Future Combat Systems ---- USA

[oragus]

Plasma I am still doing icons here and there, so you're not alone. lol... Just thought I would let you know....lol

[Djuice]

MRM-KE is designed for 105mm and 120mm cartridges and comprises an interchangeable sensor component using multi-mode Semi-Active Laser (SAL), GPS and MMW guidance, a common rocket motor and a kinetic penetrator packed into the warhead section. The MRM will be fired by a tank as a conventional round, as it starts it flight, the round will acquire GPS position followed by mid-course updates and at the peak of its trajectory, ignite the rocket motor to accelerating to achieve maximum lethality. The round will be able to maneuver by employing impulse thrusters to maneuver and hit at the target's center. It is designed for effective range of up to 7.5 km. MRM-KE was first tested in August 2004.

MRM CE - Raytheon, developing a CE version of the MRM fitted with a SAL seeker, performed a first successful test of the new projectile in June 2006, fired at a moving tank at a range of 8.7 km. The semi-active laser seeker projectile survived gun launch, then acquired, tracked and maneuvered toward the moving target. This was the first test shot in a planned series of SAL projectiles fired from a M1A2 SEP as Raytheon continues to mature its semi-active laser seeker capabilities. The MRM-CE will be able to engage battlefield targets at extended ranges, including beyond line of sight, autonomously or designated with external laser target designation. The MRM-CE is a key component of the Army's FCS (Future Combat Systems) vehicles and a potential spin-out to M1A2 Abrams SEP.

[whdonnelly]

Most of the M1A2 ammo is designed by either Rheinmetall or Giat Industries, but information on this one is hard to come by.
As far as the financial exchange goes, it must be tremendous. No more shooting camels for target practice.

[pdoktar]

Correct me if I´m wrong but is this thing basicly still a gun-launched ATGM? With satellite / whatever guidance and a Chemical or Kinetic warhead. A hyper-speed ATGM in the Kinetic version? So VIRSS and ARENA etc. protective systems will work against it? Or is it too fast for them?

[Djuice]

Against MMW version of the MRM-KE, both ARENA and VIRSS would have no effect. While VIRSS might have an effect against the SAL version of the MRM-CE, but it wouldnt effect the MRM-KE.

[serg3d]

Iron Fist though, is claimed to be able to deflect KE rounds. It use explosive projectile shot at the incoming rounds. Explosion should be able to deflect KE rounds.

[pdoktar]

Again basicly this Iron Fist works like ARENA. Improved target acquisition though. And tank caliber kinetic ammo can be anything from basic AP to APFSDS, so I am not investing any money on it.. yet

[Lampshade111]

I don't know if either of you guys are still working on FCS icons and units but here is a somewhat recent update on FCS showing some good concepts of the vehicles on page 11.

http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2007combatv...D/DavidOgg.pdf

The U.S. Army's site:

https://www.fcs.army.mil/systems/index.html

An article with a good photo of the latest NLOS-C prototype:

http://www.southernledger.com/ap/134...n_in_Minnesota

How often does the CIWS gear in WinSPMBT actually defeat an ATGM? Is it an 80% success rate? Anyway to get more than 2 shots?

[RecruitMonty]

So they are planning on scrapping the Abrams for that thing!? HAH! Nice! Man I miss the Russians.

[Marek_Tucan]

Is it too late to change the program? All the vehicles look like ugly cheap tank toys, not like combat vehicles...