Integrating adaptive smart technology for 40mm weapon platforms

The introduction of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) into US Army inventories is rapidly changing how US forces dominate the battlefield. The vast array of information and lethality gained from UAVs is extremely beneficial to friendly forces operating on the ground. Similar in many respects to UAVs, “smart” munitions have become prominent technological force multipliers. With these munitions, US military forces increasingly have the capability to engage smaller profile targets at extreme distances with pinpoint precision. Due to known advantages of these systems, these capabilities are desired at the lowest unit level possible - such as an Army squad. A squad equipped with munitions that combine UAV and “smart” technology would provide unprecedented intelligence and accurate fire. In light of the Army´s stated desire for these munitions, ARDEC (Armament Research, Development Engineer Center) has undertaken efforts to produce an increasing array of “smart” munitions. In support of these efforts our project team is providing a unique system engineering perspective and course of alternative analysis. Specifically our team is assisting in the airframe development of a 40mm “smart” munition. The United States Military Academy Department of Systems Engineering´s Systems Decision Process serves as the framework for our analysis. Additionally, the Infantry Warrior System (IWARS) simulation platform is utilized to further test defined alternatives. Our analysis and simulations will directly influence the airframe design of the projectile, as well as other capabilities. This paper reports on the progress of these efforts, as well as future developments in the project.