Raytheon revealed its plans of integrating its Small Tactical Munition (STM) along with a number of light-attack aircrafts. The STM measures 22-inches in length and weighs 12 pounds. It is a weapon guided with high precision and drops under the influence of gravity.
Small Tactical Munition (STM)
Originally the weapon was built to be used with unmanned aircrafts but now it is used on manned systems as well due to its compact size. The STM is the smallest air-launched weapon in the products offered by Raytheon.
The vice president of Raytheon explained that the aircraft could accommodate a number of STMs as they were very small and compact in size. He added that the cost of STMs was reasonable and cause much less collateral damage when compared to expensive weapons. Coming to the details of the STMs, they come with foldable fins and wings which are favourable for launching through a common tube.
They are equipped with a purpose-built warhead, which was designed by Nammo-Talley, which consists of an electronically safe arm and fire device from Kaman Aerospace. The cost of an STM will approximately equal that of a pick-up truck. It is best suited for unmanned as well as light attack aircrafts.
Source: http://www.raytheon.com/