US is preparing to adopt a modernized ATACMS tactical missile

According to the blog bmpdSoon, the military will conduct test and test launches of missiles designated as M57А1 from installations of M142 HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems at the test site in the state of New Mexico. After these tests, in August-October 2017, the flow of updated warheads to the troops should begin.

The US Army in December 2014 awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth 74 million for R & D to upgrade the existing stock of ATACMS Block I and Block IA missiles with cluster warheads, aimed primarily at replacing the warhead with 500-lb (227-kg ) monoblock high-explosive fragmentation with a new programmable fuse.

Launch of the Lockheed Martin МХNUMXА57 ATACMS modernized US tactical missile from the М1 HIMARS multiple launch rocket launcher at the White Sands (New Mexico) missile range, 142 year (s) of the US Army

In fact, in the course of the modernization, a complete processing of the rocket is carried out, replacing not only the warhead, but also the installation of a new modern inertial satellite control system, an on-board digital computer, new electrical equipment and all steering gears and a new solid-propellant rocket engine. The firing range of the M57А1 rocket thus received is officially declared as "exceeding 300 km", and according to unofficial sources, it can allegedly reach 400-450 km. The shelf life of the rocket after the upgrade will be even before 20 years.

From October 2016 to May 2017, Lockheed Martin produced six test launches of upgraded missiles. The completion of the M57А1 mining program with the seventh test launch is scheduled for August 2017. Like previous versions of ATACMS missiles, the M57А1 rocket is intended for launch from MLRS M142 HIMARS (one rocket) launchers and M270 MLRS (two rocket launchers).

The M57А1 missiles are expected not only to be converted from available ATACMS Block I and Block IA missiles, but also to be produced on Lockheed Martin with the new ATACMS missile production line at Camden (Arkansas; up to 2016), ATACMS missiles were manufactured on plant in El Paso, Texas). Since 2014, Camden has begun production of the old ATACMS Block IA Unitary (QRU) missiles, also equipped with a high-explosive fragmentation warhead, under contracts to supply the US Army and the United Arab Emirates.

In all, from 1988 to 2014, more than 3700 ATACMS missiles of all modifications were produced at the El Paso enterprise, of which about 600 was spent by US forces during the fighting (including 479 during the fighting in Iraq in 2003). ATACMS Block I modification missiles were mass-produced for the US Army up to 1997, and Block IA (with cluster warheads) up to 2001.

Comments

[Dangerous]

something today all the news about the success of the Americans

[210ox]

Trying to reach the level of "Iskander" ..

[igor.borov775]

Quote: Dangerous

something today all the news about the success of the Americans
Reply Quote Complaint

Well, in general this is a rather old system, now it is being upgraded to modern requirements. The system itself is not bad; there is an opportunity to upgrade to modern levels why not.

[Niccola Mack]

US is preparing to adopt a modernized ATACMS tactical missile

Modernization of the old ballistic system - very vulnerable in the upper and upper sections for destruction by missile defense systems. There is probably no maneuvering system against missile defense - and the use of multiple units at the end of the trajectory does not change the situation.
In general, the MLRS “Smerch” + “Iskander” clearly loses to our bundle.

[voyaka uh]

"very vulnerable in the upper and main areas for destruction by missile defense" ///

What kind of missile defense? If Russia makes them, it will be a tremendous achievement.

[Niccola Mack]

If Russia makes them, it will be a tremendous achievement.

"Buk" M3, S-300 PMU, S300V4, S-400, S500 - familiar indexes come across - or for you nothing but the "iron dome" and "Patriot" does not exist.

[voyaka uh]

I will upset you. None of these BR M57A1 systems can intercept. Not the slightest chance.

[Niccola Mack]

None of these BR M57A1 systems can intercept.

You read the characteristics of, say, a rather old S300PM2 - the maximum speed of intercepted ballistic targets is 2800 m / s. All previous versions of ATACMS had a speed not exceeding 1500 m / s - and the M57 is unlikely to succeed when upgrading a threshold of 2000 m / s (and this at a maximum speed, which still needs to be gained and maintained).
So no problem !!!

[voyaka uh]

You are misinformed. Missiles like tornado, or this american rocket fly
too low and too fast for the S-300 to react.
S-300 can (with a big stretch) intercept BR class Point that flies
high. Israel had to develop to intercept missiles like the M57A1 (we have this
very important - Hezbollah receives them from Iran) a special system of the David Sling.
Neither the Iron Dome nor Patriot were capable of knocking down such missiles.

[Niccola Mack]

or is this American rocket flying
too low and too fast for the S-300 to react.

On a ballistic trajectory? - Have you heard anything about low-altitude detectors in the C300 - 5N66M and further more and more advanced. So with proper use, S300PM2 already "takes" such goals - not to mention the S300VM4 and S400 / 500.
They will misinform you rather - since no one plans to use David's Sling for purposes that have at least elementary capabilities to overcome missile defense.

[voyaka uh]

I will not argue with you. S-300 and higher systems have not yet been
combat use, only field tests.
I believe in their effectiveness in all types of combat aircraft.
(except for the latest stealth), by subsonic CR, by certain types of SLBM
(on a high trajectory and on a descent above the target),
but is skeptical about intercepting wall mounted ballistic missiles. This is a special - and difficult - class.
But we had a useful discussion. thank!