ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 6-1 Chapter 6 Special Munitions This chapter discusses the characteristics and any special considerations or procedures required to fire special munitions. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EXCALIBER 6-1. The M982 series Excalibur is a 155-mm GPS aided and internal measurement unit guided projectile that uses a jam resistant GPS receiver and a guidance package that enables the projectile to fly with GPS accuracy to preprogrammed aim points independent of range. The projectile uses a gliding airframe to achieve extended range. 6-2. Excalibur delivers a high explosive warhead out to ranges between 8 and 37.5 kilometers with a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters. CEP is an indicator of the delivery accuracy of a weapon system, used as a factor in determining probable damage to a target. It is the radius of a circle within which half of a missile’s projectiles are expected to fall (JP 3-60). 6-3. Excalibur has three fuze options: point detonating, delay and proximity with a HOB of 4 meters. 6-4. Excalibur is only fired in high angle fire. This allows maximum acquisition time for the GPS receivers and guidance components, and for corrections along the guided portion of the trajectory. High angle fire optimizes the ranges Excalibur can achieve, due in large part to the projectile’s aerodynamic design and features that allow the projectile to glide, thus achieving greater range than a purely ballistic trajectory projectile. The Excalibur’s guidance system corrects its flight path for optimum attack angle and precise engagement of the provided coordinates. Once near the target location, Excalibur performs a top down maneuver that allows for a nearly vertical attack angle on the target. 6-5. Excalibur does not require laser designation and cannot be guided onto the target by a laser. It is not designed to destroy buildings or as a tank killer. The Excalibur projectile has roughly the equivalent explosive power of a standard M107 artillery projectile. The unitary warhead has a hardened casing that enables it to penetrate four inches of reinforced concrete before detonating (fuze delay). Table 6-1 describes the primary benefits of Excalibur. Table 6-1. Characteristics of Excalibur EFFECTIVENESS SURVIVABILITY SUSTAINABILITY Greater first round accuracy Extended range allows positioning out of range of hostile indirect fire systems Reduction in ammunition tonnages required to support the force Enhanced effects on targets due to accuracy Extended range allows optimal use of cover & concealment Expands cannon artillery target set; freeing other fire support assets (higher echelon, fixed wing) for other missions Precise engagement mitigates Fewer rounds fired = less probability of detection