 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| . |  |
. |
Inertial Measurement Unit Gives Excalibur Reliability
Yuma AZ (SPX) Aug 07, 2009 Raytheon fired nine Excalibur Ia-1 precision-guided projectiles from a Paladin gun system. The test validates the increased reliability of the projectile's new Atlantic Inertial Systems inertial measurement unit (AIS IMU). Using the new IMU, Raytheon achieved a 100 percent success rate. "Excalibur Ia-1 is an extraordinarily capable weapon," said Steve Bennett, Raytheon's Excalibur program director. "In an effort to provide ever-increasing performance and to meet changing operational requirements, we needed an IMU that met Excalibur's stringent standards." Excalibur Ia-1 tests using the new AIS IMU began 10 months ago and have consistently demonstrated increased precision with an average impact distance of less than 2 meters (about 6 1/2 feet) from the target. These tests clear the way for Raytheon to resume immediate production of Excalibur Ia-1. "We look forward to providing the warfighter increased quantities of precision Excalibur rounds," said Lt. Col. Mike Milner, U.S. Army Excalibur product manager. "Soldiers and Marines welcome the continued deliveries as Excalibur is critical to the success of their combat operations." Raytheon continues thorough testing of all its Excalibur variants. Excalibur increment Ia-2 testing demonstrated better than 5 meter (slightly more than 16 feet) accuracy. "We've got to start thinking of precision in a whole new way," said Jim Riley, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Land Combat. "We're used to thinking in terms of the circular error of probability, but precision is the way of the future. CEP doesn't limit collateral damage, nor does it keep our warfighters safe. Excalibur's proven precision is not only effective, it's essential for the protection of combat forces and civilians." Excalibur Ia-1 has a unique guidance logic that acts as a built-in safety feature. The weapon will not arm itself unless the guidance logic determines it will impact the intended target. If the intended target cannot be hit, Excalibur rounds fly to a predetermined safe impact point. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links http://www.raytheon.com/ Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com All about missiles at SpaceWar.com
Gulf country seeks U.S. Hellfire missilesWashington (UPI) Aug 5, 2009 The United Arab Emirates has asked to buy U.S.-made missiles and warning systems, a U.S. Department of Defense agency said. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, a Pentagon group that promotes military-to-military contacts and transfer of defense materiel to U.S. allies, has formally informed the U.S. Congress of the possible sale. A release from DSCA said the United Arab Emir ... read more |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2009 - SpaceDaily. AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
YahooMyWeb
Google
Facebook