In a series of flight tests conducted at the Yuma Proving Grounds, Alliant Techsystems successfully demonstrated the ballistic characteristics of the most advanced mortar round ever developed for the U.S. Army – ATK's precision guided mortar munition (PGMM). A total of 49 rounds were shot over three days from a 120mm mortar, achieving all test objectives.
The primary objectives of the test included establishing the appropriate charge weight to ensure proper muzzle velocity when the round exits the mortar tube; evaluating range performance, obtaining aeroballistics data and verifying structural integrity at hot, cold and ambient temperatures. Secondary objectives included feedback from mortar operators on the handling of the new PGMM round and collection of mortar interior environment data.
ATK and the U.S. Army have established an extensive test regimen to ensure that the first PGMM production rounds will be ready for delivery no later than 2010.
