XM-7 Spider
Encyclopedia
The XM-7 Spider is an U.S.
anti-personnel networked munitions system that provides a secure remote command and control capability of up to 1500 meters for a hand-emplaced munition field. The system was developed by Alliant Techsystems (ATK)
with its joint venture partner Textron Systems
as apart of the Non-Self-Destruct Alternative (NSD-A) program and is intended to replace the Matrix remote trigger system currently deployed in Iraq which works with pre-existing mines like the M18 Claymore. Day & Zimmermann
and General Dynamics
are prime subcontractors.
The system consists of up to 84 Munition Control Units (MCUs), a Remote Control Station (RCS), and a repeater for extending communication range. Each MCU can attach up to six individual grenades each of which covers a sixty degree arc. The MCUs are hand emplaced after which the operator can optionally command to deploy six triplines to provide a sensing network. The operator can be situated up to a mile away from the mines or further with the use of a repeater. When a tripline is activated, the MCU connected to the line signals wirelessly to the Remote Control Station using either the U.S. Army battlefield key management infrastructure or the Navy Electronic Key Management System (EKMS). The operator at the RCS can at that point choose to fire one or a more of the attached munitions (grenades or other.
The MCU is powered by a replaceable battery, lasting for approximately 30 days. After being fired the system can be disabled and fitted with fresh grenades.
The XM-7 Spider can also be ordered to self-destruct, or if the remote control unit is taken off during a battle, it will self-destruct after some time.
An MCU can be used with a number of different sub-munitions; some of which are claimed to be "non-lethal".
Wired reported in 2004 that the Army intended to purchase 290,000 spider munitions at a cost of $513 million US dollars. However, as of 2006 a total of $301 million has been budgeted to produce 907 Spider "systems", with an addition $11.8 million for ongoing research. The development costs for the system between 1999 and 2004 were $135 million. Assuming that a "system" consists of 84 MCUs, this gives an approximate cost of $5000 per MCU.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
anti-personnel networked munitions system that provides a secure remote command and control capability of up to 1500 meters for a hand-emplaced munition field. The system was developed by Alliant Techsystems (ATK)
Alliant Techsystems
Alliant Techsystems Inc., most commonly known by its ticker symbol, ', is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the United States with more than 18,000 employees in 22 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and 2010 revenues in excess of an estimated...
with its joint venture partner Textron Systems
Textron
Textron is a conglomerate that includes Bell Helicopter, E-Z-GO, Cessna Aircraft Company, and Greenlee, among others. It was founded by Royal Little in 1923 as the Special Yarns Company, and is headquartered at the Textron Tower in Providence, Rhode Island, United States.With total revenues of...
as apart of the Non-Self-Destruct Alternative (NSD-A) program and is intended to replace the Matrix remote trigger system currently deployed in Iraq which works with pre-existing mines like the M18 Claymore. Day & Zimmermann
Day & Zimmermann
The Day & Zimmermann company was founded in 1901. Its corporate office is at 1500 Spring Garden St. Philadelphia, PA 19130.The company first came to prominence when the Hershey chocolate company contracted it to produce the foil wrapper for their Hershey's Kisses...
and General Dynamics
General Dynamics
General Dynamics Corporation is a U.S. defense conglomerate formed by mergers and divestitures, and as of 2008 it is the fifth largest defense contractor in the world. Its headquarters are in West Falls Church , unincorporated Fairfax County, Virginia, in the Falls Church area.The company has...
are prime subcontractors.
The system consists of up to 84 Munition Control Units (MCUs), a Remote Control Station (RCS), and a repeater for extending communication range. Each MCU can attach up to six individual grenades each of which covers a sixty degree arc. The MCUs are hand emplaced after which the operator can optionally command to deploy six triplines to provide a sensing network. The operator can be situated up to a mile away from the mines or further with the use of a repeater. When a tripline is activated, the MCU connected to the line signals wirelessly to the Remote Control Station using either the U.S. Army battlefield key management infrastructure or the Navy Electronic Key Management System (EKMS). The operator at the RCS can at that point choose to fire one or a more of the attached munitions (grenades or other.
The MCU is powered by a replaceable battery, lasting for approximately 30 days. After being fired the system can be disabled and fitted with fresh grenades.
The XM-7 Spider can also be ordered to self-destruct, or if the remote control unit is taken off during a battle, it will self-destruct after some time.
An MCU can be used with a number of different sub-munitions; some of which are claimed to be "non-lethal".
Wired reported in 2004 that the Army intended to purchase 290,000 spider munitions at a cost of $513 million US dollars. However, as of 2006 a total of $301 million has been budgeted to produce 907 Spider "systems", with an addition $11.8 million for ongoing research. The development costs for the system between 1999 and 2004 were $135 million. Assuming that a "system" consists of 84 MCUs, this gives an approximate cost of $5000 per MCU.
External links
- GlobalSecurity.org: MATRIX/Spider
- Textron Systems: Spider
- Human Rights Watch: Back in Business? U.S. Landmine Production and Exports