Systems & Materials Research Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: The integrated sensor suites of the Apache Longbow and Guardian are capable of the most ad

Description

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.