Posted on 06/18/2006 12:51:36 PM PDT by BenLurkin
MINNEAPOLIS, June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK - News) announced today that it successfully tested its advanced, 155mm precision projectile -- Saber. Saber offers the U.S. Army a design capability and a low per unit cost for the Block 1B upgrade to the Excalibur program.
Saber was fired from a 155mm cannon, using a Zone-5 charge, the most powerful charge configuration used by U.S. forces. Saber will give artillery batteries a precision-fire capability with significantly more stand-off range than current 155mm artillery. It is designed for compatibility with all existing and future 155mm cannons. "The relatively simple design of Saber allows it to accurately fly to target with fewer moving parts; making the round highly reliable, very effective and importantly, lower-cost than the competition," said Dave Wise, General Manager, Advanced Weapons, ATK Mission Systems Group.
The test was conducted at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, Ariz. After exiting the barrel, the tail fin assembly deployed and latched as designed. After the fins were locked in place, the round's rocket motor ignited and completed a full burn. The thrust provided by the rocket motor allowed the round to reach its 48- Kilometer objective. In previous tests, ATK has demonstrated the effectiveness of its INS/GPS guidance solution.
The increased range of Saber's boosted, ballistic trajectory flight path reduces the time from gun-launch to impact and supports the expanded responsibilities of Brigade Combat Teams. Combined with its proven guidance solution, Saber will significantly shrink the potential impact zone, reducing the possibility of collateral damage.
ATK is a $3.4 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 22 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com .
Do I understand the implications of this correctly?
These are GPS guided munitions with a range of 48 km?
So...if I am a Special Forces guy with a high value target in a house, I can phone in GPS coordinates and get an artillery strike instead of waiting for an aircraft to arrive on station?
Yep, the Navy has a 5" rocket assisted munition with 90 mile range and GPS terminal guidance. Just call in the coordinates and sit back and wait for a HE express delivery. Ain't technology great?
Regards,
GtG
That seems like it would provide our men with great flexibility in finding a way to send those murdering bastards straight to their 72 virgins in hell.
I like the sound of that.
actually, it is much better than that - we have a "point-and-click" interface.
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