SmartMag - Smart-Capable Self-Indexing Magazine

The integrated sensor suites of the Apache Longbow and Guardian are capable of the most advanced enemy and friendly unit classification for ground support operations to date. Satellite-synched tracking maps, enemy weapons classification, and precision targeting will all be realized in the latest upgrades to the AH-64 platform. Smart rounds are set to utilize this integrated sensor suite to deploy precision guided munitions with a variety of functions, including thermobaric, airbursting, armor-piercing, and non-lethal rounds. With advances in micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) the capabilities of smart rounds will increase and the cost of manufacturing small caliber, electronics-enabled munitions will decrease. This presents an opportunity to move smart munitions from low-rate-of-fire weapons systems like the XM25, to high-rate-of-fire systems such as the M230 chain gun found on the AH-64 Apache helicopter. One of the last barriers to achieving this critical tactical integration is a"smart-feed"selective ammunition feed system capable of allowing pilots to select a specific type of round for a particular enemy engagement. Systems and Materials Research Corp. has developed the SmartMag system, a lightweight, high-rate-of-fire ammunition handling system capable of enabling smart munitions deployment in the Apache M230 chain gun system.