Defense Technology International - June 2008 - (Page 42)

TECHNOLOGY ARTILLERY Extra artillery rocket from IMI undergoes live-ﬁring test during IDF qualiﬁcation. multiple missiles stored in sealed launchers and a missilecontrol terminal in the combat information center. Missiles are launched in an oblique trajectory which directs hot gases to the side of the ship, preventing damage to deck systems. Another Israeli development extends the accuracy of artillery rockets. The Trajectory Correction System (TCS), developed by Israel Military Industries (IMI), adjusts ballistic trajectory to compensate for wind drift and other meteorological e ects. This can extend range to 43.5 km. from 32 km. for a free-ﬂight rocket without TCS, and substantially reduce the number of rounds required to destroy a target. The TCS is also claimed to increase accuracy to 50 meters CEP, a major improvement over the average of 100 meters CEP for artillery rockets like the Lockheed Martin M26, Russian GRAD (122 mm.) or the LAR (160 mm.) from IMI. TCS components include a groundbased system that tracks each rocket and simultaneously transmits corrections to as many as 12 airborne rounds. Using this capability with the Extra (Extended-Range) rocket developed by IMI, along with IAI and its MLM Systems Div., achieves accuracy of less than 20 meters CEP at twice the range of a standard MLRS missile (up to 120 km.). It also permits the use of a warhead that’s more than twice the weight of one on an MLRS missile (150 kg. versus 60 kg.). The Extra rocket has an aft section fitted with stabilizing fins and a large solid-rocket motor; a warhead, and a control section with guidance and avionics that drive four ﬂight-control surfaces for trajectory shaping. Three Extra rockets can be carried on an MLRS with a launcher and canisters designed for the weapon. Turkey, meanwhile, is developing its own artillery rocket systems or upgrading existing models. There has been an internal competition in heavy rockets between the Toros, in 230- and 260-mm. conﬁgurations, which was developed by the military and o ered by Tubitak and MHE, and the 302-mm. T-300 proposed by Roketsan, which may be derived from China’s CPMIEC WS-1 munition. Roketsan also developed the T-122 Sakarya, ISRAEL MILITARY INDUSTRIES of the UFCS, missile performance and accuracy from launch to impact, and performance of the system software. Atacms “adds to the concept of joint fires interdependence by offering the right munition to achieve the right effect at the right time,” says Kinne. “It will continue to provide a joint complementary option by its inclusion in the air-tasking order for attack and defeat of high-value targets, or in a support role to provide joint suppression or destruction of enemy air defenses. “Its precision provides responsive, long-range lateral supporting fires as well as shaping ﬁres that set the conditions for victory,” he adds. “This ﬂexibility enables the support of non-standard and direct-support missions in addition to the more traditional role of general support to a corps or joint task force. Evolving tactics and techniques will enhance its utility well into the future.” Another nation keen on long-range rocket artillery is Israel. A notable achievement by Israel Aerospace Industries was development of the Long Range Artillery rocket (Lora). Lora o ers pinpoint attack with a 10-meter CEP (circular error probable) at ranges of 150-300 km., placing it in the same category as Atacms and Russia’s Iskander-E rocket. Test launches have been made to gain operational approval from the military. A Lora round weighs about 1,230 kg. (2,700 lb.), and carries warheads of 400600 kg. Warhead size and missile performance are probably limited to comply with the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a group of 34 nations that voluntarily restricts the export of missile technology capable of delivering 500-kg. payloads beyond 300 km. Israel 42 is not a member, but maintains export controls consistent with the regime. Lora has a three-element design: unitary warhead; propulsion unit, including solid-fuel tank and rocket nozzle; and a navigation, flight-control and guidance unit that includes an integrated avionics guidance and ﬂight-control section, four control surfaces, actuators, antennas and connectors. The modular design improves reliability, logistics and upgrading. Critical functions are performed within the avionics unit, which can be detached. Lora rounds are stored in sealed canisters with a shelf life of seven years. With a CEP comparable to that of many air-delivered, precision-guided munitions, Lora eliminates targets without warning. The missile can be equipped with a 400-kg. high-explosive warhead, or a 600-kg. penetration warhead for hardened targets. It can be programmed to hit a target from a 70-deg. angle of attack to maximize penetration. Targets can be attacked less than 10 min. from a launch command. Missiles in silos o er an even faster response—less than 10 sec. to initiate a ﬁring sequence. Lora is deployed in three conﬁgurations—fixed, transportable or naval. Each has advantages, especially the last two. The transportable version has minimal visual and electromagnetic signatures and a small footprint. It is easily moved and hidden. Maritime missiles can be launched from international waters beyond the reach of coastal defenses. Using a shaped-trajectory ﬂight, Lora does not require pre-launch preparations. This contributes to its immunity by evading most defenses, including electronic warfare. The ship-borne version includes DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL JUNE 2008 AviationWeek.com/dti http://AviationWeek.com/dti

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Defense Technology International - June 2008 Contents Around the World Science Watch Tech Watch Basic Black Self-Defense Fire-Resistant Perfezione Hyperspeed Trial Big Sky Cashing In Digital Links Hang Ten Sea Change Programs Update Two Steps Back Direct Hit Staying Power Potent Stinger Do No Harm Guard Duty The Net Cutting Edge First Person In Review Insight

Defense Technology International - June 2008

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