YUMA, Ariz., May 2 (UPI) -- A rocket fired by a U.S. Abrams tank reached a speed of Mach 4 and flew more than five miles in a recent test, Alliance Techsystems (ATK) announced.
The Mid Range Munition Kinetic Energy (MRM-KE) precision projectile tested at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona is designed to give the U.S. Army armor forces a lethal long-range option against enemy ground targets.
The data collected in the test announced Monday will be used to continue the development of the rocket in preparation for a full boosted-and-guided test flight later this year.
The latest test was an unguided launch in which the MRM-KE's rocket motor performed a series of pre-programmed maneuvers and achieved its target range of five-and-a-half miles, which ATK said gives the Abrams a reach beyond the line of sight. During the Gulf War, Abrams tanks engaged Iraqi targets at ranges up to 4,000 meters (two-and-a-half miles).
"This test is a significant milestone in the MRM program and clearly establishes ATK as a leader in the development of next-generation precision kill weapons," said Dave Wise, head of ATK Mission Systems Advanced Weapons Division.
The MRM-KE uses a number of embedded thrusters that maneuver the weapon at high speeds. The round has a relatively small number of moving parts, which ATK said in a news release allowed it to withstand high G-forces.
