SLAM-ER ATA

[EcceHomo]

Since 1998, the Navy has tried to make SLAM-ER smarter. They seek A launch and B guidance; add ATA (automatic target acquisition). I hope ED will enable SLAM-ER to have ATA capabilities. This will bring more convenience and liberate people from operation. Of course, it can also choose man in the loop.

 

 

“The JASSM is heavier, has longer range, and carries a larger penetrating warhead.Guidance systems are similar, with Global Position System (GPS) bringing the missiles close to their targets while imaging infrared sensors are used in the terminal phase. Both missiles use the same Williams turbojet engine. A distinguishing attribute of the SLAM-ER is its two-way data-link with man-in-the-loop functionality. This gives the SLAM-ER the capability to attack moving targets such as ships, as well as providing additional tactical flexibility. The JASSM’s “fire and forget” capability is meant only for stationary targets; a similar capability was included in the SLAM-ER as a retrofit in the FY 1999 production lot.”——The Mechanisms and Value of Competition for Major Weapon Systems

 

"SLAM-ER is designed for the Navy's requirements for a precision-guided,standoff, outside-of-area defense weapon. SLAM-ER can be used for both pre-planned or opportunity-type land or sea targets and is mainly intended to satisfy intermediate tactical needs between long-range cruise missiles and short-range, free-fall munitions (29). With a range of over 150 miles, SLAM-ER is designed to be launched away from enemy air defenses (31). Like some other missiles, its wings deploy and its small jet engine starts when launched. SLAM-ER's midcourse guidance is provided by GPS-aided INS, and the missile executes a flight plan up to seven waypoints or directly to the target.It has the first operational Automatic Target Acquisition (ATA) on board. That enables SLAM-ER to match the seeker images of the target scene with an on-board reference image in the terminal phase. It also allows aimpoint cueing assistance to the pilot in man-in-the-Ioop (MITL) mode in cluttered scenes, bad weather, and countermeasures environments (31,32). In other words, pilots or persons in the loop can change the impact points of the missile against moving targets or ships. Ifnot intervened,ATA is capable of providing automatic terminal guidance to the target. It uses FMU-155 fuses for the WDU-40/B warhead and is shaped specifically to increase penetration and becomes reactive during detonation, significantly increasing the blast and flammable effects.In the 1999 DOT&E annual report, SLAM-ER was evaluated as operationally ineffective and unsuitable. After deficiencies were corrected in late 1999, the missile was appraised as effective and suitable. Moreover, a full-rate production decision was approved in May 2000 (41). The operational test phase was completed in September 2002, and a test team from the U.S. Navy's Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 graded the SLAM-ER Automatic Target Acquisition (ATA) operationally effective and suitable.SLAM-ER is currently operational from F-18 aircraft (42). The unit cost of SLAM-ER is $500,000 (29)."——CARGO AIRCRAFT BOMBING SYSTEM (CABS)

[DeathAngel1]

Can SLAM-ER be used vs ground targets? Or its only anti-ship weapon?

[Kang]

SLAM is supposed to hit ground targets. You are thinking of the Harpoon that it is based on.

[EcceHomo]

SLAM-ER can be used to attack ground or ships. ATA is an auxiliary program that allows missiles to automatically track and select targets in the end.