OMFTS concept, the committee suggests that targeting technology should become a core component of ONR Code 353’s future efforts. An ETAL-equipped TLDHS will have a limited capability against rapidly moving targets. Furthermore, the time of flight of even moderate-range weapons such as the extended-range guided munition (ERGM) will be between 6 and 9 minutes. During intervals of this length, a mobile target can move far outside of the lethal footprint of a weapon such as ERGM, which currently does not have a data link to provide an update on target location.

The committee recommends that ONR Code 353 should not consider the projected successful completion of its ETAL effort as the last effort in targeting technology in its S&T program. It is strongly suggested that a program to support the targeting of multiple mobile targets be initiated as soon as the budget will permit. Emphasis should be given to the development of a realistic targeting system that will support the use of ERGM and the advanced land-attack missile (ALAM) against multiple mobile targets.

The Objective Crew-served Weapon (OCSW) program is an Army-led advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) that has enjoyed a nominal level of Marine Corps participation. The goal of this program is to produce a lightweight, crew-served infantry weapon that can, in principle, replace the caliber-50 M2 heavy machine gun, the 40-mm MK-19 general-purpose machine gun, and the 7.62-mm M240 machine guns. Because of its greatly enhanced lethality per round, the logistical support for this weapon will be reduced significantly.

The weapon measures the velocity of each round as it proceeds down the barrel of the weapon and uses a laser range finder to determine the range to the target. The fuse on each round is set so that the projectile will detonate at the correct range. Detonation provides a controlled pattern of downward fragmentation that is lethal to anyone in defilade below the burst point of the round. The lethal range of the weapon is about 2,000 meters. In addition, the weapon has a high potential to damage light and lightly armored vehicles at ranges beyond 1,000 meters.

The development of the OCSW appears to be proceeding successfully, and there is a high probability that the program will satisfy its exit criteria. By the end of FY02, the ACTD phase of the program will be completed. An EMD phase has been scheduled for FY03 to FY07. Production and acquisition are scheduled for the years between FY08 and FY14. To date, the Marine Corps has not decided what actions it will take with regard to acquisition of the OCSW should the current ACTD transition through EMD to production. Some committee members with extensive active-duty Marine Corps experience believe that the Marines will retain the M240 and will use the OCSW as a partial or full replacement for the M2 and the MK-19 machine guns.

From FY00 through FY02, ONR Code 353’s contribution to this program is scheduled to be at the $500,000 level. However, the Marine Corps S&T program evaluation group (PEG) has structured a program objective memorandum (POM) for the six fiscal years FY02 to FY07, which shows funding for OCSW rising to $1.8 million in FY02 and, after some fluctuations, stabilizing at $2 million between FY05 and FY07.