Ground warfare about to get even more deadly

[formercia]

Just be sure not to punch in your own coordinates by mistake.....

Army arranges duel of artillery contractors
As the Army prepares to select a retrofit design for "dumb" shells, two Twin Cities defense businesses will compete for a contract worth more than $100 million.

http://www.startribune.com/535/story/931474.html

By Dee DePass, Star Tribune

Last update: January 11, 2007 – 10:52 PM

Defense firms Alliant Techsystems Inc. and BAE Armament Systems will compete to win the hearts and wallets of Army procurement officials in a competition to demonstrate the best kit for turning a "dumb" howitzer round into a "smart" precision weapon with just the twist of a screw top.

The Army announced this week that it will hold a "fly-off" contest this spring between the two companies.

The winner is expected to receive a large production contract potentially worth more than $100 million.

The contract will be substantial because the precision guidance kits will be made to fit into all existing 155-millimeter artillery shells used by the United States and NATO. The artillery rounds -- 3 feet tall and 10 inches wide -- would receive new screw-on tips, which are actually precision guidance kits that provide new satellite-guidance capability, wings that deploy mid-flight and mini brakes that can help steer the shells in the desired direction. The idea is precision targeting, even though the target may be 20 miles away.

[file83]

1. Honestly, does the US military really need to figure out how to kill more people?

Just when you thought they had perfected the art of killing, they go and spend another $100 million to polish their technique even more.

[formercia]

2. Now they can justify using the 155 in an urban setting

what can go wrong with this idea?

[Mugu]

3. Improved accuracy is always better.

You need fewer shots with smaller warheads to eliminate your target with less collateral damage.

Regards, Mugu