Defense Technology International - September 2007 - (Page 53) n y n o 0 ll d 9 0 , ) o o h ih s ), d d ) t a GPS/IMU (inertial measurement units)controlled glide 60 sec. after firing, when they are 50 km. downrange and at the 18km. apogee of their ballistic trajectories. They will perform a GPS/IMU-controlled terminal top-attack when above the target. The glide phase will typically last 140-230 sec.; the terminal attack phase 10 sec. Oto Melara also plans to equip a Vulcano variant with an infrared terminal seeker, providing long-range, precise anti-surface warfare capability against naval targets, including small fast-patrol boats. In this version, the Vulcano round starts looking for the target when overhead at an altitude of 2,500 meters (8,200 ft.). In both modes, the rounds carry a pre-fragmented semi-armorpiercing warhead. System design requirements include a maximum effective range of 70 km. for the unguided munition, 100 km. for guided munitions fired from the 54-caliber gun, and 120 km. for guided munitions fired from the 64-caliber gun. Accuracy is said to be better than 20 meters; payload performance is designed to deliver 100 kg. (220 lb.)/min. over a 1-hr. sustained period, 200 kg./min. over a 3-min. period and 300 kg./ min. over a 10-sec. salvo. The Vulcano concept is based on a fin-stabilized projectile without rocket assistance. Range enhancement is achieved by greater muzzle velocity and improved aerodynamics compared with a full-caliber shell, Oto Melara says. The Vulcano rounds will be compatible with existing loading systems (although the 127-mm./54-caliber Compact operated by the Dutch and the in-service Italian ships need minor modifications). So far, live-firing tests show that the airframes designed for the Vulcano extended and long-range rounds create no anomalous wave pressures and have “good average muzzle velocity” of 1,070 meters/sec., Oto Melara claims. Ranges of more than 48 km., with the apogee point at a range of 27.5 km. and an altitude of 10,500 meters (34,500 ft.), were achieved using a gun elevation of 33.5 deg. Wind-tunnel tests in Germany in 2006 looked at two designs for the canards that are used to control the round in its terminal phase, and tested the control actuation section under realistic pressure conditions. The advantage of the European approach appears to be less lofty goals, possibly yielding a better chance of success, and the fact that it is compatible with a wide range of future guns, while ERGM is confined to a subgroup of a single ship class. Overall, naval gun design remains an unusual industry—building boutique quantities of weapons custom-fit to a few ships. Maintaining the technology for shipboard guns will probably continue to strain national budgets. � With Joris Janssen Lok in The Hague. OTO MELARA Sabots separate from Vulcano airframe upon exiting the barrel. GET A GRIP ON PBL! PERFORMANCE-BASED LOGISTICS: The Basics and Beyond Co-sponsored by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Only University-Based Program on PBL Only PBL Program for Contractors Can be Customized for Companies UPCOMING PROGRAM DATES: February 5-8, 2008 May 13-16, 2008 August 19-22, 2008 Program faculty consists of national experts in performance-based logistics. THE COURSE WILL HELP YOU: 865-974-5001 | TheCenter@utk.edu | http://PBL.utk.edu ti www.aviationweek.com/dti SEPTEMBER 2007 DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 53 3667507711 CMYK � http://PBL.utk.edu http://PBL.utk.edu http://www.aviationweek.com/dti
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