AMMUNITION hicle-mounted systems used to perform family of 60 mm ammunition including mortar tactical and technical fire control for high-explosive, smoke, illumination, in- The Program Executive Office for Am- infantry, heavy and Stryker brigade combat frared illumination and practice cartridges. munition (PEO Ammo) has the mission to teams (BCTs). With ranges from 70 meters to 3,500 meters, continue being the best provider of conven- The APMI is a response to an Operation the M224A1 meets lethality, range and tional, leap-ahead munitions, mortars, Enduring Freedom (OEF) operational need weight requirements for light forces. towed artillery systems and counter-impro- statement (ONS) requiring a GPS-guided, The M252A1 81 mm Mortar System is a vised explosive device (IED) products by 120 mm mortar cartridge with 10 meters smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded weapon that fostering innovation and diversity for the CEP accuracy to rapidly defeat personnel replaced the M252 mortar. It features a high warfighter. Project managers within the targets while minimizing collateral damage. rate of fire, extended range, improved PEO include Combat Ammunition Sys- APMI is currently compatible with U.S. dis- lethality and improved overall system char- tems, Maneuver Ammunition Systems, mounted 120 mm weapons and fire control acteristics, reducing overall system weight Joint Program Manager Towed Artillery system, and the Stryker double-V hull mor- by 20 percent (90.3 pounds to 70.3 pounds). Systems, Close Combat Systems, Project Di- tar carrier and fire control system. It has The entire family of 81 mm ammunition rector Joint Services and Project Director been successfully used in operations in OEF. can be fired by the M252A1. The M252A1 Joint Products. The PGK is a GPS guidance kit with prox- consists of the M253 cannon (tube), imity and point detonating fuzing func- M177A1 bipod, M3A2 baseplate and the Project Manager Combat tions. It is compatible with existing high-ex- M67A1 sight unit. Ammunition Systems (PM CAS) plosive, 155 mm M549A1 and M795 cannon The M120/M121 120 mm Battalion Mor- The Project Manager Combat Ammuni- artillery projectiles. The PGK corrects the tar System is a smooth-bore, muzzle-loaded, tion Systems (PM CAS) is responsible for ballistic trajectory of the projectile to reduce high-angle-of-fire weapon organic to the equipping soldiers and marines with can- delivery errors and improves projectile ac- battalion, providing immediate long-range, non-launched, indirect-fire munitions and curacy to a range-independent accuracy of lethality, illumination and smoke-screening mortar weapons systems. Organizations less than 50 meters CEP. The PGK will effec- effectiveness for close combat. It is used within PM CAS include Product Manager tively reduce target delivery error of con- in a ground-mounted (M120) or vehicle- Excalibur, Product Manager Guided Preci- ventional artillery munitions, reducing the mounted (M121 on the M1064A3 mortar sion Munitions and Mortar Systems (PM number of projectiles required to execute a carrier) role. It consists of the M298 barrel GPM2S), Conventional Ammunition Divi- fire mission. Fielding is expected in 2014. assembly, M191 bipod assembly, the M9A1 sion, Technical Management Division and The M224A1 60 mm Mortar Weapon Sys- baseplate and the M67A1 sight. The 120 Business Management Division. tem is a lightweight, high-angle-of-fire, mm battalion mortar system provides smooth-bore, manportable, muzzle-loaded close-in and continuous indirect fire sup- Product Manager Excalibur mortar with weight reduced by 20 percent port to maneuver forces and can rapidly The M982 Excalibur, a 155 mm, preci- (44 pounds to 35.3 pounds) and reduced respond to threats. sion-guided, artillery high-explosive projec- maintenance requirements. The M224A1 The M326 Mortar Stowage Kit (MSK) is tile with extended range, has been fielded to consists of an M225A1 cannon (tube), a 120 mm mortar employment improve- servicemembers and successfully employed M170A1 bipod assembly, M7A1 baseplate, ment. The powered device enables a 120 in combat operations. Excalibur couples M8 auxiliary baseplate and the M67A1 mm mortar to be quickly put in or out of ac- global positioning system (GPS) precision- sight unit. The M224A1 fires the complete tion. The M326 uses a mortar support strut guidance technology with an inertial mea- surement unit to provide accurate, first- round fire-for-effect capability in an urban setting with accuracy better than 10 meters circular error probable (CEP). Excalibur is approximately 1 meter in length and weighs 106 pounds. Its extended range (up to 40 kilometers) and high accuracy result in in- creased lethality with a decrease in required volume of fire per engagement. Excalibur Increment Ia is in full-rate production, and Excalibur Increment Ib is in engineering and manufacturing development.
