E23 munition

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E23 Munition
The E23 Munition
Type	Cluster munition
Service history
Used by
Wars
Production history
Designer	Department of Defense
Designed
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Produced
Number built
Variants
Specifications
Weight	500 kg
Length	2.5 m
Part length
Width
Height
Crew
Caliber
Action
Rate of fire
Muzzle velocity
Effective firing range
Maximum firing range
Feed system
Sights
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The E23 Munition is a modern cluster munition developed by the United States for use by its armed forces. Designed to deliver multiple explosive submunitions over a wide area, the E23 is intended to neutralize enemy personnel and equipment effectively.

Development

The development of the E23 Munition began in 2018 as part of a broader initiative to modernize the U.S. military's arsenal. The Department of Defense sought to create a munition that could be deployed from various platforms, including aircraft and artillery systems. The contract for the development and production of the E23 was awarded to Lockheed Martin, a leading defense contractor.

Design and Features

The E23 Munition is characterized by its modular design, allowing for flexibility in deployment. It consists of a main casing that houses multiple submunitions, each equipped with a small explosive charge. Upon deployment, the casing opens mid-air, dispersing the submunitions over a target area.

Submunitions

Each submunition is designed to detonate upon impact or after a preset delay, maximizing the area of effect. The submunitions are equipped with advanced fuzing mechanisms to ensure reliability and minimize the risk of unexploded ordnance.

Guidance System

The E23 features a sophisticated guidance system that allows for precision targeting. This system includes GPS and inertial navigation components, enabling the munition to adjust its trajectory during flight.

Operational Use

The E23 Munition has been deployed in various military operations since its introduction in 2020. It is primarily used in scenarios where enemy forces are dispersed over a large area, such as in open fields or urban environments.

Controversy and Criticism

Like many cluster munitions, the E23 has faced criticism from humanitarian organizations due to the potential for unexploded submunitions to pose a threat to civilians post-conflict. The U.S. military has implemented strict guidelines to minimize these risks, including the use of self-destruct mechanisms in the submunitions.

Also see

• Cluster munition
• Lockheed Martin
• United States Armed Forces
• Explosive ordnance disposal