Marine Corps to receive new precision guided mortar rounds

Photo By James Smith | Marines with Golf Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, fire 120 mm high explosive mortar rounds from an Expeditionary Fire Support System during Exercise Rolling Thunder 2-15 aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 9, 2015. The purpose of Exercise Rolling Thunder is to exercise, access and improve the regiment's ability to shoot, move and communicate in a field environment while demonstrating to supported commanders the capabilities and effects the regiment provides to the division and Marine Air Ground Task Force operations. Since the EFSS is a smaller weapon system compared to the M777 Howitzer Cannon, it requires fewer Marines and less gear to operate the weapon. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. James R. Smith/Released)  

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VA, UNITED STATES

12.10.2015

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Systems Command

QUANTICO, Va. - Marine Corps Systems Command has awarded a $98 million contract to build a new precision extended range munition, called PERM, which will double the range and provide GPS accuracy to the existing expeditionary fire support system.

Raytheon Co. Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, was selected to make the munition. Raytheon was awarded a five-year, indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity contract which will include production verification and technical documentation, and production orders. PERM is being developed for the Expeditionary Fire Support System. The EFSS is the ship-to-objective maneuver element’s primary indirect fire support system.

The new 120mm PERM will increase the range of the EFSS, enabling Marines to hit targets up to 10 miles away compared to the current range of five. PERM also expands EFSS’ abilities to conduct expeditionary operations while minimizing collateral damage and increasing first-round effects against high-value targets.

EFSS can be deployed aboard amphibious ships with a small logistics footprint or inserted vertically by the MV-22 Osprey. Once ashore EFSS provides sustained, responsive, 24/7 artillery support with a highly lethal suite of munitions.

Currently in testing, PERM is expected to be delivered in fiscal year 2018 with a total munitions requirement of 3,113 rounds.

MCSC oversees the development, acquisition and lifecycle logistics of Marine Corps ground weapon and information technology system programs.

• Date Taken: 12.10.2015
• Date Posted: 12.10.2015 14:42
• Story ID: 184186
• Location: MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, VA, US