Future Weapon Technology

Manufacturer: BAE Systems [LSE: BA.L]

As we all know, the US military is constantly upgrading and improving. One of the newest programs, the Future Combat Systems (FCS) aims to automate and computerize many different processes that are currently done manually, along with dramatically increasing deployment readiness. Emerging from the FCS doctrine are many new vehicles and systems and seem near science fiction by design, and the NLOS cannon (Non-Line-of-Sight) represents one of the more tangible examples of the new machines envisioned by FCS. The NLOS cannon was designed to be ultra light weight, having rubber tracks and an aluminum hull, which allows them to be deployed in greater numbers and distances by air transport. Likely the most impressive feature of the NLOS is it’s MRSI (Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact, pronounced “mercy”) firing capability. Once the cannon has designated it’s target, it can fire up to four shells at different trajectories so that they all land on the target simultaneously. The NLOS is categorized as a self-propelled artillery platform, which signals a departure from traditional towed artillery. The NLOS cannon is slated to be a test bed for new FCS and artillery technologies, and will likely see even more improvements before deployed in the field.

Also See: MULE Future Combat Systems Vehicle