Product Manager Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems The Product Manager for Guided Preci- sion Munitions and Mortar Systems (PM GPM2S) is the life-cycle manager responsi- ble for guided munition improvements for cannon-launched weapons (mortars and ar- tillery), mortar weapons and mortar fire control systems. Assigned guided precision munitions include the XM1156 Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) and the Urgent Ma- teriel Release (UMR) Accelerated Precision Mortar Initiative (APMI). Mortar weapons include the 60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm sys- tems and related equipment. Fire control systems include handheld devices and ve- M120/M121 120 mm Battalion Mortar System
October 2012 I ARMY 359 Product Director Medium Caliber M150/M151 Mortar Ammunition (PD MC) Fire-Control System- The Product Director Medium Caliber Dismounted Ammunition (PD MC) is responsible for (MFCS-D) life-cycle management of direct-fire combat and training ammunition in 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm caliber families for the Army. Under the single manager for con- ventional ammunition executor, PD MC is responsible for procurement of medium- caliber combat and training ammunition for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. PD MC supports medium-caliber ammuni- tion needs of the individual warfighter and weapon platforms, which include the Mk 19 Automatic Grenade Launcher; M203/320 Grenade Launcher; Bradley Fighting Vehi- cle; Light Armored Vehicle; AH-64 Apache; MH-60 Black Hawk and AH-1W Super Co- bra helicopters; A-10 Thunderbolt, AC- 130U Spectre, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Falcon, FA- 18 Hornet, F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft; Land-based Phalanx Weapons System (LPWS) for Counter Rockets Ar- tillery and Mortars (C-RAM); and the Pha- to hold the mortar tube, baseplate and bi- indirect-fire ammunition and selected weap- lanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) for pod together in transport mode for ease of ons. Offices within PM MAS include the naval vessels. deployment. This assembly is emplaced or Product Manager Small Caliber Ammuni- Non-Dud Producing (NDP) training am- recovered by a hydraulic winch with a tion, Product Director Medium Caliber munition is being developed for the 40 mm manual backup. Ammunition, Product Manager Large Cal- grenade family to allow soldiers and units The M95/M96 Mortar Fire-Control Sys- iber Ammunition and Product Director to train more realistically on continental U.S. tem (MFCS) is a digital fire-control system Non-Standard Ammunition. training ranges without safety concerns for the vehicle-mounted M121, linking mor- from unexploded ordnance, while meeting tar fires with the digital battlefield. MFCS Product Manager Small Caliber environmental requirements with nontoxic provides increased responsiveness, crew Ammunition (PM SC) components. Currently, units cannot go survivability and mortar accuracy. The Product Manager Small Caliber downrange during training to conduct fire The M150/M151 Mortar Fire-Control Ammunition (PM SC) is the life-cycle man- and maneuver tactics. NDP rounds are be- System-Dismounted (MFCS-D) is similar ager for the full range of small-caliber am- ing developed for both the low-velocity to the M95 MFCS and is being fielded with munition including production of legacy family, fired from the M203 and M320, and the M326 to provide a digital fire-control items such as pistol, shotgun and rifle am- the high-velocity family, fired from the Mk system for the ground-mounted 120 mm munition up to and including .50-caliber for 19. Low-rate initial production and full op- system. MFCS-D provides increased re- all the armed services and development of erational capability are planned for fiscal sponsiveness, crew survivability and mor- new ammunition to support emerging year (FY) 2015. A capability development tar accuracy. Army requirements. Small-caliber systems document was signed for the 40 mm high- The M32 Lightweight Handheld Mortar include .22-caliber, .38-caliber, 9 mm, .45- velocity training round and a capability pro- Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) is a joint ser- caliber, 12-gauge shotgun, 5.56 mm, 7.62 duction document for the 40 mm low-veloc- vice Marine Corps/Army system that cal- mm and .50-caliber families of munitions. ity in December 2011. culates technical firing solutions for the en- PM SC also manages the modernization of tire family of fielded U.S. mortars and their