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Indirect Fires Modernization Project - C3/M777 Replacement

Less recoil if they were launching 70mm rockets instead.
And more of them on the trailer and less need to reload.

Which brings me to this.


BAE Systems is expanding its solid rocket motor (SRM) propellant production capabilities at Radford Army Ammunition Plant in southwestern Virginia, which operates under a government-owned, contractor-operated (GOCO) framework.

The plant uses the extrusion method, which was the dominant technology before the development of cast-and-cure systems after the Second World War, Joe Bellotte, research and development manager for BAE Systems Ordnance Systems, told Janes on 13 October at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition in Washington, DC.

Cast-and-cure technology employs binders such as rubber, which can hold more solids than BAE Systems' extruded double-base propellant, he said, adding that cast SRMs “don't have diametric limitations; they've got more energy”, leaving extruded propellant for small, low-cost, high-volume applications such as 2.75 inch (70 mm) rockets.

.....

Additive process manufacturing of the rocket bodies and SRM fillers equals lots, fast and cheap.

....

And Lockheed is trying to figure out how to reduce the cost of their exquisites (while, no doubt, trying to maintain their profitability).


One strategy they are pursuing is modularity.

And modularity is what the 70mm is all about.

Select your motor (various ranges from various suppliers - RTX, BAE, Magellan, Thales)
Select your guidance (or not, you can always go ballistic)
Select your warhead (multiple types from HE to Flechettes to Non-Lethal to Smoke/Gas to Noise and EW)
Select your fuze (again a large variety)
Screw the bits together and load into a simple tube.

Applies to any and all platforms.

And to any and all targets.
 
From the article I posted on the Canada Tanks thread about warfare Ukrainian style

Prioritise the delivery of munitions optimised for striking targets in the middle and deep battle areas.​

Ukraine can produce UAVs to conduct strikes in contested zones and for isolating sectors, but it is struggling to manufacture munitions with a sufficient payload or terminal accuracy to engage all relevant targets in the middle battle and deep battle areas. Ukraine’s international partners should prioritise the provision of precision munitions that can compensate for shortages in Copperhead 155-mm rounds and guided MLRS previously provided by the US. In the case of the deep battle, technology transfer of non-ITAR guidance systems for Ukrainian built cruise missiles is also a priority.

This is the first time that I have seen reference to the Copperhead round. I wasn't aware that it had ever made it into large scale production.


A laser designated 155mm round with a 6.7 kg HEAT warhead and a 16 km range.
 
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