MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —
Marine Corps Systems Command released a Request for Information it hopes goes beyond traditional defense partners to gain an innovative edge for a potential Organic Precision Fires-Mounted capability.
U.S. Marine Cpl. Hunter Badgett orients his target prior to calling for fire from a Light Armoured Vehicle as part of exercise Joint Assault Signals Company Black, Waiouru Military Camp, New Zealand, Sept. 27, 2018. Marine Corps Systems Command recently released a Request for Information for a potential Organic Precision Fires-Mounted capability. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jordan E. Gilbert)
According to the RFI, released on the Federal Business Opportunities website Jan. 31, the OPF-M system must be capable of attacking targets at ranges that exceed weapons systems currently in an organic infantry battalion.
For program officials, this is the first step toward developing a future acquisition strategy that may include a Family of Systems—or even a tiered capability for maneuver units.
“The OPF-M will enhance indirect fire capability within the Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion,” said Jeff Nebel, team lead for Program Manager Fires.
The OPF-M is consistent with Marine Corps Operating concepts and the commandant’s priorities to modernize the force with investments in long-range and precision fires. OPF-M enhances the ability of maneuver and provides the LAR community the ability to shape the battlespace with an organic fire support asset.
The program office anticipates development of the OPF-M system to begin in 2020. The initial capability will also consist of several subsystems, including an aerial reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition platform, a vehicle-launched loitering aerial munition, and a digital command and control system.
“Organic Precision Fires has the ability to transform how we fight,” Nebel said. “We are committed to giving our Marines the systems they require to maintain their superiority over any adversary.”
Responses to the RFI must be received by March 1. An industry day is scheduled for March 13-14.
By Barb Hamby, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command
Zuni version of the Arnold Archer? Might be possible to get the kind of range they want with a different fin type(similar to HiMARS 227mm upgrade) ,combined with switchblade type system or similar 5″ munition. Will be a cool system regardless the direction.
We had himars in Afghanistan. They were not accurate. I couldn’t get traditional artillery to my target. We were out of range. So I was granted himars until cas was on station. First round went way over. Second round was behind us. Third was called off by our weapons sgt.
HIMARS is a precision system that has been highly effective for others. You probably had a shitty Battery shooting for you or your tgt location was off. What is your larger point/ solution to the article?
There is/was a HIMARS upgrade program to increase the range and accuracy of the 227mm missiles and other larger precision options for the system. In and of itself it isn’t a precision system but it can be. So could be a lot of reasons for your experience. It’s a lot like the hydra70 vs APKRS , the Zuni precision system falls right in there but will probably be a more attainable goal than the range extension motors for the 70mm and provide a more versatile system. Just an outsider’s veiw though.