Low Cost Autonomous Attack System

The Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) was a loitering attack munition developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). In 1998 the USAF and U.S. Army Lockheed Martin began to examine the feasibility of a small, affordable cruise missile weapon for use against armoured and unarmoured vehicles, materiel and personnel, and if so develop a demonstration program.^[1] The program cost approximately $150,000,000; the cost per unit was calculated to be $30,000 based on a production of 12,000 units before cancellation.

Key Information

LOCAAS
Artist conception of LOCAAS
Type	loitering munition
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Specifications
Mass	100 pounds (45 kg)
Length	36 inches (91 cm)
Wingspan	3 ft 10.5 in (1.181 m)
Warhead	Explosively formed projectile
Warhead weight	17 lb (7.7 kg)
Engine	Technical Directions TDI-J45G turbojet 30 lbf (0.13 kN) thrust
Operational range	over 100 mi (160 km) 30 minute loiter time
Flight altitude	750 feet (230 m)
Maximum speed	230 miles per hour (370 km/h)
Guidance system	GPS/inertial midcourse LADAR terminal
Launch platform	Bomber aircraft; MGM-140 missiles
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After being launched from a weapon platform, it is guided by GPS/INS to the target general area, where it can loiter. A laser radar (LIDAR or LADAR) illuminates the targets, determines their range, and matches their 3-D geometry with pre-loaded signatures. The LOCAAS system then selects the highest priority target and selects the warhead's mode for the best effect.^[2]

The LOCAAS program was cancelled.