One of two research programmes aimed at creating a smart weapon from the non-precision Lockheed Martin-built Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) has been terminated because of funding constraints, says the US Army.
The MLRS Smart Tactical Rocket (MSTAR)programme would have modified the weapon to carry two Northrop Grumman brilliant anti-armour technology (BAT) submunitions. The MSTAR would have followed the fielding of the MLRS Guided Rocket, an in-development collaboration between France, Germany, Italy, the UK and USA.
The MLRS Guided Rocket development, which is continuing, combines a global-positioning-system-aided inertial-guidance package with an extended-range rocket body.
Source: Flight International