Raytheon [RTN] announced on Thursday that is has successfully competed two Guide to Hit tests of its Precision Extended Range Munition (PERM) for the Marine Corps.
 |
|
Normal.dotm
0 18 pt false
/* Style Definitions */ PERM will be used on GD’s M327 rifled towed mortar. Photo: GD. |
The two series of tests were completed by launching the munition from a smooth-bore mortar tube. The tests met expectations for range and impact angle as well as proving the structural integrity of the shell’s canards and tail fins in flight. Raytheon did not release numerical results, but PERM is intended to have a 16 km range.
The next series of tests will see PERM launched from a rifled mortar tube. Raytheon is performing tests with both types of tubes because the initial design was to meet Marine Corps standards but in the future the round will meet Army requirements, said Rick Williams, Raytheon PERM program manager.
Raytheon first announced its contract for PERM in January 2013. The program went through a preliminary design review in May. Raytheon expects PERM to be in the live-fire test phase by early 2014. The company said it is keeping track with the Marine Corps’ 18-month schedule.
When it is field ready, PERM will be used on General Dynamic’s [GD] five-man crew M327 rifled towed mortar. The system will provide all-weather support for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
Williams said PERM will have multiple combat uses including, suppressing, neutralizing and destroying motorized targets; suppressing and neutralizing light armored targets; destroying dismounted personnel targets; and destroying soft command and control targets.
“Our PERM solution’s exceptional accuracy not only means long-range precision fire support; it results in less collateral damage and logistical burden for Marine Corps Expeditionary Forces,” Raytheon Missile Systems Vice President Tom Bussing said in a statement.