The U.S. Army plans to develop a cluster payload consisting of a swarm of smart quad-copters capable of delivering small explosively formed penetrators (EFP) at designated targets.

The payload will be loaded into precision guided rockets fired from the Army's M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).

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The multiple quad-copters will be packed inside the warheads of the M30 Guided MLRS (GMLRS), a precision guided rocket with a range over 60 km, and the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATacMS), a huge guided missile with a range of 300 km.

ATacMS can be fired from the M270 MLRS, and HIMARS or the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, a light multiple rocket launcher mounted on a standard Army Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) truck.

The Army wants the missile launched payload consisting of multiple quad-copters and is soliciting the aid of private industry to get it done, said an Army proposal with the title, "Cluster UAS Smart Munition for Missile Deployment."

What the Army wants developed is a precision missile that will release the quad-copter payload during flight. Once close to their targets, the quad-copters will be deployed; identify potential targets; maneuver to and land on these targets and detonate their EFP munitions.

Potential targets include tanks and large caliber guns; fuel storage facilities; the roofs of armored fighting vehicles and supply vehicles and ammunition storage sites.

The ultimate goal of the project will be to produce a missile deployable, long range Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) swarm that can deliver small EFPs to a variety of targets. This missile will serve as a smart augmentation to standard missile warheads.

The Army said the quad-copters must carry onboard power sufficient to conduct their missions. The quad-copters should be able to withstand massive acceleration, shock and vibration, and the intense heat generated by the rocket launch.

Once operational, the missile that will deploy the anti-tank quad-copters will be launched from other Army rocket artillery systems other than the M270 MLRS.

TagsU.S. Army, explosively formed penetrators, EFP, M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System, MLRS, M30 Guided MLRS, MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System, ATacMS, HIMARS, quad-copters