Low Cost Autonomous Attack System

LOCAAS

Artist conception of LOCAAS
Type Small submunition-type missile
Place of origin  United States
Production history
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
Specifications
Weight 100 pounds (45 kg)
Length 36 inches (91 cm)
Warhead Explosively formed projectile
Warhead weight 17 lb (7.7 kg)
Engine Technical Directions TDI-J45G turbojet
30 lbf (0.13 kN) thrust
Wingspan 3 ft 10.5 in (1.181 m)
Operational
range
 over 100 mi (160 km)
30 minute loiter time
Flight altitude 750 feet (230 m)
Speed 230 miles per hour (370 km/h)
Guidance
system
 GPS/inertial midcourse
LADAR terminal
Launch
platform
 Bomber aircraft; MGM-140 missiles

The Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS). In 1998 the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army Lockheed Martin began to examine the feasibility of a small, affordable cruise missile weapon for use against armoured and unarmoured vehicles, materiel and personnel, and if so develop a demonstration program.[1] The program has cost approx. $150,000,000 so far; the cost per unit is calculated to be $30,000 based on a production of 12,000 units.

After being launched from a weapon platform, it is guided by GPS/INS to the target general area, where it can loiter. A laser radar (LIDAR or LADAR) illuminates the targets, determines their range, and matches their 3-D geometry with pre-loaded signatures. The LOCAAS system then selects the highest priority target and selects the warhead's mode for the best effect.[2]

It is part of the Small Bomb System (SBS) program. The LOCAAS has been cancelled.

Specifications

See also

References

  1. ↑ Low Cost Autonomous Attack System - Global Security
  2. ↑ Powered Low-Cost Autonomous Attack System - US Air Force Research Laboratory
  3. ↑ Lockheed Martin LOCAAS - Designation Systems


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