Artillery shells can be dropped from a tactical-level unmanned air vehicle and navigate precisely to a target, General Dynamics has announced.
The company's Ordnance and Tactical Systems (OTS) unit says a modified 81mm artillery shell can be released from a TUAV using a proprietary "Smart Rack" carriage system.
General Dynamics has not identified the aircraft involved in the demonstration. However, its OTS division has partnered Elbit Systems to offer the tactical-level Storm aircraft for the US market. The design is adapted from Elbit's Hermes 90 air vehicle.
The 81mm artillery shell is adapted with a patented roll controlled fixed canard guidance kit, the company says. This includes a GPS-based navigation system.
General Dynamics says it developed the new weapon with the needs of the US Army, US Marine Corps and Special Forces in mind.
Source: Flight International
