Utilization of Inertially Guided Weapons in Performing Close Air Support

This thesis investigates the question: Should inertially guided air-to-ground weapons be used to perform Close Air Support (CAS)? With inertially guided weapons it is possible to strike targets with precision, even when crewmen in attack aircraft cannot see them. Current procedures do not permit CAS when crewmen cannot see their targets. The capability provided by inertially guided weapons would make CAS possible in situations when targets are not visible from the air. The method for this thesis was to compare field artillery and CAS as fire support systems. Research included documenting the history of fratricide resulting from artillery and CAS, and reviewing the procedures for CAS and artillery. Systems currently used to determine and disseminate target coordinates were also examined, as were systems that will perform these tasks in the future. The impact of situational awareness-building tools on indirect fire support was considered. Finally, the availability of inertially guided weapons for use in CAS was investigated. The conclusion is that inertially guided weapons should be used to perform CAS in specific situations, as long as accurate coordinates are available.