U.S. Army Weapons Systems 2009

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• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Year: 2008
• ISBN:
  9781628732849
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Military Science & Technology
• Index: Technology & Engineering

In addition, it covers cutting-edge tech that will soon be employed by our soldiers: missiles, small arms, biological detection systems, rockets, reconnaissance systems, radios, planes, bows and arrows (believe it or not)...you name it, this book has it. Also included is a thorough discussion of Future Combat Systems (FCS), the system of systems that, when fully operational, will provide the Army and joint forces with unprecedented capability to see the enemy, engage him on our terms, and defeat him on the twenty-first century battlefield. Full-color photographs illustrate each weapon, making this the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource of its kind.

Weapon Systems

Listed in alphabetical Order

2.75” Family of Rockets

Provides affordable air-to-ground precision fires to defeat soft and lightly armored targets (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System [APKWS]) and suppression, illumination, and direct/indirect fires to defeat area, materiel, and personnel targets (Hydra 70).

Description & Specifications

The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) and Hydra 70 Rocket System make up the family of 2.75” air-launched rockets employed by tri-service and special operating forces on both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. This highly modular rocket family incorporates a laser guidance section mated to a high-explosive warhead for the APKWS variant, and several different mission-oriented warheads for the Hydra 70 variant, including high-explosive, multi-purpose submunition, red phosphorus smoke, flechette, visible light illumination flare, and infrared illumination flare.

Program Status

APKWS

• 3QFY05: Program restructure decision

• 2QFY06: Milestone decision authority restructure in process review

• 3QFY06: Contract awarded to continue system development and demonstration activities

Hydra 70

• Current: Producing annual replenishment requirements for training and war reserve

Recent and Projected Activities

APKWS

• 4QFY08: Low rate initial production (LRIP) (Milestone C) decision review

• 1QFY09: Initiate LRIP

Hydra 70

• Ongoing: Continue Hydra 70 production and insensitive munitions improvement activities

2.75” Family of Rockets

FOREIGN MILITARY SALES

APKWS: None

Hydra 70: Kuwait, the Netherlands, Colombia, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Japan

CONTRACTORS

APKWS:

BAE Systems Electronics & Integrated Solutions (Nashua, NH)

Hydra 70:

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP) (Burlington, VT)

Grain:

Alliant Techsystems (Radford, VA)

Fuzes:

Action Manufacturing (Philadelphia, PA)

Fin and nozzle:

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (Anniston, AL)

Abrams Upgrade

Provides mobile, protected firepower for battlefield superiority.

Description & Specifications

The Abrams upgrade includes two variants, the M1A1 and M1A2, and provides the lethality, survivability, and fightability to defeat advanced threats on the integrated battlefield using mobility, firepower, and shock effect. The 120mm main gun on the M1A1 and M1A2 and the 1,500-horsepower AGT turbine engine and special armor make the Abrams tank particularly lethal against heavy armor forces.

The M1A1 upgrade includes increased armor protection, suspension improvements, and a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system for survivability. An integrated applique computer, an embedded diagnostic system, a second-generation thermal sensor, and a far-target-designation capability can be incorporated on the M1A1.

The M1A2 upgrade includes a commander's independent thermal viewer, an improved weapon station, position navigation equipment, distributed data and power architecture, embedded diagnostics, and an improved fire control system.

The M1A2 system enhancement program (SEP) adds second-generation thermal sensors and a thermal management system. It includes upgrades to processors/memory that enable use of the Army's common command and control software, effecting rapid transfer of digital situational data and overlays.

The Abrams upgrade includes the total integrated revitalization (TIGER) program, a rebuild effort consisting of engine data collection, transition of parts management to the contractor, and implementation of commercial production processes. The Abrams integrated management (AIM) overhaul program recapitalizes the high operational tempo of the M1A1 tank fleet. The Abrams parts obsolescence program tracks obsolete components for spare parts and maintains a database of current parts.

Program Status

• FY07: M1A2 SEP upgrade production complete (547 total)

• FY07: M1A2 to M1A2 SEP retrofit program continues to equip the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR)

• FY07: M1A1 AIM continues fielding to the 3rd Infantry Division (ID)

Recent and Projected Activities

• FY07-09: M1A1 AIM continues fielding to the Army National Guard (ARNG), 1st ID, 2nd ID, and TRADOC

• FY07-09: M1A2 SEP production

• FY07-09: Continue fielding M1A2 SEP to the 3rd ACR, 1st Cavalry Division, and 1st Armored Division (AD), and M1A1 AIM to the ARNG, 1st AD, and 2nd ID

• FY07: TIGER production begins with initial deliveries beginning May 2007

Abrams Upgrade

FOREIGN MILITARY SALES

M1A1: Australia (59); Egypt (1,005)

M1A2: Kuwait (218); Saudi Arabia (315)

CONTRACTORS

General Dynamics (Sterling Heights, MI; Warren, MI; Muskegon, MI; Scranton, PA; Lima, OH; Tallahassee, FL)

Honeywell (Phoenix, AZ)

Raytheon (McKinney, TX)

Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS)

Provides automated fire support command, control, and communications for the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps.

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Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• Copyright
• Foreword
• Dear Reader:
• Contents
• How to Use This Book
• About This Edition
• Future Combat Systems (FCS): The face of the future force
• Weapon Systems
• Science & Technology (S&T)
• Appendices