the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Product Manager Large Caliber complete inventory of ammunition. It is Mo., the primary source of small-caliber Ammunition (PM LC) linked into the digital fire support system ammunition. The Product Manager Large Caliber and includes an internal GPS receiver for The M855A1 Enhanced Performance Ammunition (PM LC) is responsible for improved tube positioning accuracy. Round is a lead-free version of the M855 life-cycle management of large-caliber, di- cartridge that is fired from the 5.56 mm fam- rect-fire combat and training ammunition Project Manager Maneuver ily of weapons (M4, M16 and M249) and is for the Army and Marine Corps. Platforms Ammunition Systems (PM MAS) the newest of the small-caliber family of supported include the Abrams main battle The Project Manager Maneuver Ammu- munitions. The M855A1 EPR uses a new tank (MBT) and Stryker mobile gun system. nition Systems (PM MAS) is responsible bullet design that resulted in a number of Primary target sets for ammunition being for the life-cycle management—including significant enhancements over the original procured and new systems being devel- development, production and fielding—of general purpose M855 fielded in the early oped are armor, structures, bunkers, obsta- all Army direct-fire ammunition (except 1980s. Improvements include better hard- cles and infantry squads. PM LC also devel- nonlethal) and for the procurement of Air target penetration, more consistent perfor- ops and procures specialized ammunition Force, Navy and Marine Corps direct-fire mance against soft targets and significantly for foreign military sales customers of the ammunition assigned to PEO Ammunition increased distances of these effects. The EPR Abrams tank. Calibers supported include as the single manager for conventional am- allows training exercises to be conducted on 105 mm and 120 mm. munition executor. Under its mission for ranges where lead projectiles are no longer The M829E4 is a 120 mm, fifth-genera- procurement of nonstandard ammunition, allowed. The same technology is also being tion, kinetic energy, armor piercing, fin-sta- PM MAS supports allies with direct- and used to improve 7.62 mm ammunition. bilized discarding sabot cartridge for the
360 ARMY I October 2012 Abrams MBT. The cartridge is specifically countries. Munitions procured range from howitzer that provides continuous close designed to defeat future armored targets 5.45 mm through 122 mm, supporting indi- fires to infantry brigade combat teams. The equipped with explosive reactive armor vidual and crew-served weapons and plat- system weighs 4,330 pounds and is air as- and active protection systems. The program forms including tanks, artillery and aircraft. sault/air drop capable. It has a range of is currently in engineering, manufacturing 19.5 kilometers with rocket-assisted muni- and development, with the Milestone C Joint Program Manager Towed tions (14 kilometers unassisted). It fires all projected in FY 2014. This cartridge has an Artillery Systems (PM TAS) currently fielded U.S. munitions and has a expanded operational temperature and The Joint Program Manager for Towed rate of fire of six rounds per minute. Its ap- provides a significant lethality overmatch Artillery Systems (PM TAS) takes a joint proved prime movers include the Humvee against all projected armor threats. (Army and Marine Corps) perspective in and 2.5-ton and 5-ton trucks. The Advanced Multi Purpose (AMP) is a managing the development, acquisition, A program to integrate digital fire-control 120 mm, direct-fire, multipurpose munition testing, systems integration, product im- capability onto the M119A2 howitzer was to be developed for the Abrams MBT. AMP provement and fielding of the M777A2 155 approved in 2008. Using the software for will provide the user with new capabilities mm Joint Lightweight Howitzer (LW155) the M777A2 155 mm howitzer maximizes to defeat antitank guided missile teams and system, designed to enhance strategic mo- commonality in operation and training breach reinforced walls. AMP has three bility and provide the infantryman and ma- while minimizing program cost, schedule modes of operation—airburst, point deto- rine with effective and responsive fire sup- and risk. The application of a digital fire nate and point detonate delay—that will al- port. The LW155 is a joint Marine Corps control will allow the digitized M119A2 to low the consolidation of the capabilities of and Army program that replaces the M198 emplace and displace faster, provide more four stockpiled cartridges into a single