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 WHITE
SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NM (10/26/2012) – The Spider XM7 Network
Command Munition is a hand-emplaced, remotely controlled,
man-in-the-loop, anti-personnel munitions system. Through positive
radio control and positive target identification, the Spider meets
2004 Ottowa Treaty and National Landmine Policies. It replaces
earlier landmine and anti-personnel systems that were often remote
detonated.
Sgt. Jesse Bacon of Edmonson County Kentucky, assigned to Alpha
Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 1st Armored Division stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas employed
the Spider XM7 during Network Integration Evaluation 13.1 field
maneuvers at Dona Ana range complex.
“The Spider is designed to be used with tripwires to provide
early warning of intrusion and can be used to control Spider XM7
six-portal grenade launcher system or six claymore anti-personnel
mines simultaneously,” said Bacon. “It can be used long-term to
provide perimeter defense at a forward operating base or patrol
base.”
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Pfc. James Berkeley of Boston, and Spc. Matthew Black of
Indiana, both assigned to Charlie Company, Special Troops Battalion,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division place a six-grenade
launcher to establish a hasty perimeter during Network Integration
Evaluation 13.1 Oct. 25, 2012. The grenade launcher is part of the Spider
XM7 radio controlled, man-in-the-loop weapon system. Photo by Army Sgt. Barry St. Clair
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The Spider uses a Remote Control Unit and transmitter to signal
Munition Control Units to detonate military munitions up to 1,000
meters away from the operator. It can be used for forward operating
base or command outpost defense, as well as hasty protection or
ambush while on patrol.
“The Spider contains no explosive materials, it simply
attaches to, and controls deployed explosives in the field,”
said Anthony Burg of Savage, Minn., also assigned to Alpha
Co.
The spider is always under positive command and
control of all munitions in the field and target
identification must be realized prior to detonation.
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“If we have to put in for the night and we need better
security, this system would provide early warning further
out, and require less men on the line,” said Bacon.
All the components of the Spider XM7 system are recoverable
and reusable, including any munitions that were not
detonated.
“With the structure of the brigade combat
teams, there are engineer personnel assigned to every
brigade, making this equipment available to practically
every unit in the Army,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Russel
of Seattle, assigned to Alpha Company.
Maneuver and engineer units empllyySpider to augment force
protection or as a stand-alone obstacle to shape the battlefield of
the future. The Spider XM7 has been undergoing upgrades since the
initial evaluation in 2010.Spider to augment force
protection or as a stand-alone obstacle to shape the battlefield of
the future. The Spider XM7 has been undergoing upgrades since the
initial evaluation in 2010.Spider to augment force
protection or as a stand-alone obstacle to shape the battlefield of
the future.
The Spider XM7 has been undergoing upgrades since the
initial evaluation in 2010.Spider to augment force
protection or as a stand-alone obstacle to shape the battlefield of
the future. The Spider XM7 has been undergoing upgrades since the
initial evaluation in 2010.
By Army Sgt. Barry St. Clair
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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