• Additional Pike upgrades include the ability to fire it from platform-mounted launchers on small boats, all-terrain vehicles and small unmanned aircraft systems. Credit: Raytheon
    Additional Pike upgrades include the ability to fire it from platform-mounted launchers on small boats, all-terrain vehicles and small unmanned aircraft systems. Credit: Raytheon
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A new miniature laser-guided missile adapted for infantry and special forces use has appeared at the annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference in Washington DC. 
 
Weapon manufacturer Raytheon's director of advanced land warfare systems James R. Smith said the compact size was made possible by the miniaturisation of electronics.  
 
"Measuring just [43cm-long and 4cm-wide] and weighing just [770gms] the projectile has a range of about 2 kilometres and is designed to be fired from existing rocket-propelled grenade launchers, such as the M203 and Enhanced Grenade Launching Module," Smith said.
 
Pike's rocket motor ignites [2.5-3m] after launch and is nearly smokeless for reduced launch signature.
 
Raytheon successfully fired two new Pike 40mm precision-guided munitions from a standard tube grenade launcher during flight tests at Mile High Resources in Texas. Both rounds landed within the targeted impact area after flying more than 2,100 metres. 
 
"Pike uses a digital, semi-active laser seeker to engage both fixed and slow-moving, mid-range targets," Smith said. 
 
"This new guided munition can provide the warfighter with precision, extended-range capability never before seen in a hand-held weapon on the battlefield.
 
"Pike will become smarter and smarter as we continue to develop its capabilities.
 
"In the current configuration, the warfighter will enter programmable laser codes prior to loading Pike into its launcher. Spiral development calls for multiple-round simultaneous programming and targeting with data link capabilities."
 
Additional Pike upgrades include the ability to fire it from platform-mounted launchers on small boats, all-terrain vehicles and small unmanned aircraft systems. 
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