XM1111 Mid-Range Munition

MRM-KE

The Mid-Range Munition-Kinetic Energy (MRM-KE) was an implementation of the MRM under development by Alliant Techsystems, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and HR Textron.

The missile–projectile was designed to be used as a high-velocity penetrator for line of sight and beyond line of sight shots. In line of sight, it would operate using laser guidance or a millimeter wave seeker. In BLOS, the shell would be fired in a ballistic arc, and would seek out its own target.

The missile used a kinetic energy penetrator to penetrate enemy armor. This effect was improved by a rocket motor that sped the munition up. It steered with impulse thrusters.

MRM-KE used technology developed as part of the X-Rod and XM1007 Tank Extended Range Munition (TERM) programs, both of which were cancelled.

Timeline

• April 2004: Successful test firing of the system.
• May 2006: Successful high Mach flight maneuver test at Yuma Proving Ground.
• July 2007: ATK Forms "Team MRM" to compete for the U.S. Army's XM1111 Mid-Range Munition Program.

MRM-CE

The missile–projectile was to be a high-velocity multiple-mission projectile for line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight shots. In line of sight, it would operate using laser guidance or an uncooled imaging infrared seeker (IIR). In BLOS, the shell would be fired in a ballistic arc, and would glide to seek out its own targets. The BLOS mission could be autonomous or use FO directed target designation.

The MRM-CE uses a dual-mode MMW, imaging infrared (IIR) autonomous seeker or SAL is used to acquire and guide towards the target with high accuracy. The dual-mode seeker was developed and successfully demonstrated during a two-year, Army-managed science and technology program. MRM-CE refined seeker technology developed as part of the XM1007 Tank Extended Range Munition (TERM) program.

For a beyond-line-of-sight mission, the chemical energy warhead was a better solution; with proven lethality against the primary target of threat armor, and better effects against the secondary targets of buildings, fortifications, and light armor than a less versatile kinetic energy penetrator.

Specifications

• Warhead: Shaped charge HEAT.
• Guidance: Dual-mode MMW – imaging infrared homing or semi-active laser guidance.

Program status

• September 2006: A U.S. M1 Abrams tank fired an MRM-CE round which hit a moving T-72 tank at a range of 8.6 km.
• March 2007: Successful test firing using dual-mode seeker fusion.
• December 2007: Raytheon Wins Army XM-1111 Development Contract.

References

References

1. . (July 11, 2011). ["ATK awarded contract to develop Abrams Advanced Kinetic Energy Ammo"](http://www.soldiergeek.com/milblog/2011/7/11/atk-awarded-contract-to-develop-abrams-advanced-kinetic-ener.html).
2. [http://atk.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=728 ATK Forms 'Team MRM' to Compete for the U.S. Army's XM1111 Mid-Range Munition Program - ATK PR]
3. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/x-rod.htm X-ROD - Global Security]
4. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/term.htm XM1007 Tank Extended Range Munition (TERM) - Global Security]
5. [http://www.spacedaily.com/news/missiles-04l.html ATK'S MRM-KE Autonomously Searched, Guided And Hit Tank]
6. [http://www.deagel.com/news2/atk-achieves-success-in-mrm-ke-test_ns000249dp.aspx ATK Achieves Success in MRM-KE Test - Deagel]
7. [https://defense-update.com/20060520_mrm-ke-120.html MRM KE / CE 120mm - Defense Update]
8. [http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20060929.aspx M-1 Gets 8,600 Meter Kill - Strategy Page]