Raytheon Company successfully fired two of its new Pike 40mm precision-guided munitions from a standard grenade launcher tube during testing at Mile High Resources in Texas, according to a company press release. Both rounds landed within the targeted impact area, according to the release, after a flight exceeding 2300 yards. Raytheon materials state the Pike is designed to land within five yards or less of the target. The 40mm Pike rounds continue the evolution of precision munitions toward smaller, simpler rounds becoming part of the arsenal of individual warfighters.

The Pike munition is 16.8 inches long and weighs less than two pounds. It can be fired from existing M320 or Enhanced Grenade Launching Modules (EGLM).

“Pike uses a digital, semi-active laser seeker to engage both fixed and slow-moving, mid-range targets,” said J. R. Smith, Raytheon’s Advanced Land Warfare Systems director. “This new guided munition can provide the warfighter with precision, extended-range capability never before seen in a hand-held weapon on the battlefield.”

The Pike munition is 16.8 inches long and weighs less than two pounds. It can be fired from existing M320 or Enhanced Grenade Launching Modules (EGLM). The round’s rocket motor ignites 8 to 10 feet from the muzzle after launch and is said to be nearly smokeless for a reduced launch signature. It homes on the beam of a laser designator about the size of a pistol held by a second soldier.

“Pike will become smarter and smarter as we continue to develop its capabilities,” said Smith. “In the current configuration, the warfighter will enter programmable laser codes prior to loading Pike into its launcher. Spiral development calls for multiple-round simultaneous programming and targeting with data link capabilities.”

The company says upgrades will include the ability to fire it from launchers on small boats, ATVs, Common Remotely Operated Weapons Station (CROWS) and Class I and II small unmanned aircraft systems (SUAS).