Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR) is a guided advanced precision strike system being jointly developed by Elbit Systems and Alliant Techsystems (ATK). ATK is responsible for the rocket propulsion system, mid-body warhead and fuse applications, while Elbit Systems supplies seeker and guidance equipment. The rocket is being advertised in the UK by Ferranti Technologies. GATR is being developed as part of the Defence Acquisition Challenge (DAC) programme to supply the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) with an affordable and lightweight guided missile / rocket. ATK systems and Elbit Systems received a $3.2m contract in April 2013 to provide an affordable and lightweight guided precision rocket and precision guided rocket launcher (PGRL) to the USSOCOM for evaluation.
GATR supports lock-on before or after launch as well as autonomous or remote laser designation. It can be more effective in air-to-ground or ground-to-ground operations against lightly armoured targets, as well as quickly moving and stationary targets. GATR uses semi-active laser (SAL) guidance to effectively and accurately engage fixed and moving targets. It fills the gap between unguided rockets and expensive guided rockets. GATR is designed to destroy toughened targets while minimising collateral damage. GATR can be launched from fixed wing platforms, rotary wing platforms and ground platforms. The rocket is also compatible with existing 2.75″/70mm launcher hardware. The system can be used in urban environments due to its precision and less indirect damage.
GATR uses the laser reflected from the surface of the target to locate the target precisely. It carries an SAL seeker in its nose section for guidance. The laser light is imposed on the target by a source off board. The laser transmitter source can be on the ground or an aerial source. GATR employs foldable canards for steering. It features automatic locking of the target before or after firing. GATR carries a digitally fused M282 multipurpose penetrator warhead. The M282 is encased in steel and weighs 13lb. The warhead enables the GATR to penetrate semi-armoured targets and hard targets. The super quick detonating mechanism is employed against soft targets. The delayed fuse is helpful in case of hardened targets, allowing the missile to explode the warhead after penetration into the target
GATR benefits from a robust design, which combines combat-proven performance, a minimum smoke signature and the reliability of an ATK-produced propulsion system, similar to a system employed on millions of rockets produced for the United States Army. GATR contains a guidance and control system built with the experience of Elbit Systems’ heritage in high-performance laser seekers for the United States and international customers. It employs advanced acquisition, tracking and guidance algorithms to achieve one-meter accuracy against stationary and moving targets. In its tactical configuration, GATR will incorporate an Insensitive Munitions (IM) rocket motor and a family of IM warheads to include blast/fragmentation and penetration.
