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IMI is displaying at the AUSA Annual Convention a range of combat systems addressing the requirements of modern land forces, including the US Army. Among the products on display are precision, extended range munitions for 120mm mortars; premium, high precision small-caliber ammunition for Special Forces; a new hand grenade designed for safer use and the Red Sky air defense system.
Precision Extended Range Munitions (PERM)
The GPS/INS-guided Precision Extended Range Munition (PERM) was jointly developed by IMI and Raytheon to address the US Marine Corps requirement for precision mortars. PERM extends the operational range of 120 mm mortars to 16 km, hitting targets with an accuracy of 10 meters under all weather conditions. The weapon is fully compatible with the current weapons and doctrine of US Marine Corps 120mm mortars.
In a recent test series PERM munitions were employed in field tests in mountainous firing range, validating the munitions’ maximum and minimum range performance, with demonstrated accuracy levels exceeding the services’ requirements.
These smart munitions comprise IMI’s ‘Pure Heart’ as their ‘brain’. The system combines packs a powerful digital processor, navigation and guidance systems, all packed in a compact, lightweight case designed to endure extremely high loads. IMI has already integrated the ‘Pure Heart’ in a number of aerial and surface launched weapon systems, transforming conventional weapons, such as rockets, tank rounds and mortars to smart ones.
Red Sky VSHORAD System
This tactical,very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) system is integrating existing man-portable air defense missile systems (MANPADS) into an automated system. Performing autonomous air search, tracking and engagement Red Sky is designed to retain high mobility and rapid deployment, effective against aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial systems. Through the integration of sensors, Red Sky enables users to extend the effective range of standard MANPADS missiles to their maximum range and accuracy in day and night operation.
The compact system can be mounted on vehicles or operate dismounted, supporting rapid deployment operations. Its passive sensors ensure the unit’s concealment and survivability for in combat. As a modular system Red Sky is designed to accommodate future growth, integrating effectors such as high-energy laser and electronic jammers.
The system comprises several modules including:
Optical sensor: employing a thermal imager as passive sensor, automatically detecting airborne targets within the sector assigned for the Red Sky.
Missile Launchers: This assembly accommodates two missile launchers and target acquisition system, comprised of a thermal camera for target identification and laser rangefinder.
Command and control module: providing the user interface and processor for all functions – target search, detection, identification, and tracking, lock-on, launch and damage assessment.
The Red Sky system can operate autonomously or integrated with other sensors, such as IFF.
M26IM – a Safer Hand Grenade
IMI is displaying an improved hand grenade designed to withstand bullets, fragments and fire. The M26IM grenade was developed by IMI in collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces’ Ground Forces Command,addressing safety issues encountered with standard grenades that have caused fatalities in past combat operations. The new ‘insensitive grenade’ has already saved the lives of paratroopers carrying it in Operation ‘Protective Edge’, July 2014.
The M26IM is identical to the standard M26 in lethality, handling and dimension. However, its unique triggering mechanism, developed by IMI, separates the explosive compound from the triggering chain, thus eliminating inadvertent activation of the grenade, by impact, heat or even a bullet strike. As an insensitive munition the M26IM meets IM Military Standard MIL-STD 2015, withstanding bullet strikes up to 0.5”, slow and fast cook-off (F.C.O/S.C.O) and sympathetic detonation.
In addition to its life saving safety advantages the M26IM ensures safer storage, transportation and logistics, further lowering the life cycle cost.
‘Razor Core’ Small Caliber Ammunition
IMI is displaying the 5.56mm small caliber ammunition designed for a wide range of NATO standard 1:7 rifled barrels, the new family of ammunition matches the ballistics of standard ammo, and can be used with short and long barrels, without zeroing. The new ammo called ‘Razor Core’ employs Open Tip Match (OTM) design, improving stability and effective range, over standard M855 rounds. ‘Razor Core’has been qualified for military use and is operational and proven with Special Forces units.
Special operations forces already use IMI’s 5.56mm “Razor-Core” 77 Grain for its high precision, stopping power and increased lethality. IMI has recently added a lighter 69 Grain ‘Razor Core’, offering users wider choice.
IMI has supplied NATO qualified small caliber ammunition to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), US Army and a number of European forces. The company has been recently selected with its local representative, ‘Guardian’, to supply 5.56mm ammunition to the Spanish Army, under a four-year contract worth 22.5 million Euros.
