MGM-140 ATACMS: Difference between revisions
imported>Howard C. Berkowitz (New page: Developed by the U.S. Army to be fired from the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System launcher, the '''MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System)''' is a short to medium-range [[ba...) |
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Developed by the [[U.S. Army]] to be fired from the [[M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System]] launcher, the '''MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System)''' is a short to medium-range [[ballistic missile]]. Carrying either a high explosive [[unitary warhead]] or dual-purpose [[cluster submunition]]s, it replaced the [[MGM-52 Lance]], a missile assigned to [[corps]] level support with nuclear warheads. As Lance missiles reached the end of their storage lives, and [[precision-guided munition]]s superceded tactical nuclear weapons, a replacement was needed. | {{subpages}} | ||
Developed by the [[U.S. Army]] to be fired from the [[M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System]] launcher, the '''MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System)''' is a short to medium-range [[ballistic missile]].Mref name=Parsch>{{citation | |||
| url = http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-140.html | |||
| author = Andreas Parsch | |||
| title = Lockheed Martin (LTV) MGM-140 ATACMS}}</ref> Carrying either a high explosive [[unitary warhead]] or dual-purpose [[cluster submunition]]s, it replaced the [[MGM-52 Lance]], a missile assigned to [[corps]] level support with nuclear warheads. As Lance missiles reached the end of their storage lives, and [[precision-guided munition]]s superceded tactical nuclear weapons, a replacement was needed. | |||
ATACMS is now in its fourth version. 32 of the "A" version were used in [[Operation DESERT STORM]], as a long-range weapon, directly responsive to ground commanders, for attacking high-value targets such as missile sites and command posts. This missile had 100mi/165km range with moderately precise inertial guidance; the guidance limitation essentially required the area effect of cluster submunitions. | ATACMS is now in its fourth version. 32 of the "A" version were used in [[Operation DESERT STORM]], as a long-range weapon, directly responsive to ground commanders, for attacking high-value targets such as missile sites and command posts, beyond the range of cannon artillery such as the [[M109 howitzer]]. This missile had 100mi/165km range with moderately precise inertial guidance; the guidance limitation essentially required the area effect of cluster submunitions.<ref name=ST>{{citation | ||
| url = http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/docs/st_6-60-30/TOC.html | |||
| title = The Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) Family of Munitions (AFOM): Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) | |||
| id = Special Text 6-60-30 | |||
| publisher = Field Artillery School, U.S. Army}}</ref> | |||
Precision considerably increased with the "B" model, which added [[GPS]]. With increased precision, the warhead size was reduced yet range was increased to 185mi/300km. This version went into service in 1998. | Precision considerably increased with the "B" model, which added [[GPS]]. With increased precision, the warhead size was reduced yet range was increased to 185mi/300km. This version went into service in 1998. | ||
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A longer-range hard-target-penetrator variant has been in design, but production continues of the B/D and E models, both in service. They continue to be fired from the M270, which has two positions for weapons canisters. The sealed canisters contain either one ATACMS, or six of the shorter-ranged unguided M26 rockets, or guided M30 cluster submunition or XM31 unitary missiles. | A longer-range hard-target-penetrator variant has been in design, but production continues of the B/D and E models, both in service. They continue to be fired from the M270, which has two positions for weapons canisters. The sealed canisters contain either one ATACMS, or six of the shorter-ranged unguided M26 rockets, or guided M30 cluster submunition or XM31 unitary missiles. | ||
==References== | |||
{{reflist}} | |||
Revision as of 17:51, 16 March 2009
Developed by the U.S. Army to be fired from the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System launcher, the MGM-140 ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) is a short to medium-range ballistic missile.Mref name=Parsch>Andreas Parsch, Lockheed Martin (LTV) MGM-140 ATACMS</ref> Carrying either a high explosive unitary warhead or dual-purpose cluster submunitions, it replaced the MGM-52 Lance, a missile assigned to corps level support with nuclear warheads. As Lance missiles reached the end of their storage lives, and precision-guided munitions superceded tactical nuclear weapons, a replacement was needed.
ATACMS is now in its fourth version. 32 of the "A" version were used in Operation DESERT STORM, as a long-range weapon, directly responsive to ground commanders, for attacking high-value targets such as missile sites and command posts, beyond the range of cannon artillery such as the M109 howitzer. This missile had 100mi/165km range with moderately precise inertial guidance; the guidance limitation essentially required the area effect of cluster submunitions.[1]
Precision considerably increased with the "B" model, which added GPS. With increased precision, the warhead size was reduced yet range was increased to 185mi/300km. This version went into service in 1998.
The "C" model, called ATACMS Block II, was redesignated as a long-range antitank weapon.
Most recently, the "D" model was a general upgrade of the "B", still carrying cluster submunitions at even greater range. With continued guidance improvements, and the political sensitivity of cluster munitions, the "E" model introduced a 500 lb high-explosive warhead. This is essentially the same WAU-23 warhead used on the AGM-84 SLAM air-to-surface missile.
A longer-range hard-target-penetrator variant has been in design, but production continues of the B/D and E models, both in service. They continue to be fired from the M270, which has two positions for weapons canisters. The sealed canisters contain either one ATACMS, or six of the shorter-ranged unguided M26 rockets, or guided M30 cluster submunition or XM31 unitary missiles.
References
- ↑ The Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) Family of Munitions (AFOM): Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP), Field Artillery School, U.S. Army, Special Text 6-60-30