Multipurpose Individual Munition (MPIM)
Short Range Assault Weapon (SRAW)
The Multipurpose Individual Munition / Short Range Assault Weapon
(MPIM/SRAW) is the future answer for effectively defeating
personnel in three different environments: behind masonry/brick
walls, within earth and timber bunkers and in light armored
vehicles. Ideally suited for MOUT environments, MPIM/SRAW will
replace the LAW, AT-4, and other light shoulder fired
weapons.
In the statement of managers accompanying the conference report on
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994 (Public
Law 103-160) (H. Rept. 103-357), the conferees agreed that the Army
should pursue a limited, interim program for procurement of a
bunker-defeat munition (BDM). The conferees also agreed that the
Marine Corps' short-range anti-armor weapon (SRAW) and the Army's
BDM were too similar to justify maintaining separate programs for
the long-term. The conferees believed that a long-term solution to
the problem should be sought which drew from the SRAW missile and
from warhead technology developed in the Army's multi-purpose
individual munition (MPIM) program.
The Army decided on a program for a MPIM system that will
capitalize on the SRAW's propulsion technology and the MPIM's
warhead technology. The SRAW missile, with the MPIM warhead, has
the potential to satisfy the Army and Marine Corps requirements to
defeat multiple targets, while the original SRAW warhead provides
an anti-armor capability.
The MPIM/ SRAW munition consists of a disposable launcher/ carry
case equipped with a 2.5X telescopic sight compatible with current
and future night vision devices. The shoulder-launched missile
consists of a two- stage, soft- launch propulsion system with
inertial guidance and explosively- formed penetrator with follow-
through grenade warhead. The missile is capable of firing quickly
from its carrying configuration and is safely fired from
enclosures. The 35-inch, 20-pound disposable weapon has a range out
to 500 meters. Internal rate sensors allow Soldiers to aim directly
at a moving target and a soft launch capability allows Soldiers to
fire from enclosures. The warhead is extremely lethal due to the
combination of an explosively formed penetrator with a follow
through fragmentation grenade.
The program completed Phase I (Risk Reduction Phase) in March 1998.
All Phase I requirements were met on schedule and within budget.
Accuracy solution was verified by two successful full missile shots
at 500m wall and 200m bunker. MPIM/SRAW executed Phase II (System
Qualification) option in May 1998. USMC Predator qualification
testing began in August 1998. First unit equipped is scheduled for
FY02.
Loral Aeronutronic, Rancho Santa Margarita, California, was awarded
on December 21, 1994, a $3,700,000 increment as part of a
$7,850,000 cost plus incentive fee contract for a Multi-Purpose
Individual Munition/Short Range Antiarmor Weapon (MPIM/SRAW)
Technology Demonstration. Work will be performed at Rancho Santa
Margarita, California, and was expected completed by mid-1995. The
prime contractor is Lockheed Martin Electronics and Missiles
(Orlando, FL).