Defense Giants Compete for Contract to Develop Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML)
Washington D.C. – Lockheed Martin and Raytheon have both confirmed they are competing for the US Army’s new autonomous launcher program, although specific details about their respective plans and potential teammates remain closely guarded.
Army Seeks Rapid Development of Autonomous Launchers
The Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) recently issued a „request for solutions brief” seeking two separate variants—a heavy and a medium—of what it’s calling the Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) on a „rapid timeline.”
Lockheed and Raytheon Respond to Army’s Call
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, known to have been independently developing autonomous launchers, have both responded to the Army’s request.
“Lockheed Martin is responding to the CAML Request for Solutions Brief (RSFB) but cannot share details on our submission at this time as it is competition sensitive,” a company spokesperson said.
Raytheon Confirms Submissions for Both Launcher Variants
Tom Laliberty, president of Land and Air Defense Systems at Raytheon, confirmed submissions for both launch variants but did not disclose if the company was interested in competing as the prime contractor on both, or if it plans to team up with another defense firm.
Army Eyeing Autonomous Launchers for Golden Dome-Like Capabilities
Laliberty suggested that the technology could be of interest for something like Golden Dome, given the vastness of the United States and the ability to have autonomy in terms of being able to deploy capabilities where needed.
Army Pursuing Internal Autonomous Launcher Program
The Army is also pursuing its own internal program to develop the Autonomous Multi-domain Launcher—an uncrewed M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System—but has indicated that it would likely have to look to industry for a viable production solution.
CAML Variants to Augment or Replace Existing Army Launchers
The RCCTO issued a call to industry for medium (CAML-M) and heavy (CAML-H) variants in June.
“CAML is an autonomous/optionally crewed, highly mobile, air transportable, cross-domain fires launcher with the potential to augment or replace existing Army launchers,” the service wrote.
CAML-M and CAML-H: Key Features and Munitions
The Army is interested in using a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV) as the base for the smaller CAML-M variant, launching Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Family of Munitions or the new Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) with AIM-9X interceptors.
The CAML-H variant would utilize a M1075 Palletized Loading System tactical vehicle or similar 15-ton class chassis to integrate on a launcher capable of firing Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles or Patriot Advanced Capabilities Three (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement interceptors.
Autonomous Resupply is a Key Requirement
Both CAML variants will feature an Autonomous Resupply Vehicle (ARV) or Autonomous Self Resupplying System capable of autonomously reloading canisters of missiles onto the launchers with minimal to no human intervention.
Army Open to Selecting Different Vendors for Each Project
The service said it is open to selecting different vendors for each project and envisions selecting a company or team to rapidly prototype the CAML-M combo and another one for CAML-H. Prototype evaluations will take place within 18 to 36 months after the contract is awarded.
