Minimalism in American: Why US Army Interesting Low-dimensional Jackal missiles (video)

The new video of the developer describes in detail the tactics of using the rocket and the features of its design, as well as its predictable use in conflict with China in the Pacific. This is stated in the material of Defense Express observers. Jackal is a light winged rocket that can be launched from different platforms, including Apache shock helicopters, lightweight starting installations on a 4x4 chassis and unmanned boats.

The Apache helicopter is capable of carrying up to eight such rockets, which allows a large number of ammunition simultaneously. For example, 12 helicopters can release about a hundred rockets. The Jackal flight range is about 150 km, and it overcomes this distance in 15 minutes, moving at a speed of 600 km/h. Moreover, the missile navigation system is adapted to work in the absence of GPS, which is especially important in modern combat conditions.

Another interesting feature is that rockets can act in swarm by exchanging data and performing different roles. Depending on the task, Jackal can be equipped with both combat units and radio electronic fights and intelligence sensors. Versions with combat units use the thermal imaging head of self -introduction, which allows you to recognize and hit the goals in a given area. Despite these characteristics, the mass of the Jackal's battle part is 4.

5 kg, which raises certain questions about its effectiveness, experts say. For comparison, the Barracuda project from Anduril provides missiles with a fighting of 16 kg in a similar range. However, as an example shows with a cumulative charge KZ-6 weighing 3 kg in the Russian drone "Lancet", even such mass can be sufficient to damage armored vehicles and communication facilities. Although it is not enough to defeat protected objects. Why then ammunition is interesting for the US Army.

The observers stressed that Jackal plans to use in the Pacific region against a potential opponent in China, where light equipment will be used in large numbers. "The US will bet on a permanent maneuver against the numerically prevailing opponent. And in these circumstances, the opportunity to start almost 100 missiles from 12 helicopters at the same time looks very interesting," the analysts summed up.