YUMA, Ariz., March 19 (UPI) -- A precision-guided mortar shell developed by a U.S. company scored a direct hit on a target more than 2 miles away in a test announced Monday.
Alliant Techsystems (ATK) said in a release that its Precision Guided Mortar Munition (PGMM) was kept on course to the target using small thrusters embedded in the round's casing.
"With the success of this guided flight test, ATK has ushered in the era of affordable, precision munitions for troops on the ground," said Jack Cronin, president of ATK's Mission Systems Group. "It is an artfully designed precision projectile that is now a reality."
Precision ordnance that can be employed in urban areas such as Baghdad and other Iraqi cities has been a top priority of the U.S. military as it grapples with hit-and-run insurgents in civilian neighborhoods. The idea is that enemy positions can be taken out with one shot with a minimum of collateral damage and without having to call in an air strike.
The test reported Monday took place recently at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The PGMM was launched from a standard 120mm mortar and hit its target 2-½ miles downrange.
ATK said the test, carried out under an $80 million system design and development (SDD) contract issued in 2004, validated the program and should lead to completion of the SDD phase on time and budget.
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