Javelin hits in nine of 10 latest shots
Story by Cpl. Derrick A. Small
Story Identification Number: 2003213191835
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(February 13, 2003) -- Recent software upgrades to the Marine Corps' latest answer to anti-armor warfare, the Javelin system, seem to be paying off in more on-target hits, 1st Marine Division officials are saying, after a string of misfires since 1999 cast a cloud over the program.
The most recent firings involved five here and five at Twentynine Palms in January.
"Of the Javelin rounds fired, nine successfully hit the target. These rounds helped in identifying the problem," said Maj. John Clyatt, assistant training officer for the division.
The upgrade fixed problems with the PL53 Javelin Anti-tank Weapons System's Central Launch Unit, Clyatt said. The problems stemmed from converting the weapon from analog to digital technology, Clyatt said.
Division representatives say the newfound success reaffirms the Javelin's fitness as a replacement to the wire-guided Dragon Weapons System, although failure is still fresh on Marines' minds from as recently as November - and prompted questions about whether bookwork and simulators go far enough in preparing Marines to fire rounds that cost $78,000 apiece.
The November shoot involved two missiles. The first was on-target, but the impact was deemed too slight to damage a tank. The second missile went haywire and nose-dived due to complications with the CLU, said Maj. Gregory G. Frich, division ordnance officer. The problem occurred because control surfaces overreacted to information being programmed from the CLU, Frich said.
"When that happens, the missile can't compensate in time and goes into its default mode, which causes the missile to ground itself as rapidly as possible," Frich said. "Essentially both control surfaces hit their full abort mode and the missile spins off towards the ground."
The software upgrade, developed by the Army, should put the weapon on firm footing again, Frich said.
"The software will correct the problem with the missiles," Frich said.
Even before the software upgrades, Marines on the East Coast were successful on two of their last three firings, Frich said.
The fix stems from "a great deal of analysis" conducted on the weapon since problems first surfaced in 1999, he said.
The shoulder-fired weapon uses infrared imaging to hone in on targets.
Pendleton-based infantry units have 80 systems costing more than $126,000 apiece - excluding the price of one round.
The division will be taking Javelin systems to the Middle East as the buildup for a potential war against Iraq continues, said Warrant Officer William Southern, a projects and fielding officer with the division. Meanwhile, the division expects to start upgrading software on its systems this month, he said.
Most Javelin gunners say they're ready to utilize the weapon in a combat situation.
"Marines are very well-trained on the Javelin weapon system and are extraordinarily capable of using it," Frich said.
Infantrymen assigned to the Javelin attend a military occupational school to learn the advanced system. After reporting to their infantry units, Marines also receive extensive training on how to employ the Javelin, Frich said.
And, while the Javelin is designed to stop tanks, it's also set up to tutor its operators via a self-contained simulator.
"One of the beneficial features the Javelin has is a trainer that's associated with it, so that Marines can actually fire the Javelin in a simulated mode that'll replicate - as close to possible without firing a live missile - what it's like to observe and engage an enemy target," Frich said.
But the training can't measure up to what can be learned by firing the weapon, he acknowledged.
"I think (the simulator) is essential training, but I don't think that by itself it represents all the training Marines need," Frich said. "Firing rounds, even on a limited basis, is absolutely irreplaceable."
More training with live rounds might help Marines handle the weapon better, said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jeffry J. Hill, the division gunner.
"In that regard, Marine Corps System Command, along with the manufacturer of the weapon system, have been working very aggressively with us to resolve the current problem we're having with the Javelin, along with providing some missiles for the Marines to fire and to reinforce the gunner's confidence in the weapon systems," Frich said.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Robert Brooks, the battalion gunner for 5th Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, praised the Javelin's capabilities but said more knowledge and practice with the weapon is needed to assure success in battle.
Frich re-emphasized the Javelin's problems are now behind it - and suggested they never had much to do with the Marines firing it.
"The Marine Corps has the very best Javelin gunners in the world, and the Marine Corps also prides itself in fielding the most lethal and capable weapons in the world," Frich said. "We are not going to put our Marines on a weapon system that is not going to be effective. We wouldn't put our Marines behind a weapon if it wasn't capable to do what it was designed to do - and that is destroy enemy targets.
"If there are any problems whatsoever with the Javelin, we will find out before using the weapon in a combat situation," Frich added.
"People believe in the weapon system and are content with its capabilities," Clyatt said.
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