Northrop "Arrow" SEAS (Selected Effects Armament Subsystem) smart rockets

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Northrop "Arrow" SEAS (Selected Effects Armament Subsystem)

1970 - 1975 era program to develop a smart replacement for 2.75 inch unguided rockets. Laser beam riding, with multiple fusing options and warhead types.

I found it in a Northrop News story but can't find that page again at present.







Sources:

Department of Defense Appropriations for 1970 (Google Books)
Armor Magazine July/August 1975 (Google Books)
Wikimedia
Army Aviation Digest (Google Books)

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

‘Arrow’ Contract Received

The Electro-Mechanical Division has received a $1.3 million contract from the U.S. Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., for design and development of an approach to the Northrop Arrow rocket system The Arrow is being designed for use on attack helicopters. Its concept will provide increased accuracy at longer ranges. This will permit sufficient attack helicopter standoff range to provide maximum survivability.

The Arrow was formerly called SEAS (Selected Effects Armament Subsystem). The name, approved by the U.S. Army Missile Command, was selected from 96 candidates submitted by members of the division’s Tactical Systems Programs, according to Victor D. Iglesias, program manager The winning suggestion was submitted by Bob Benton who received a $50 prize. The name was selected as the most descriptive of the system’s configuration, accuracy, reliability, and low cost.

Those associated with the program in addition to Program Manager Iglesias are Ed Clark, test manager, John Bradbeer, Huntsville office, and Ken Barlow, Marketing.

Northrop News Feb 1973

 

[TomS]

The model in the second picture doesn't seem to match up with the images in the first. Probably not representative of Arrow, then, unless a lot changed. Also, Bob Benton was a tall dude!

 

[Voltzz]

Second, a major cost and effectiveness analysis [COEA] is being conducted here at Fort Rucker on the selective effects armament subsystem [SEAS]. This effort will determine the most cost effective rocket hardware for the future. The product improved 2.75" FFAR is being compared against two rocket candidates, the Northrop Corporation Fin-Stabilized Arrow [4.1"] and the Emerson Spin-Stabilized ANSSR [4.5"].
The total SEAS package calls for an area fire weapon with the capability of employing a variety of warhead and fuze options. Flexibility will be provided by allowing the crew to select the most appropriate warhead/fuze combination during flight , from the cockpit.

Army Aviation, January 1975

Two corporations have produced rockets to compete as a replacement for the 2.75 inch rocket. The Arrow rocket built by Northrop Corporation weighs about 48 pounds and has a maximum effective range of 6,000 meters. The ANSSR (aero-dynamically neutral spin stabilized rocket) built by Emerson Electric weighs about 45 pounds and has a maximum effective range also of 6,000 meters. Each contending rocket system will have a flechette and submunition warhead which will provide greater efficiency and lethality; also they will be capable of incorporating stores management (selection of the rocket tube to be fired) and remote controlled fuzing. Each candidate rocket system has undergone test firing at Yuma test facilities so that effectiveness data could be compiled. In an ongoing effort to provide the most cost effective aerial free rocket system, the Aviation Center is now conducting a Cost and Operational Effectiveness Analysis (COEA). This analysis will determine the operational effectiveness of each candidate and the essential characteristics when fired against appropriate targets in a standard scenario. Concurrently, the pertinent cost to develop fielding and employing each SEAS candidate system will be determined.

US Army Aviation Digest, April 1975

 

[Vanessa1402]

Ancient APKWS?

 

[NMaude]

Ancient APKWS?

My thoughts too and I wonder why this wasn't put into production?

 

[Hanz2k]

Ca. 1980. 6000 meters is not enough to deal with new USSR Tunguska and Tor systems.

 

[Colonial-Marine]

I don't think the US Army even knew about those during the time this was in development. Maybe the technology wasn't yet there to make it cost effective to replace the large number of rockets fired by US Army helicopters. I'm guessing the product improved 2.75" FFAR mentioned in that 1975 article is what became the Hydra series of 70mm rockets still being used today.