Expeditionary Fire Support System

[Randy]

Is anyone familiar with the Marine Corps Expeditionary Fire
Support System (EFSS)? This is supposed to be a 120mm mortar system, which is to be more mobile than the howitzer (M777), but provide more fire support than the Bn 81mm. They have been working on the program for several years, but I have no info regarding current status. Any info would be great. Thanks

[Mobhack]

A quick google on "EFSS" brought up

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...round/efss.htm

Cheers
Andy

[Sewter]

Randy,

Here is some more info on your query.

"The weapon system is the French TDA MO 120 RT 120 mm rifled towed mortar with the ITV being based on the American Growler's commercially available UVDB 1000. Growler embodies some components of the M151A2 (4 × 4) vehicle and is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine developing 132 hp, which is coupled to an automatic transmission. It has a loaded weight of about 2.3 tonnes."

"General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems has been awarded an initial USD18.2 million contract to carry out the System Development and Demonstration ( SDD) of the EFSS/ITV programme. Under this phase the company will build three sets of the EFSS with an option for an additional six sets under a low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract, which is expected to start in FY 2006. A further 60 sets would be added under full-rate production. The total US Marine Corps requirement is for between 66 to 88 EFSS."

"General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems will produce ammunition for the EFSS in the United States. Natures to be procured are:

* High-Explosive (maximum range 7,500 m or 8,100 m)
* High-Explosive Rocket-Assisted Projectile (HE RAP) (maximum range 13,000 m)
* Illuminating (maximum range 7,000 m)
* Practice
* Smoke
* Submunition (maximum range 8,170 m)
* Anti-personnel carrier (maximum range 8,135 m)

To obtain increased accuracy with the HE RAP it is understood that General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is offering a low cost course correction kit, which incorporates a semi-active laser seeker and small thrusters. "

"According to the manufacturer, EFSS will provide the US Marines with short-range indirect fire support capability with a range of 7 to 20 km with the system being transported by the ITV. It should be noted that today there is no 120 mm mortar bomb that will reach 20 km."

(Jane's Armour and Artillery)

It sounds like it is in the works. So far, it seems that the system will be 'towed'. Unlike other systems, which are internally stored. Just like the Marines, simple, cost effective, lots of whoop.

Semper Fi

[Pepper]

Hereis a USMC 9/05 publication that references the program, albeit briefly:

www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/syscomorg/org%20files/trifold%20for%20webpublishing%20sep%202005.doc

[Randy]

Thanks for the reply. This would be a great asset for a MV22 delivered unit. The great think about this system is that it has it own prime mover that is easily transportable. A good way to conduct a "hip shoot." Thanks for the info.