Pike (munition)

The Pike is a precision-guided munition (PGM) designed by Raytheon. It is a 40 mm guided munition that can be fired from the barrel of an M320 Grenade Launcher Module and Enhanced Grenade Launching Module (EGLM) like a standard 40mm grenade, but is powered by a rocket motor to propel it 2,000 m (2,200 yd; 1.2 mi) to give infantrymen extended-range precision capabilities unlike anything before in a hand-held weapon. The weapon uses a digital, semi-active laser seeker to guide itself to within 5 meters of the target; it can operate in a two-man shooter/spotter team or by the grenadier alone lazing after firing, as it can fly for 15 seconds before homing in. When fired, Pike has a small propellant to "kick" it 2.5–3 m (8.2–9.8 ft) out of the tube before the nearly smokeless motor ignites, and range is dependent on firing angle. The munition is effective against fixed and slow-moving mid-range targets, using a 6⁄10 lb (9.6 oz; 0.27 kg) blast fragmentation warhead with a 10-meter lethality radius. Raytheon developed the weapon for three years in collaboration with Nammo Talley, which developed the warhead and propulsion system. The Pike is intended to be more accurate with a longer range than rocket propelled grenades (RPGs) and standard grenades, while being far lighter and more cost-effective than current infantry guided weapons like the FGM-148 Javelin. Further improvements could include different fuses, multiple-round simultaneous programming and targeting with data-link capabilities, and platform integration onto small boats, vehicles, and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Pike weighs 1.7 lb (0.77 kg) and is 16.8 in (43 cm) long, too long to fit in the breech of the M203 grenade launcher. At AUSA 2015, Raytheon revealed they had performed two successful test firings of the Pike.

After its unveiling, Raytheon received permission to market the Pike to foreign governments, several of which have shown interest for infantry forces and special operators. While it is more expensive than unguided RPGs and less powerful than a Javelin, it is cheaper than anti-tank missiles and powerful enough to blast through walls and other barriers. Although it can be fired from existing grenade launchers, the M203 would have to be modified to swing out far enough to accept the round.