General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems and the US Army Armament Research and Development Engineering Center (ARDEC) have successfully demonstrated a GPS-guided munition for use on small UAVs.

The testing consisted of three separate engagements using a Tiger Shark UAV launching an 81mm mortar equipped with General Dynamics’ roll control fixed canard control system and an ARDEC-developed fuzing solution. All three mortars were launched from a UAV at altitudes of approximately 7,000 ft and guided to within seven meters of a GPS-identified target grid.

“This effort demonstrated a low-cost, tactical version of a GPS strike weapon for UAV platforms,” said Mark Schneider, General Manager of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems’ Seattle operations. “Together with ARDEC, we have demonstrated a weapon in the 10-pound class for tactical UAVs that can be used to quickly engage and defeat targets. Advancements in GPS targeting and data-link technology provide a built-in growth path for this demonstrated technology.”

Designed to meet the needs of the Army, Marine Corps and Special Forces for a rapid target response capability, the ADM uses existing mortar inventory to provide a lowcost, lightweight weapon system with proven energetics. The General Dynamics’ patented Roll Controlled Fixed Canard (RCFC) guidance kit, with an innovative flight-control and GPS-based guidance and navigational system adds precision-strike capability to existing mortars.

The nose-mounted guidance kit replaces existing mortar fuzes and has been successfully demonstrated on multiple mortar calibres in both air-drop and tubelaunch applications. The kit provides a common, multi-platform guidance, navigation and control (GNC) and integrated weapon system for unmanned aircraft.