NetFires is a technology demonstration program focused on beyond line-of-sight fires for the Army's Future Combat System. The program is DARPA managed using combined DARPA-Army S&T funding. Proof of principle test flights are scheduled to begin in FY03. The programs technology demonstration elements include: container launch unit (CLU); loitering attack missile (LAM); and precision attack missile (PAM).

The Netfires (formerly Advanced Fire Support System) program will develop and test a containerized, platform-independent multi-mission weapon concept as an enabling technology element for FCS. NetFires will provide rapid response and lethality in packages requiring significantly fewer personnel, decreased logistical support and lower life-cycle costs, while increasing survivability compared to current direct fire gun and missile artillery. The original concept was called "Rockets in a Box."

NetFires will allow FCS to defeat all known threats, will be air deployable in C-130 (and smaller) aircraft, and will enhance the situation awareness and survivability of FCS by providing standoff target acquisition and extended-range, non-line-of-sight engagements. The program will develop and demonstrate a highly flexible modular, multimission precision missile and a loitering attack missile that can be remotely commanded. Both missile types will have a self-locating launcher and a command and control system compatible with FCS.

Net Fires is one alternative system the Defense Department is looking at to provide artillery support in place of the Crusader artillery system. Defense officials want to stress accuracy in artillery fire and bring to Army and Marine Corps groundpounders the same capabilities that precision- guided munitions have brought to Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aviators.

It is a concept for a vertical-launch set of missiles with a command and control system in a box. It was designed to be platform-independent. Normal cannon and other rocket artillery systems depend on their launch platforms. The round in its launch canister is a complete entity. Being in a box means Net Fires launchers can be mounted on a Humvee or a truck, or set up on the ground, he said. The idea is to let the Army's Future Combat System integrate Net Fires into the different launch configurations.

The system as designed today is a box with 16 sections. Fifteen hold rockets, and the last contains command and control gear. The box has its own power system. The rockets fire from the canister like the Navy's Vertical Launch System. Back-blast follows the missile out the front of the launcher so there's no impact on any transport vehicle.

The rocket system is "soft launch," meaning that the rocket doesn't experience high G's as would an artillery shell traveling at high speed. There's just enough to get (the missile) out of the box and move it forward. Planners have found that vertical launch is better from the standpoint of tactical deployment. This also enables the system to engage targets in all 360 degrees.

Net Fires will have two missiles.

The first is a Precision Attack Missile being developed by Raytheon Corp. The missile travels at high speed for minimal time to target or to reach maximum range. It will have a solid-fuel rocket motor, an uncooled infrared seeker and will mount a substantial warhead. This is the heavy tank killer.

7-inch diameter 100 lb class
Wide range support (0.5-50 km)
Variable thrust solid rocket motor
Dual-mode precision end game seeker
Large multi-mode warhead
Networks with target acquisition element for target handoff
The second is a Loitering Attack Missile (LAM) being developed by Lockheed-Martin and Raytheon. It will carry a laser detection and ranging ("ladar") seeker, a turbojet motor, and wings that extend on launch. The missile will have a 70-kilometer range with a 30-minute loiter time. It will be able to loiter over targets of interest, do automatic target recognition and attack targets on its own.

7-inch diameter 100 lb class
Large area search capability using a LADAR seeker with
automatic target recognition (ATR)
45 minute cruise with micro turbojet engine
Networks with CLU and maneuver/control elements for
redirect, target acquisition, down-linked images
Both missiles will have an onboard datalink. With proper integration into the Future Combat System, which is one of the challenges of the project, Tousley said, Net Fires rounds could be directed to the target by forward observers, unmanned sensors or "whoever is forward."

Any needed target updates could be sent to the missile through the datalink. The missiles then would be fired into a Global Positioning System "basket." On the way there, the rounds are handed off to forward personnel or unmanned sensors such as a Predator unmanned aerial vehicle. This gives the capability to interact -- if the target is moving there is a need to update the location. It gives capability, but it is going to mean challenges operationally.

Some testing of the system has already taken place. Testing will continue into 2004. The Army then would decide whether to continue the program. If all goes well, Net Fires could be ready for units in 2008.