YUMA, Ariz., March 15 (UPI) -- The latest in guided tank ordnance scored a direct hit on a target more than 3 miles away in its first beyond-line-of-sight test firing.
Raytheon reported in a news release Wednesday that its Mid-Range Munition, Chemical Energy projectile used a semi-active laser seeker to knock out a T-72 target tank down range at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.
"The round hit within inches of the aim point, demonstrating complete mission success," said Rick Williams, Mid-Range Munition program manager. "Mid-Range Munition, Chemical-Energy has demonstrated all required operational modes."
Raytheon said the test met all of the requirements of the Army's Mid-Range Munition demonstration program and put it at the threshold of the system-design and development phase.
The March 1 test employed a "dual-mode imaging infrared/digital semi-active laser seeker" that enabled the munition to acquire the target after being fired by the Abrams tank and then transfer the tracking function to the infrared sensor.
The development allows U.S. tankers to take on an enemy beyond their line of site with or without a separate laser designating the target. Raytheon said the result would be a greater one-shot capability for U.S. tankers as the military evolves into a faster-moving blitz-oriented force.
