Army prepares to field smarter artillery round.

• Author: Williams, Robert H.
• Position: TECH TALK: A TIP-SHEET ON THE LATEST GADGETS

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A precision 120-mm munition for the Army's Future Combat Systems mounted combat system is moving closer to fruition.

The mid-range munition, or MRM, is a chemical-energy warhead with a dual mode semi-active laser and imaging infrared seeker. It is designed to destroy enemy heavy armor, light armored vehicles, air defense systems and self-propelled howitzers, according to Raytheon Missile Systems.

One of MRM's advantages is that it will hit hostile vehicles beyond the line of sight by relying on a...