mu- 155 mm Towed Howitzer. The LW155 is a responsive fires, and become more surviv- nition that can be used to defeat dis- general support system for the Army’s light able on the battlefield. mounted infantry, bunkers, obstacles and units, a direct-support cannon fire support The IPADS provides common inertial light armor. Additional benefits include in- system for the Stryker brigade combat team survey control for all Army and Marine creased logistical efficiency and being able and the sole howitzer in the Marine Corps. Corps field artillery, mortar, artillery meteo- to battle-carry a single munition that can be The LW155 uses the M776 155 mm cannon, rological and radar systems. PM TAS is also used for multiple engagement scenarios. giving it a maximum firing range of ap- managing the effort to add a GPS feature to proximately 30 kilometers with rocket-as- IPADS. IPADS-G will augment operations Product Director Non-Standard sisted projectiles, 24.7 kilometers with stan- of the fire support community by providing Ammunition (PD NSA) dard rounds and up to 40 kilometers using the ability to maintain the current accuracy The Product Director Non-Standard Excalibur. It has a maximum firing rate of of IPADS without stopping for zero-veloc- Ammunition (PD NSA) provides quality four rounds per minute and a sustained rate ity updates, increasing the artillery timeli- nonstandard ammunition and nonstandard of two rounds per minute. The M777A2 is ness, availability of fires, lethality, surviv- mortar weapon systems to allied nations fitted with onboard electronics, giving it ability, and force protection on extended and other U.S. customers. Nonstandard self-locating, self-laying and digital commu- convoys or artillery missions. IPADS will be ammunition/mortar weapons are ammuni- nications similar to the M109A6 Paladin. aided by an internal GPS receiver; however, tion, explosives and weapons that are not The M777A2 adds the ability to fire the Ex- it must also be capable of operating in an managed by national inventory control calibur precision-guided munition. inertial fashion independently of GPS aid. points, have not been safety-tested and In addition to the M777A2 howitzer, other The Army began fielding the M198 155 type-classified for Army use, do not have a towed artillery systems supported in U.S. mm Towed Howitzer in early 1979 to pro- national stock number, and cannot be pro- Army inventories include the M119A2 105 vide greater range and lethality for light- cured or requisitioned through the Army or mm Howitzer, the Improved Position and unit fire-support elements. As a successor other Department of Defense supply sys- Azimuth Determining System (IPADS), to the older M114A1 155 mm towed system, tems. The majority of this ammunition is and the M198 155 mm Howitzer. the 15,750-pound (original fielded weight) produced in former Soviet/Eastern bloc The M119A2 is a lightweight, 105 mm M198 provided a maximum range of 30
M777 A2 155 mm Joint Lightweight Howitzer (LW155)
October 2012 I ARMY 361 kilometers (with rocket-assisted projectiles) Product Manager Countermine and proach to control, monitor, and defend per- and the capability to fire a broader range of Explosive Ordnance Disposal sonnel, facilities and vehicles. ammunition options than those available Nothing is more important than the free- Detecting IEDs or threats is the first line for 105 mm units. Normally towed by a 5- dom to operate wherever required on the of defense. Capabilities such as Sherlock ton truck, the M198 can also be moved by a battlefield. Finding, neutralizing and dis- and Fido explosive detection systems de- CH-47D Chinook helicopter or Air Force as- carding explosive hazards that impede this tect potential IEDs, suicide bombers, and sets (C-130 and larger). The M777A2 has re- movement demand a complete spectrum of other explosive hazards at base entrances, placed the M198. countermine and explosive ordnance dis- ranges and control points as part of a tiered PM TAS also supports the D-30 How- posal (EOD) solutions for vehicle, handheld defense. They provide improved identifica- itzer program. The D-30 Howitzer is a 122 and robotic applications. tion and detection capabilities outside the mm Soviet towed Howitzer that entered In Afghanistan, insurgents have moved blast range. service in the 1960s. It weighs 7,055 pounds to using explosive hazards made of low- or Deny systems block enemy access to and has a maximum range of 15.4 kilome- non-metallic components that are more dif- unauthorized locations and deny them the ters (21.9 kilometers assisted). It