- Yes
- No
Gun Low-Altitude Air Defense System (GLAADS)
Photo: XM701 GLAADS Vehicle in profile.
Introduction:
The GLAADS program was a test program incorporating the latest technologies of the early 1970s for an Air Defense Gun. The Objective was to create a follow on to the M163 with increased range and lethality but still being a “passive” system relying on FLIR instead of radar. A key to the system was also testing new computation models for tracking aircraft that would be able to better avoid sensor noise, which would increase hit probability over earlier linear projection models.
Initiated in 1972 the GLAADS program was an offshoot on to the LOFAADS (Low Altitude Forward Area Air Defense System) program of the late 60ties and early 70ties. The weapon was to have an effective range of 3km, the max caliber was to be 30mm its time of flight to 3km was to be between 2.2-3 seconds for AP and the reaction time was to be between 5-7 seconds. The idea being to use AP against long range threats and HE against close ones.
General Dynamics, General Electric and Philco-Ford competed to build the GLAADS test vehicle with Philco-Ford, the producer of the Vulcan winning out. The turret was mounted on to the, left over, second pilot of the MICV-65 program a steel version of the XM701 vehicle in 1975 for tests. The fire control system Ford devised for GLAADS became the basis for the M247 SGT York’s FCS.
Technical details:
The GLAADS Turret
Photo: Late version of GLAADS turret.
FCS:
Optics:
- FLIR
- Laser range finder
- WFOV: 20x40 deg
- NFOV: 2x4 deg
IRST:
- 20x40deg
- 30 scans/sec
- follows LOS
- Tracking range 10000m
Tracking:
- Stabilized
Specifications:
- Azimuth: 1600 mils/sec (90 deg/sec)
- Elevation: 750 mils/sec (42 deg/sec)
Limits:
- Azimuth: 360 deg
- Elevation: -5 to 85 deg
Sources/Discussion:
Spoiler
The GLAADS’s FCS was the materialization of the AFAADS(Advanced Forward Area Air Defense System) fire control computer concept: A FLIR scanning system with an continual laser range finder for tracking and an automated closed-loop fire control, designed to enable a dual-gun system in the 20-40mm caliber range to hit targets flying 300+ m/sec with a reaction time in the 5-7 seconds.
DTIC AD0919431: Parametric Study of Advanced Forward Area Air Defense Weapon System (AFAADS). Volume II Data Processing Requirements Analysis. Supplement : Defense Technical Information Center : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Weapons:
2x Philco-Ford Bushmaster 25mm (PFB-25)
Photo: Side shot of PFB-25
The PFB-25 is a descendant of the TRW-6425 designed by Eugene Stoner, like the Oerlikon KBA already in game. The weapon is dual feed, enabling the fire of AP against long range targets.
Rate of fire:
- 550 Rounds per minute per gun for a total of 1100
Recoil force:
- 7700x2 pounds
Accuracy for AP:
- 0.59 mil
Accuracy for HE:
- 0.97 mil
Length:
- 111"
Sources:
Hull:
The XM701 (12FP16) Hull
Photo: GLAADS vehicle with early version of turret fitted with PAMS(Pointing Angle Measuring System) device.
Weight:
- 24.5 Metric tons
Hull height:
- 82"
Max speed:
- 64.4 Km/H
Engine:
- General Motors 8V71T
- 425 Gross Horsepower
- 345 Net Horsepower
Transmission:
- Allison XTG-411-2A
Armor:
- Hull rolled homogeneous steel armor Welded assembly
- 38-16mm
Source:
Images:
General GLAADS Sources:
Spoiler
Jane’s Weapon Systems: 1978-79 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
Fiscal year 1977 authorization for military procurement, research and devel… - Google Books
Army Research and Development - Google Books
Fiscal Year 1974 Authorization for Military Procurement ,research and Devel… - Google Books
U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center
XM701 info/images:
Spoiler
Early design dimensions, primary change was the front of the vehicle.
SNAFU!: Blast from the past. Infantry Combat Vehicle XM701 (snafu-solomon.com)
The Book: Bradley, A History of American Fighting and Support Vehicles by R. P. Hunnicutt has good images of the XM701.