MULTI-ROLE ARMAMENT & AMMUNITION SYSTEM
(MRAAS)
CANNON
David C. Smith, P.E.
US Army Benet Laboratories
Watervliet Arsenal
Watervliet, NY 12189-4050
dcsmith@pica.army.mil
ABSTRACT
This paper will describe the Cannon portion of the MRAAS concept. The MRAAS is a concept for a
highly flexible weapon system, extremely adaptable and well suited to support joint operations. The
system concept calls for a single cannon capable of providing direct fire, indirect fire, and air defense
missions from a single platform within the weight limits of modern lightweight wheeled combat
vehicles. This paper will briefly discuss the integrated development of the launcher, mount, and
ammunition from a systems perspective in the first part. The second part of the paper will focus on the
final weapon system assembly and test firing. The performance of numerous advanced technologies,
such as composite support elements, composite cannon tube, integral muzzle brake, and swing chamber
configuration will be reviewed. Video clips and graphics will help describe the performance relative to
the original design goals. Future possible spiral development approaches will be explored. The
conclusions will highlight the adaptability of this system to meet many diverse missions, utilizing
lightweight vehicle platforms.
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 BACKGROUND
The Multi Role Armament and Ammunition System (MRAAS) was a unique armament system developed as
a technology base program oriented around the goals of the Future Combat System (FCS): The FCS
was defined in the following text:
“The Future Combat Systems will be a multi-functional, multi-mission re-configurable system of systems to
maximize joint inter-operability, strategic transportability and commonality of mission roles
including direct and indirect fire, air defense, reconnaissance, troop transport, counter mobility, non-
lethal and C2 on the move. [1]
The MRAAS was intended to show a ‘multi-role’ armament system is capable of fulfilling the first three (3)
mission roles. While originally intended as a cannon based armament system, it is fully expected if
the demonstration program were to receive sponsorship to move into later development, missile
RTO-MP-AVT-108 42 - 1
UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED
UNCLASSIFIED/UNLIMITED
Paper presented at the RTO AVT Symposium on
Functional and Mechanical Integration of Weapons and Land
and Air Vehicles”, held in Williamsburg, VA, USA, 7 -9 June 2004, and published in RTO-MP-AVT-108.
Click here to view PowerPoint presentation in PDF format
