Global Military Products to Showcase Advanced Scorpion Light Mortar System at U.S. Army’s TiC 2.0 – A Leap Forward in Modern Indirect Fire
(Published October 6, 2024 – Updated October 16, 2024)
The future of mobile artillery is being tested in Hawaii this month as Global Military Products (GMP) participates in the U.S.Army’s Change in Contact (TiC) 2.0 event. GMP will be demonstrating the capabilities of its innovative Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system, a key component in the Army’s ongoing Soldier Enhancement Program (SEP) aimed at dramatically modernizing indirect fire support. This isn’t just a product presentation; it’s a critical step in a soldier-centric acquisition process designed to rapidly deliver enhanced firepower to the battlefield.
Why This Matters: The Urgent Need for Modernized Indirect Fire
For decades, indirect fire support – mortars and artillery – has been a cornerstone of military operations. However, the demands of modern warfare, characterized by rapid deployment, dispersed operations, and increasingly agile adversaries, require a fundamental shift in how these capabilities are delivered. Customary mortar systems frequently enough lack the speed, mobility, and precision needed to effectively support fast-moving infantry units.
The Army recognizes this critical need. The SEP and initiatives like TiC 2.0 are designed to accelerate the advancement and fielding of next-generation systems that address these challenges. GMP’s Scorpion Light system is positioned as a leading contender in this modernization effort.
TiC 2.0: A Rigorous, Soldier-Driven Evaluation
Beginning October 20th in Hawaii, soldiers will spend five days undergoing comprehensive training on the Scorpion Light system, provided directly by GMP experts. this training isn’t just about operating the system; it’s about understanding its tactical advantages and limitations. Following the training, a ten-day period of intensive tactical exercises and simulated combat scenarios will put the Scorpion Light through its paces in realistic field conditions.
This hands-on evaluation, conducted under a contract with the Product Manager for Artillery Mortars and precision Systems (PdM AMPS), is crucial.It allows soldiers to directly influence the system’s development, providing invaluable feedback that will shape future acquisition decisions.As James Knight,Senior Manager of Defense systems and Energetics at GMP,emphasizes,”Soldier touchpoints like the TiC 2.0 serve as an invaluable platform for government and industry to collaboratively review, assess and innovate with the latest technologies. most importantly, they facilitate the utilization of soldier feedback to inform requirements and expedite the acquisition process for mortar modernization.”
Knight, a retired Army mortarman himself, brings a unique perspective to the table. “I am intimately familiar with the Army’s requirements for mortar modernization and strongly support the TiC initiative to swiftly enhance the mobility, lethality, operator safety and air transportability of these assets.” This commitment to soldier-centric design is a defining characteristic of GMP’s approach.
The Scorpion Light: Key Features and Capabilities
The Scorpion Light 81mm mobile mortar system isn’t just an incremental improvement; it represents a significant leap forward in mobile indirect fire capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
* Rapid Deployment & Relocation: The system can fire a full complement of eight rounds and relocate to a new firing position in under two minutes – a critical advantage in dynamic combat scenarios.The frist round can be fired in just 30 seconds,with a 30-second displacement time after the final round.
* Enhanced Mobility: A non-seating baseplate allows for swift emplacement and displacement on virtually any terrain,eliminating the need for extensive site preparation.
* Robust Design: Built to withstand the rigors of combat, the Scorpion Light is engineered for durability in extreme temperatures and challenging environments.
* Precision & Efficiency: The system’s advanced rapid-fire control system features auto-lay and auto re-aim capabilities, considerably improving accuracy and operational efficiency.
* Air Transportability: Certified as air-droppable and compatible with internal transport in a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, the Scorpion Light enables rapid deployment to support expeditionary forces anywhere in the world.
* Modular Versatility: While currently integrated onto two GM Defense Infantry Utility vehicles (IUVs) - a variant of the Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) - the system’s modular design allows for seamless integration onto a wide range of vehicle platforms. GMP has already successfully integrated the system onto the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Polaris MRZR Alpha 4×4, and 6×6 platforms.
Looking Ahead: AUSA 2025 and Beyond
GMP’s commitment to innovation extends beyond the 8
