Army Testing XM-25 'Smart' Weapon

[unhappycamper]

Army Testing XM-25 'Smart' Weapon
November 11, 2009
Army News Service|by Lt. Col. Christopher Lehner

FORT BELVOIR, Va. - A Soldier successfully shoulder-fired a "smart" High Explosive Airburst, or HEAB round for the first time Aug. 11 from the XM-25 weapon system at Aberdeen Test Center, Md.

The Army plans on purchasing more than 12,500 XM-25 systems starting in 2012, which will be enough to put one in each Infantry squad and Special Forces team, according to officials at Program Executive Office-Soldier.

At first glance, the XM-25 looks like something out of a Sci-Fi movie. It features an array of sights, sensors and lasers housed in a Target Acquisition Fire Control unit on top, an oversized magazine behind the trigger mechanism, and a short, ominous barrel wrapped by a recoil dampening sleeve.

Unlike a Hollywood prop, however, this weapon is very real and designed to accurately deliver an explosive round that neutralizes targets at distances of up to 700 meters - well past the range of the rifles and carbines that most Soldiers carry today.

"What makes this weapon system truly revolutionary is the ability to target the enemy, pass on this information to the sensors and microchips of its 25mm HEAB round, and have that round detonate over the target," explained Maj. Shawn Murray, a Soldier Weapons assistant product manager in PEO Soldier, the organization responsible for developing the XM-25.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/army-testing-xm25-smart-weapon.html



unhappycamper comment: Read all about the XM-25 --> http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=259x27075

[old mark]

1. Sounds like a portable time on target air burst arty. Wonder who will get stuck carrying

that sucker around.....

Does the Army still use mortars or are they obsolete?

mark

[unhappycamper]

2. They sure do use mortars.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=259&topic_id=26481

[old mark]

5. Very interesting - A really good 60mm is a fearsome weapon, and I'm amazed

that the Army has let the technology of these simple yet effective tools lapse.

mark

[HillbillyBob]

3. And just how much does this toy cost?

Enough to feed a family of 4-6 for a year, the cost of a working class home, medical insurance for a disabled vet for a couple of years?

[unhappycamper]

4. No clue (yet).