Army Developing Laser-Guided, Precision Mortar

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May 22, 2017 | Originally published by Date Line: May 22 on

The Army has closed its initial solicitation phase for designs to create a next generation precision mortar that will allow Soldiers to put their rounds on target with extreme accuracy.

The 120 mm high explosive guided mortar, or HEGM program, is intended to replace the current precision-guided HE mortar, the accelerated precision mortar initiative or APMI.

The solicitation period, which ended Jan. 27, sought feasible designs from the private sector to create a new “smart” mortar. While the HEGM round will incorporate state-of-the-art technology, the new round is intended to be a different design than APMI.

“The APMI solution was a tremendous asset for our Soldiers in Afghanistan,” explained Lt. Col. Anthony Gibbs of Product Manager Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems, which is part of the Program Executive Office Ammunition at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey.

“It filled their urgent need for a responsive precision mortar at widely dispersed combat outposts, and is available for our global response force today,” he continued. “We”re going to improve upon the existing technology and incorporate next-generation upgrades into HEGM, such as increased threat countermeasures and enhanced maneuverability.”