AIM-174B Long-Range Missile Packed With Glide Munitions Teased, New Details Shared

Key Points:

• General Atomics is developing a smaller version of its Vektrex glide munition that can be packed as multiple submunitions inside missiles, including a concept using the AIM-174B air-to-air missile carrying seven Vektrex-derived submunitions.
• Vektrex is an unpowered, precision-guided glide munition initially designed for 155mm howitzers, with a range exceeding 74.5 miles from a 39-caliber barrel and over 124 miles from a 52-caliber barrel, significantly extending artillery reach.
• The AIM-174B "Gunslinger," an air-launched variant of the SM-6 missile, could be adapted to carry multiple Vektrex submunitions, enabling single missiles to strike multiple targets at extended ranges while keeping launch platforms safer from enemy defenses.
• General Atomics emphasizes the concept is still in early development without a current customer, focusing near-term on advancing the 155mm Vektrex variant while exploring additional applications based on operational needs and manufacturing capabilities.
• The submunition approach could enhance precision strike capabilities, increase magazine depth, and offer supply chain benefits, though technical challenges remain in safely releasing submunitions from high-speed missiles.