M7 Spider

The M7 Spider is a networked United States anti-personnel 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 a part 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.[1]

Design
M7 Spider MCU with 3 MGLs

The system is composed of Munition Control Units (MCUs),[2] a Remote Control Station (RCS), and a repeater for extending communication range. Up to 63 MCUs can be configured for each RCS. Each MCU can attach up to six Miniature Grenade Launchers (MGL) each of which covers a sixty degree arc.[3] 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 munition or further with the use of a repeater.[4] 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 more of the attached munitions (grenades or other.)[5][6]

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 M-7 Spider can also be ordered to "zeroize", purge all data stored in its memory to prevent the systems from being removed by the enemy. Additionally, if the system is tampered with or transported while armed it will become disabled. The M7 Spider does not have the ability to self-destruct or become a victim activated mine or explosive device.[7]

An MCU can be used with a number of different sub-munitions; some of which are claimed to be "non-lethal".

History

Developed to bridge the gap between remote battlefield sensor and anti-personnel mines, the M7 Spider Networked Munition System was originally designed to be either victim activated or operator initiated. In accordance with the 2004 U. S. National Landmine Policy, The M7 Spider was permanently configured as a "Man-In-The-Loop" (MITL) weapon system with all victim activated capabilities removed.[8]

Wired reported in 2004 that the Army intended to purchase 290,000 spider munitions at a cost of $513 million US dollars.[4] 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.

As of August, 2013, the M7 Spider Networked Munition System has been granted full material release by the Department of the Army. Initially, full scale fielding will be to the Brigade Engineer Battalions in all Brigade Combat Teams, with follow-on fielding to all U. S. Army maneuver Battalions at a date to be determined.

References
  1. Human Rights Watch (2005). "Back in Business? U.S. Landmine Production and Exports".
  2. "United States of America, Landmine Monitor Report 2006".
  3. "FBO DAILY ISSUE OF OCTOBER 28, 2005 FBO #1432".
  4. Associated Press (4 April 2004). "U.S. Bets on Land Mine Technology". Wired. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011.
  5. "Spider Unattended Ground Sensor". Defence Update, International Online Defense Magazine.
  6. https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/wsh2011/wsh2011.pdf
  7. Dana Hughes, ABC News (2006). "United States, Landmine Producer: In Good Company?".
  8. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 23, 2013.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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