MunitionsRaytheon tests smallest air-launched weapon in its portfolio
Unmanned vehicles continue to evolve, and defense contractors build munitions form them; Raytheon has completed captive carry tests of its Small Tactical Munition Phase II configuration, paving the way for flight tests
Raytheon's STM Phase II during deployment testing // Source: armedforces-int.com
Unmanned vehicles continue to evolve, and defense contractors build munitions form them. Raytheon said it has completed captive carry tests of its Small Tactical Munition Phase II configuration, paving the way for flight tests.
At 12 pounds and 22 inches, STM is the smallest air-launched weapon in the Raytheon portfolio. It has both GPS and semiactive laser guidance. “Raytheon developed STM Phase II to provide the warfighter a weapon for Shadow-class UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) and counterinsurgency aircraft,” said Bob Francois, vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. “STM is a mature, precise and affordable weapon and gives the warfighter flexibility to engage moving and static targets with minimal collateral damage.”
The 16 September test was conducted on a Raytheon Cobra unmanned aircraft system at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona.
STM Phase II is a new 12-pound, 22-inch long, precision-guided, gravity-dropped bomb specifically designed for employment from manned and unmanned aircraft systems. STM Phase II is more than two inches shorter than the Phase I design and has foldable fins and wings, enabling employment from the U.S. military’s common launch tube. STM Phase II’s easier assembly will make the system simpler to manufacture on a large scale.
The company notes that STM Phase II incorporates a new, purpose-built warhead designed by Nammo-Talley, and features a Kaman Aerospace enhanced electronic safe arm device.
