Elbit finalises GATR development

[Zarvan]

The Elbit/ATK Orbital 70mm laser-guided rocket. Source: ATK
Key Points

• Elbit is now under contract for GATR and STAR
• First contract will equip 'an AH-64 platform'

Elbit Systems has finalised development of the GATR (Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket) semi-active laser-guided 70 mm (2.75 in) rocket, which is now in production for a launch customer.

"GATR is in the final qualification phase, and in the first phase of delivery to our customers later this year," Sagi Peleg, vice president of strategy and business development for Elbit Systems' Aerospace Division told IHS Jane's . Peleg confirmed that GATR order will equip an "AH-64 Apache platform" although he declined to disclose the end-user.

GATR is a joint development between Elbit Systems and ATK Orbital. In 2008 Elbit and Alliant Techsystems (now ATK Orbital) announced a teaming agreement to develop what was initially known as the Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket - Laser (GATR-L). This was originally conceived as a precision-guided enhancement for 70 mm rockets, that adds a semi-active laser (SAL) homing seeker. However, GATR is now marketed as an all-up round, rather than a modification to existing 70 mm unguided rocket systems such as the Hydra 70.

Under the current teaming arrangement ATK Orbital is responsible for the insensitive-munitions (IM) compliant rocket motor while Elbit Systems supplies the SAL seeker, and the guidance and control systems. GATR's mid-body M282 MPP-EDG blast fragmentation IM warhead, along with its programmable electronic delay IM-compliant fuze, are designed and developed by Nammo."

GATR's SAL seeker is fitted in a new rounded nose fairing which shifts the weapon's warhead backwards towards the mid-body of the rocket. Four pop-out actuated canards for guidance and flight control are mounted behind the seeker section, while to the rear GATR is equipped with six pop-out lift-generating and stabilisation fins. "The fin and nozzle configuration is optimised to enable extended range for the rocket," Peleg said.

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Elbit finalises GATR development | IHS Jane's 360