Posted on 05/13/2010 11:10:55 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The basic concept of NETFIRES (a Future Combat Systems program) is to develop a family of artillery-like precision attack missiles based upon a vertical launcher design. Yet the idea goes far beyond that simple description. The NETFIRES CLU box launcher is intended to be be fully autonomous, meaning it can be dropped off anywhere and operate on its own without a support vehicle. The launch unit includes power generation and control systems as well as a total of 15 missiles, each with a warhead similar in size and capability to a 155mm artillery shell.
The system is also known as XM501 Non Line-Of-Sight, Launch System, or NLOS-LS. At one time, it was one of Future Combat systems’ most promising programs, slated for early fielding to the Army and even for integration with US naval forces. Now, its absence threatens to leave a serious hole in both the Army’s and Navy’s modernization plans.
(Excerpt) Read more at defenseindustrydaily.com ...
It looks like the Tardis...:^)
Get a better look at the NLOS-LS on this Futureweapons segment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cL46ifGQJE
This system is the perfect fire support for, say, special operator teams working far behind enemy lines, airborne units, or freshly-landed marine forces before their heavy equipment is offloaded.
Talk about life insurance! An easily moved porta-potty packing fifteen smart (laser-guided, GPS, or self-homing) missiles with 24-mile range. It’s da’ bomb.
Hmmm ...you can be sure that the Russians will be claiming that we shouldn’t be pointing fingers at their Club-Missile-in-a-box either.
Looks like a very slick Port-a-Potty with one hell of a sewage ejection system.
Dropped off, therefore no longer mobile; sounds like a great target for counterbattery fire. Get off the first two or three, then the response arrives.
Every weapon system on Futureweapons was super amazing and cool and worked perfectly every time and was going to save the world.
If you’re trying to have a serious conversation about defense acquisition and your main source of info is Futureweapons, you’re in trouble.
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