M395 High Explosive Guided Mortar HEGM
The intent of the High Explosive Guided Mortar HEGM guided precision capability is to provide an organic indirect fire mortar munition that provides beyond line-of-sight precision weaponry for Infantry Battalions that is responsive and able to defeat high payoff targets in support of the Infantry close fight across the required spectrum of the full range of military operations (ROMO) in all terrain and weather conditions. It is a “system of systems approach” to equipping Army Units with an organic state-of-the-art precision capability.
As of late 2014 Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was anticipated to be achieved 2Q FY19 when the First Unit Equipped (FUE) unit demonstrates a combat ready capability to employ the HEGM. It is also anticipated Full Operational Capability (FOC) will be achieved in 2Q FY22. This 120mm cartridge will evolve in an incremental manner as technologies mature. Subsequent increments will increase range, system maneuverability, improve lethality, provide more advanced terminal effects, improve reliability and/or reduce the logistical footprint. Increment II HEGM will provide the same lethality as the Increment I HEGM with the addition of an increase in range.
Mortars are an indirect firing capability used to defeat enemy troops, materiel, bunkers and other infantry-type targets. Conventional mortars typically require mortarmen to fire multiple rounds as they adjust fire in order to accurately hit their target. Precision mortars are necessary when Soldiers can't afford for the first mortar round to be off target, such as in an urban environment where civilians could get hurt or buildings destroyed.
If mortar fire cannot be used because the risk of collateral damage is too high, infantry troops will be sent on foot to engage opponents with direct-fire weapons, which exposes them to harm. Precision guided mortars also reduce the logistical burden for troops, because Soldiers don't need to lug as many rounds to the fight. Instead of firing large quantities of HE rounds, troops can fire one precision-guided round and eliminate the target, so their resupply needs are reduced.
Army Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs), and Special Operations Forces (SOF) require accurate, responsive, organic indirect, Non-Line-of-Sight (NLOS), systems capable of providing precise effects to win on the current and future battlefields while reducing the possibility of collateral damage. The High Explosive Guided Mortar (HEGM) XM395 cartridge will provide an organic NLOS capability that currently does not exist at the Maneuver Battalion (BN) and Special Operations levels. Current technology provides the ability to provide the maneuver commander with a low-cost precision capability that is under his direct control. The system will evolve in an incremental manner as technologies mature. Subsequent increments will increase range, system maneuverability, improve lethality, provide more advanced terminal effects, improve reliability and/or reduce the logistical footprint.
The XM395 HEGM cartridge will be a precision mortar munition capable of being drop fired from the current family of US Army 120mm smooth-bore, mortar systems or fired from any current or future mortar platform. Current platforms include the US Army 120mm Battalion Mortar System (120mm BMS) and the Recoil Mortar System 6 – Light (RMS6-L). The 120mm BMS is common to the Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT) and Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) and SOF. The RMS6-L is utilized in the Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCT).
The XM395 will engage targets as close as 500 meters threshold (T) and 1,000 meters objective (O) and as distant as 6,500 meters (T) and 15,000 meters (O). The XM395 will provide commanders additional flexibility by reducing the amount of ammunition needed to defeat High Payoff/Value point targets in support of the close fight. As organic assets, commanders can depend on the XM395 to provide responsive, lethal precision indirect fires to influence the battle and reduce collateral damage. to 12-15 km max range, GPS/SAL guidance and the ability to engage moving targets in order to meet future capability needs.
XM395 HEGM fire commands must be transmitted from the Mortar Fire Control System (MFCS) components; M32, Lightweight Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC); M150/M151, Mortar Fire Control System – Dismounted (MFCS-D); or M95/M96, Mortar Fire Control System – Mounted (MFCS-M). The MFCS component receives the mission from the Forward Observer (FO), calculates the required ballistic trajectory to engage the target, then the HEGM cartridge is set with that data and drop fired in the 120mm BMS or the RMS6-L. The MFCS CPD contains full network architecture as well as the NR-KPP for MFCS.
The mortar platoon or section commander positions the mortars and maintains communications with higher commanders through organic Combat Net Radio (CNR). The Combat Load (CBL) for each 120mm System will be 6 HEGM cartridges. The fire direction computer processes the call for fire utilizing a Fire Control Computer (FCC) or Lightweight, Handheld Mortar Ballistic Computer (LHMBC) to calculate ballistic firing data to engage the target, control fires, and communicate with the observer. The HEGM will accept ballistic fire control data, and the cartridge is then fired in the same manner as any conventional mortar cartridge.
HEGM will be operationally employed in the same manner as conventional mortar munitions that communicate with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS). A call for fire (CFF) is initiated through a digital fire mission request or voice message from a forward observer calling for fire, a sensor platform, or Warfighter initiating the process. A HEGM mission is selected when it is determined that precision is required: for instance when collateral damage must be avoided or the target requires first round effects. After processing the mission the crew will load the round with fire control data and will fire the round either at the command of the Fire Direction Center (FDC) or when ready.
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