has a maxi- ficult to detect using conventional methods, opportunity to emplace IEDs or other ex- mum rate of fire of 10 to 12 rounds per thus putting soldiers at greater risk of in- plosive hazards in targeted areas. Culvert minute and a sustained rate of five to six jury or death. Enter ground penetrating Denial Systems block unauthorized access rounds per minute. In 2010, PM TAS was radar (GPR), a superior technology that to culverts, the devices used to channel wa- given a requirement to provide 194 D-30s to provides a 3-D analysis of objects buried in ter and allow it to pass underneath roads, the Afghan National Army. PM TAS has de- the ground. Both the Husky Mounted De- railways or embankments. These capabili- livered 104 Howitzers, provided training tection System (HMDS) and the AN/PSS- ties aim to reduce the security risks for U.S. on the operation and maintenance of the 14 Mine Detecting System employ GPR. forces and provide blast mitigation with weapon system, and established a refur- This technology alerts the operator to the standoff protection. bishment capability in Afghanistan that is threat prior to detonation, greatly reducing Defeat products focus on defensive tech- allowing Afghan workers to refurbish addi- the risk of injury to the crew and battle dam- nologies and capabilities required to con- tional Howitzers. age to the vehicle or surrounding facilities. quer IEDs by neutralizing them before they Continuous development to countermea- can be detonated or minimizing the effects Project Manager Close Combat sure technology and equipment provides of IED blasts on personnel, equipment and Systems (PM CCS) EOD technicians the ability to access, dis- facilities. The Jackal Explosive Hazard Pre- Nearly every mission U.S. soldiers face, rupt and neutralize hazards from increased Detonation System triggers IEDs at stand- either domestic or international, involves standoff distances quickly and smoothly. off distance and is modular and adaptable an item managed by Project Manager The MK40 Mod 0 Unexploded Ordnance to emerging IED devices and multiple plat- Close Combat Systems (PM CCS). PM Standoff Disrupter Tool allows the EOD forms. Jackal was named one of the Army’s CCSs’ contributions are on the forefront of soldier to render safe unexploded ordnance Greatest Inventions. theater operations and span multiple ser- (UXO) and IEDs via a percussion-activated vices, providing cutting-edge technology to projectile from a standoff position. The EOD Product Directorate Area Denial defeat the ever-evolving and adapting PAN Disrupter is a laser-aimed disrupter PM CCS is redefining how soldiers shape threats, as well as legacy systems being that can also be fired from EOD robots. the battlefield and protect the force through used in new, innovative ways on today’s continual advances in area-denial capabili- battlefield. The PM CCS portfolio of prod- Product Manager Improvised ties. Area-denial systems and munitions ucts ranges from counter-IEDs, handheld Explosive Device Defeat/Protect Force block enemy access to key terrain and re- pyrotechnic devices, C-4 explosives and IEDs remain one of the most deadly strict the enemy’s ability to maneuver freely. shoulder-launched munitions (SLMs) to threats to U.S. servicemembers with every These systems include cutting-edge net- mine clearing line charges, hand grenades step and mile they travel. Protecting the worked munitions and legacy antipersonnel and nonlethal weapon sets. force from these dangers takes a layered ap- and antivehicle systems. Manportable, these systems provide soldiers faster response time, greater efficiency, and enhanced safety and can be employed to protect perimeters and flanks during attack, reinforce light forces and control enemy movement. The XM-7 Spider Networked Munition is an effective lethal and nonlethal alterna- tive to antipersonnel land mines (APLs). Currently operational in Afghanistan, the system is an advanced, man-in-the-loop (MITL) area-denial system that offers re- mote-controlled force protection. The sys- tem is different from a land mine in that it cannot deliver effects unless commanded to do so, and it can be safely recovered from the field and reused. Spider provides the equivalent munition field effectiveness of current APLs without the residual life- threatening risks after hostilities end or when warring factions depart. The M18A1 Claymore is a directional fragmentation munition that fires metal balls (shrapnel) out to about 100 meters Husky Mounted Detection System (HMDS) across a 60-degree arc in front of the device.
