| MRM-CE | |
|---|---|
| Type | Dual use, B-LOS and LOS tank fired munition |
| Service history | |
| In service | Currently in development |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon Missile Systems |
| Unit cost | unknown |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | unknown |
| Length | unknown |
| Diameter | unknown |
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| Warhead | Shaped Charge or Kinetic energy penetrator |
| Detonation mechanism |
none |
|
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|
| Engine | none required |
| Wingspan | none |
| Operational range |
12.1 km (7.5 mi) |
| Flight altitude | N/A |
| Speed | approx. 1700m/s (at launch) |
| Guidance system |
Semi-active laser and uncooled IIR seeker |
| Launch platform |
M1 Abrams |
The XM1111 Mid-Range Munition (MRM) is a 120 mm precision guided munition being developed for the Rheinmetall 120mm Gun (known as the "M256" in the US military) used by several Western tanks. It was also intended to fulfill a requirement for Future Combat Systems (canceled) for a long-range, Beyond Line of Sight tank munition.
The U.S. Army awarded two contracts in a competition to validate the requirement, one for a kinetic energy penetrator round (MRM-KE) and one for a chemical energy warhead round (MRM-CE).
In December 2007, Raytheon's CE-based concept was awarded the system-design-and-development contract to develop the round. Valued at $232.3 million, the 63-month contract covers system design and development.
Contents |
The MRM-KE (Mid-Range Munition-Kinetic Energy) is an implementation of the MRM under development by Alliant Techsystems, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and HR Textron.[1]
The missile/projectile is designed to be used as a high-velocity penetrator for line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight shots. In line of sight, it would operate using laser guidance or a millimeter wave seeker. In BLOS, the shell would be fired in a ballistic arc, and would seek out its own targets.
The missile uses a kinetic energy penetrator to penetrate enemy armor. This effect is improved by a rocket motor that speeds the munition up. It steers with impulse thrusters.
MRM-KE uses technology developed as part of the X-Rod and XM1007 Tank Extended Range Munition (TERM) programs, both of which have been cancelled. [2][3]
The missile/projectile is to be a high-velocity multiple-mission projectile for line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight shots. In line of sight, it would operate using laser guidance or an uncooled imaging infrared seeker (IIR). In BLOS, the shell would be fired in a ballistic arc, and would glide to seek out its own targets. The BLOS mission can be autonomous or use FO directed target designation.
Mid-Range Munition incorporates proven technology using a dual-mode seeker suite comprising an imaging infrared sensor and a digital semi-active laser seeker. The dual-mode seeker was developed and successfully demonstrated during a two-year, Army-managed science and technology program. MRM-CE refines seeker technology developed as part of the XM1007 Tank Extended Range Munition (TERM) program.
For a beyond-line-of-sight mission, the chemical energy warhead is a better solution; with proven lethality against the primary target of threat armor, and better effects against the secondary targets of buildings, fortifications and light armor than a less versatile kinetic energy penetrator.