The Guided Multipurpose Munition (GMM) is an infantry precision guided munition being developed by Saab Group and Raytheon.
| Guided Multipurpose Munition | |
|---|---|
| Type | Infantry guided missile |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Saab Group Raytheon |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 6.8 kg (15 lb) |
| Diameter | 84 mm |
| Warhead | Multipurpose |
| Propellant | Solid fuel rocket |
Operational range | 2,500 meters |
Guidance system | Semi-active laser |
Launch platform | Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle AT4 |
Design
editThe GMM is guided by semi-active laser (SAL) homing which can be directed by a laser designator either mounted on the launcher or used by an assistant, capable of firing in lock on before launch (LOBL) and lock-on after launch (LOAL) modes to track and engage moving targets out to 2,500 m; other seeker options including imaging infrared (IIR) are also under consideration. It has a dual charge multipurpose warhead capable of defeating bunkers, concrete, and light armored vehicles fitted with explosive reactive armor (ERA). It can be fired from enclosed spaces using a two-stage soft launch propulsion system with a small booster motor to eject it out of the launcher before the main motor ignites. The missile weighs 6.8 kg (15 lb) and can be fired from the Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle or an adaptation of the AT4 disposable launcher; the missile case has the 84 mm diameter of the tubes, but the diameter of the missile itself is slightly less to avoid interference between the folding control and lift wings that steer it and the launcher's interior. In the future it could also be employed from remote weapon stations (RWS), manned and unmanned aerial, ground, and naval systems, and possibly indirect fires such as mortar systems.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Development
editAfter the unveiling of the lightweight M4 Carl Gustaf in October 2014, Saab began developing a concept dubbed the Ultra Light Missile, a guided round that could be fired from the recoilless rifle out to extended ranges. In November 2017, Saab and Raytheon teamed up to further cooperate on the project, and in September 2018 they were awarded a contract to answer a U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) requirement for a precision guided Gustaf round. It was unveiled publicly as the Guided Carl Gustaf Munition (GCGM) in October 2018.[1][2][5][6][7][8]
Test firings of the GCGM were conducted in September 2019 in Sweden. Two inert rounds were fired at stationary targets from 1,400 m away, and a third inert round hit a moving target at 1,800 m. In addition to tests in the U.S., the GCGM had 11 successful firings in 2019.[3][4][6][8][9] In November 2020, the weapon was demonstrated at Yuma Proving Ground. As it had been adapted to be launched from the AT4, the name was changed to the Guided Multipurpose Munition since it was no longer strictly related to the Carl Gustaf. Seven rounds were fired with live warheads, four from the Carl Gustaf and three from AT4s, against different types of targets such as a triple brick wall, a double-reinforced concrete wall and an up-armored vehicle at distances from 1,550 to 2,500 m.[5][6][10][11]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b The Carl Gustaf is getting a ‘game changing’ laser-guided munition. Army Times. 9 October 2018.
- ^ a b Here Are Some Of The Most Interesting Items On Display At The Army’s Huge Arms Expo. The Drive/The War Zone. 10 October 2018.
- ^ a b Saab and Raytheon Complete Successful Test Firings of Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition. PR Newswire. 31 October 2019.
- ^ a b Guided Rounds Will Turn The Beloved Carl Gustaf Recoilless Rifle Into A Precision Weapon. The Drive/The War Zone. 1 November 2019.
- ^ a b c "Saab, Raytheon demonstrate new 84 mm Guided Modular Munition". Jane's Information Group. 7 June 2021. Archived from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
- ^ a b c d Saab and Raytheon detail their Guided Multipurpose Munition. European Defence Review. 2 June 2021.
- ^ "Saab, Raytheon to Demonstrate a Guided Munition for Carl Gustaf M4 Recoilless Rifle - Defense Update". 5 October 2018. Archived from the original on 2019-03-02.
- ^ a b New Long-Range, Guided 84mm Munition for Carl-Gustaf Headed for DoD Tests in Spring. Military.com. 31 October 2019.
- ^ Guided Carl-Gustaf munition goes 11-for-11 in flight tests. Raytheon. 31 October 2019.
- ^ Saab Unveils and Demonstrates New Guided Multipurpose Munition. Saab Group. 1 June 2021.
- ^ Guided Multipurpose Munition goes seven-for-seven from multiple launchers during live-fire demonstration. Raytheon. 1 June 2021.