362 ARMY I October 2012 It is remotely detonated using an electric or nonelectric initiation system and is used to deter enemy pursuit, establish perimeter defenses and conduct ambushes. It can also be used with the Spider System.
Product Directorate Combat Munitions Having the tactical flexibility to react rapidly and effectively to any scenario en- sures success against the varied threats and combat environments U.S. forces face. Com- bat munitions provide a range of battlefield munitions and escalation of force capabili- ties that broaden soldiers’ options for coun- tering enemy actions. They include shoul- der-launched munitions (SLMs), grenades, and nonlethal ammunition and systems. SLMs provide soldiers the ability to de- feat light-armored vehicles and bunkers and enemy personnel. Disposable and highly mobile, improved versions of SLMs such as the M136A1 AT4 Confined Space M18A1 Claymore (AT4-CS) can be fired from confined spaces, increasing effectiveness in urban en- vironments. The upgraded M72 Light As- Product Directorate Support lated obstacles for dismounted soldiers sault Weapon (LAW) is ideal for the combat Munitions and vehicles, the Anti-Personnel Obstacle environment in Afghanistan, characterized PM CCS’ Support Munitions—demoli- Breaching System is light enough to be by difficult terrain, long foot patrols and tions and pyrotechnics—provide soldiers carried by two soldiers with backpacks, fast-paced operations at close range. with enhanced maneuver, communication while the Mine Clearing Line Charge is a Grenades range in effect from nonlethal to and illumination capabilities across various rocket-projected explosive line charge. lethal and can be hand-thrown or propelled missions on the battlefield. Pyrotechnics include munition flares, sig- from a launcher. They offer a variety of ca- Combat engineers, infantry, explosive nals and simulators. Advanced infrared de- pabilities—from fragmentation and incen- ordnance disposal and special operations coy flares, the M206, M211 and M212 Air diary to screening and signaling—to the use demolitions and breeching munitions to Countermeasure Flares are used by Army soldier in close-combat situations. clear mines and IEDs, overcome obstacles, aircraft and helicopters to defeat a range of PM CCSs’ nonlethal munitions and sys- and impede enemy movement. Moderniza- threats. The family of Handheld Signals tems allow soldiers to react with the appro- tion efforts are aimed at making demolitions provides aircraft, distress and troop em- priate level of force based on the threat lighter, more reliable and less sensitive. PM placement signaling as well as battlefield il- and serve as the last step in a scalable re- CCS manages a range of demolition items, lumination. Battlefield and ground effects sponse—shout, show, shove, shoot. They including the Modern Demolitions Initia- simulators, such as the M115A2 Ground are vital in urban conflict to limit collateral tor, a suite of components used to activate Burst Simulator and M116A1 Hand Gre- damage and avoid noncombatant casual- all standard military demolitions and explo- nade Simulator, produce battle noises and ties. The Non-Lethal Capabilities Set sives, as well as bulk, shaped and cratering effects—shells in flight, ground burst explo- (NLCS) provides a variety of capabilities charges. Designed to clear mines and re- sions or grenades—for use in training. including checkpoint, dismounted opera- tions, convoy protection and crowd con- trol/detainer operations as well as counter- personnel and counter-materiel systems. The modularity of the NLCS allows the commander to tailor equipment needs based on a specific mission or threat level. Both the M1012 12-gauge Nonlethal Point Control Cartridge and M1013 12- gauge Nonlethal Area Round temporarily disorient or incapacitate a targeted individ- ual with nonlethal blunt trauma. They can be fired from a standard issue 12-gauge shotgun, such as the Mossberg 500, Moss- berg 590 and Winchester 1200. The M1029 40 mm Crowd Dispersal Cartridge and M1006 40 mm Sponge Grenade can either be launched from the M203 40 mm grenade launcher or fired from an M16A2/M203 or M4/M203. These nonlethal munitions fill a wide range of possible nonlethal applica- tions, including crowd control and enforc- “When the Sioux and Cheyenne find out we have a fully integrated ing a buffer zone. tactical network, I’m sure they will pack up and go home.”
October 2012 I ARMY 363