 pounds.

The precision-attack missile will engage armored targets at ranges of less than 5 km to around 40 km. Raytheon developed the uncooled infrared semi-active laser seeker, network radio and canister.

The uncooled infrared seeker generates target imagery and an estimated target position. The semi-active laser seeker goes after targets designated by off-board lasers.

Though it fits the same canister as the precision-attack missile, the loiter-attack munition has a different flight profile and propulsion system. It is launched with a solid rocket motor, and then transitions to a turbojet to loiter for up to 30 minutes, out to 70 km from the launcher.

The cruising missile uses a three-dimensional laser radar seeker to search large areas, acquire targets, and identify targets.

Army officials also argue that the loiter-attack weapon could serve as a flying radio relay platform for other NLOS-LS missiles.

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