U.S. Army wants to buy new soldier-launched precision weapon system

The U.S. Army is interested in buying a low-cost soldier-launched loitering precision weapon system to fulfill urgent operational requirements.

In a recent announcement, released Tuesday by the U.S. Army Contracting Command on the Federal Business Opportunities website, said that the Army is seeking a capability that meets or exceeds set the Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System (LMAMS).

These requirements are based on existing user requirements submitted as part of Joint Urgent Operational Needs (JUON) and Operational Needs Statements (ONS), and component technologies developed by the Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Aviation and & Missile Center.

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According to the announcement, the LMAMS is envisioned to be a loitering, precision-guided system, organic at the small unit level that enables engagement of enemy combatants without exposing the Warfighter to direct enemy fires.

LMAMS is a single-use weapon meant to be carried in a soldier’s backpack.

Notional LMAMS system components may consist of:

  • An all-up-round missile (includes airframe, sensors, integrated guidance, warhead, data link, and launcher) and
  • Fire Control Unit (providing functions such as data link, operator interface, and mission preparation and execution functions) that is notionally day/night readable, provides the user real-time video and control of the missile.

The operator can select predetermined targets using geolocation reference, visually select and identify targets of opportunity, loiter, abort, abort and redirect, arm/disarm, and manually command warhead detonation.

The system must have lethal effects against personnel and light-duty vehicles while minimizing collateral damage. LMAMS must have the ability to automatically lock on and track a stationary or moving target. Once a target is selected by the operator in the terminal phase of engagement, no further operator input shall be required.

Some samples of this type of weapon system are already in the service of the army and were actively used in Iraq and Syria and during field exercises at Grafenwoehr, Germany.

Pvt. 1st Class Brandon Norton, an M1 Abrams crewmember and an Albany, Oregon native with Company B, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, launches a Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile System (LMAMS) for aerial support during a Robotic Complex Breach Concept assessment and demonstration, at Grafenwoehr, Germany, April 6, 2018. The LMAMS is a direct-fire missile used for neutralizing enemy targets and was employed during the early stages of the engineer breach. Photo by Sgt. Gregory T. Summers / 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

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