MAS Interdiction (click to enlarge).

Overview

The Megacity Aerospace Systems "Interdiction" semi ballistic munitions are powered ballistic arc weapons 8.18 (I10) and 5.45 (I5) metres long respectively used to destroy well defended targets from a secure engagement distance. They are designed to be used with a variety of ZMAF aircraft with the I10 being used only by dedicated bombing platforms. They have a variety of payload options.

Accuracy

When using autonomous terrain tracking radar and optic recognition the I munitions have an accuracy of 10 metres, when using the autonomous target acquisition the I munitions have an accuracy of 15 metres, using laser guided mode the munitions can be pointed at a laser dot and directed through a doorway (5 metre accuracy), the I munitions when guided real-time by a weapons officer can be landed precisely on a door knob. In other words, the miss distance is not measurable when the weapon system officer is in the loop. In ARAD mode the I munitions generally have a 7metre accuracy radius.

Deployment

The Interdiction weapons can be released in multiple flight configurations with the optimal configuration being an aircraft assisted arc release at very high altitude in the correct vector, in this configuration the Interdiction munitions have an upward range in theory of 120 miles and at the top of the release arc the Interdiction weapons solid rocket motor engages burn. In non optimal flight release configuration the Interdiction rocket motor and fins actively guide the weapon into a ballistic arc that can be completely at odds with the release aircraft’s flight vector.

History

The ZMAF Test Centre began developing the I munitions in 1995. It was a product improvement of the early guided bombs used during the first civil insurrection. Flight testing of the weapon began in 1996. The Interdiction munitions completed full-scale operational test and evaluation in November 1998. In February 1999, initial operational test and evaluation was completed on the LIDAR terrain imaging and ARAD guidance seeker.

Details

The interdiction munitions provide the capability for accurate guided delivery of payloads at increased ranges. The I5 and I10’s effective stand-off range is greater than that of conventional unpowered laser-guided munitions and or un powered ballisticly lobed munitions. The Interdiction Munitions do not need to have acquired the target before being released. The weapon can be remotely controlled by a datalink system, and the weapon systems operator locates the target area and the specific aimpoint by observing the video transmitted from the weapon. The weapon's flight path can be adjusted either automatically or manually. Weapon video is either electro-optical (TV camera), LIDAR generated virtual image, or infrared, and is generated in the nose mounted optronics package.

The Interdiction weapons may be used in guided direct, guided indirect, or indirect attack. In a guided direct attack, the pilot selects a target before launch, locks the weapon guidance system onto it and launches the weapon. The weapon automatically guides itself to the target, enabling the pilot to leave the area. In an indirect guided attack, the weapon is guided by remote control after launch. The pilot releases the weapon and, via remote control, searches for the target. Once the target is acquired, the weapon can be locked to the target or manually guided via the data-link system. In indirect attack the weapon relies on its own terrain matching sensors, GPS and target acquisition systems to obtain target.

The Interdiction munitions use single MAS “Pop 30” (I5) and Mas “Pop 50” (I10) Solid fuel rocket motors producing 1300 and 3200 kn of force respectively . The Mas “Pop” rockets use solid fuel grains moulded from a thermoset elastomer (which doubles as fuel), additional fuel, oxidiser (Ammonium perchlorate) and a catalyst. (Hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene) . The I5 uses a vectored nozzle, the I10 uses a set of thrust vectoring spars external to the venturi.

Payloads

I5 Multipurpose

The consists of a 300 kilo ECM and counter measures package and 1600 kilos of Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine charge which can be set to activate a 200 kilograms of copper self forging warhead. It can target a variety of hardened and non hardened heavily defended targets.

I10 Multipurpose

The I10 consists of a 600 kilo ECM and active counter measures package, a 3100 kilo Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine charge and a 1300 kilo shaped self forging warhead. Smart Penetration mode allows the munition to detonate the shaped self forging warhead, penetrate and then detonate the primary charge. It can target a variety of hardened and non hardened and very heavily defended targets.

I10, I5 Cluster

The I10 and I5 cluster bombs contain (I10)12,500 or (I5)6,430 tennis ball-sized containers, each holding 300 metal fragments. When detonated, the device projects (I10)3,750,000 or (I5) 1,929,000 fragments over a large area.

I10,I5 Mine

The I10,I5 Mine are cluster munitions containing antitank and antipersonnel mines, consists of a Tactical Munitions Dispenser with 172 antitank mines, 422 antipersonnel mines, and a variety of proximity sensors. Mine arming begins when the dispenser opens. Mine detonation is initiated by target detection, mine disturbance, low battery voltage, and a self-destruct time-out. The antitank mine is a magnetic sensing submunition effective against tanks and armoured vehicles. The antipersonnel mine has a fragmenting case warhead triggered by trip wires. The I 10,I5 Mine system provides a means to place minefields on the ground thought by the enemy to be secure by rapidly using high-speed aircraft. The minefields are used for area denial, diversion of moving ground forces, or to immobilise targets to supplement other direct attack weapons.

Both systems contain a mix of SCAPA AT339M antitank and TIW AP4039ALM antipersonnel (AP) mines -- 172 AT and 422 AP for the I10 and 85 AT and 205 AP for the I5 . Commonality of mines for both systems also contributes to high-rate, low-cost production. The SCAPA AT339M mine is the heart of the mine system. Microelectronics in each mine detect targets, discriminate armoured vehicles, and detonate the mine when the target reaches the most vulnerable approach point. A TIW self righting shaped charge then defeats the belly armour of most vehicles. The TIW AP4039ALM AP mine serves to discourage minefield clearing. Upon activation, the AP mine “jumps” to 1.3 metres and explodes. The explosion sends 650 high-velocity Flechette’s in a horizontal plane over a wide area.

Both mines have a programmable self-destruct feature which permits the battlefield commander to control the timing of a counterattack or defensive manoeuvre. The self-destruct time is set just prior to aircraft takeoff using a simple selector switch on the dispenser. This feature permits a high degree of tactical flexibility during combat operations.

I10 VLM (Very Large Munition)

At 8.8 m long and 8400kg, with high explosive as 6482 kg of that the I10 VLM is primarily used to engage “heavy” or “super heavy” targets and shipping. The I10 VLM uses Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine as its explosive filler. It is the largest conventional bomb in present ZMAF service.

Variants:

The I10 was the basis of the CWM(S) chemical warfare bomb, which uses a canister of Sarin nerve gas. ZMAF has in combat has never used the CWM(S).

Specifications

Primary function: Guided semi ballistic air-to-surface weapon
Contractor: MAS
Length: I5 (5.45 metres) I10 (8.18 metres)
Launch weight: I5(3400kg) I10(7400kg)
Range: Up to 65 miles, (80 theoretical optimal)
Ceiling: 70,000 ft
Propulsion: MAS “Pop 30” (I5) (500kilo propellant) and Mas “Pop 50” (I10) (1230kg Propellant) Solid fuel rocket motors producing 1,300 and 3,200 kn of force respectively
Guidance systems: GPS, television, infrared, radiation homing, terrain tracking radar and or laser guided.