BAE Systems Australia has introduced an innovative technology called RAZER, a system designed to convert standard 155 mm or 127 mm artillery shells into precision-guided aerial bombs. First unveiled in 2023, the RAZER system has recently resurfaced in discussions due to a circulating video of a test conducted two years ago. While the RAZER system presents an intriguing technological advancement, several factors raise questions about its practical battlefield application.
The RAZER system is specifically designed for munitions weighing between 40 and 50 kilograms. However, some misleading claims have emerged suggesting that the system can be applied to much heavier munitions, such as the Mk 82 230-kilogram bomb. This is a factual error, as confirmed by BAE’s specifications.
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Functionally, the RAZER system can be considered a scaled-down alternative to the JDAM, featuring a combined GPS and inertial navigation guidance system. The guidance module itself weighs 18 kilograms, and when paired with a standard L15 155 mm shell, the total weight reaches approximately 62 kilograms. However, BAE Systems Australia has not disclosed the system’s effective range, only mentioning a glide ratio exceeding 1:7.5.
Unlike traditional guided bombs designed for high-speed jet aircraft, the RAZER system is intended for use with strike UAVs and helicopters. This operational approach suggests a focus on precision strikes in scenarios where conventional aerial platforms may not be available or practical.
A critical question remains regarding the RAZER system’s effectiveness in modern warfare, particularly in the context of russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The system’s potential limitations, including payload constraints and deployment methods, could impact its overall utility on the battlefield. While the RAZER system offers an innovative solution for guided munitions, more clarity on its capabilities and real-world effectiveness is necessary to assess its role in contemporary combat operations.
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