Alliant Techsystems Demonstrates Advanced GPS Mortar Round
PGMM is an advanced weapon system that offers soldiers a precise, multi-purpose indirect fire capability that can fly in excess of seven kilometers and impact within one meter of the target. It will be able to defeat protected enemy with low collateral damage in 2 rounds or less. |
by Staff Writers
Minneapolis MN (SPX) Feb 13, 2006
In a series of flight tests conducted at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Alliant Techsystems successfully demonstrated the ballistic characteristics of the most advanced mortar round ever developed for the U.S. Army - ATK's precision guided mortar munition (PGMM). A total of 49 rounds were shot over three days from a 120mm mortar, achieving all test objectives.
The primary objectives of the test included establishing the appropriate charge weight to ensure proper muzzle velocity when the round exits the mortar tube; evaluating range performance, obtaining aeroballistics data and verifying structural integrity at hot, cold and ambient temperatures. Secondary objectives included feedback from mortar operators on the handling of the new PGMM round and collection of mortar interior environment data.
ATK and the U.S. Army have established an extensive test regimen to ensure that the first PGMM production rounds will be ready for delivery no later than 2010.
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Laboratory Builds New Coating Facility
Kirtland AFB NM (SPX) Feb 13, 2006
Construction on a new mirrorcoating facility is nearing completion here at the Air Force Research Laboratory, enabling researchers to produce more durable, efficient mirrors for highenergy lasers. Planned for completion in April, the 3,000squarefoot facility will be able to coat mirrors as large as 2.5 meters (100 inches) wide. The laboratory's current capability is limited to optics 1012 inches in diameter.
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