Mortar Technologies for Enhanced Range and Precision

Orbital Research, with Raytheon Missile Systems, will investigate the mortar weapon system and ammunition and provide high payoff concepts to increase the range and precision of the mortar.Through a comprehensive and multi-disciplined approach the Team will study the internal and external ballistics of each design solution and allow for down selection of those that have the highest payoff and minimal modification to heritage systems.Orbitals initial concepts include a MET sensor package that will provide up to date meteorological data (wind velocity, air density, air temperature) that will be sent to fire control to increase accuracy/precision of the mortar by up 15-20%.In addition to this, the Team will develop a muzzle velocity sensor that accurately captures launch velocities to provide updated data to the fuze subsystem.This will allow for update fire solutions to the S&A and ensure fragmentation is initiated at the most effective time, location.In addition to external sensors, the Team will study the aft section of the mortar to study how to optimize the tail boom, flash tube and mortar tube.This will result in more efficient combustion and gas dynamics, leading to better propulsion of the round out of the mortar tube.