Low Cost Autonomous Attack System

{{Infobox weapon

| name = LOCAAS

| image = LOCAAS.gif

| image_size = 300

| caption = Artist conception of LOCAAS

| origin = United States

| type = loitering munition

| is_ranged =

| is_bladed =

| is_explosive = yes

| is_artillery =

| is_vehicle =

| is_missile = yes

| is_UK =

| service =

| used_by =

| wars =

| designer =

| design_date =

| manufacturer = Lockheed Martin

| unit_cost =

| production_date =

| number =

| variants =

| spec_label =

| weight = {{convert|100|lb|kg}}

| length = {{convert|36|in|cm}}

| part_length =

| width =

| height =

| diameter =

| crew =

| passengers =

| cartridge =

| cartridge_weight =

| caliber =

| barrels =

| action =

| rate =

| velocity =

| range =

| max_range =

| feed =

| sights =

| breech =

| recoil =

| carriage =

| elevation =

| traverse =

| blade_type =

| hilt_type =

| sheath_type =

| head_type =

| haft_type =

| filling = Explosively formed projectile

| filling_weight = {{convert|17|lb|kg|abbr=on}}

| detonation =

| yield =

| armour =

| primary_armament =

| secondary_armament =

| engine = Technical Directions TDI-J45G turbojet

| engine_power = {{convert|30|lbf|kN|abbr=on}} thrust

| pw_ratio =

| transmission =

| payload_capacity =

| suspension =

| clearance =

| fuel_capacity =

| vehicle_range = over {{convert|100|mi|km|abbr=on}}
30 minute loiter time

| speed = {{convert|370|km/h|mph|disp=flip}}

| guidance = GPS/inertial midcourse
LADAR terminal

| steering =

| wingspan = {{convert|3|ft|10.5|in|m|abbr=on}}

| propellant =

| ceiling =

| altitude = {{convert|750|ft|m}}

| depth =

| boost =

| accuracy =

| launch_platform = Bomber aircraft; MGM-140 missiles

| transport =

}}

The Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) was a loitering attack munition developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). In 1998 the USAF and U.S. Army Lockheed Martin began to examine the feasibility of a small, affordable cruise missile weapon for use against armoured and unarmoured vehicles, materiel and personnel, and if so develop a demonstration program.[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/locaas.htm Low Cost Autonomous Attack System - Global Security] The program cost approximately $150,000,000; the cost per unit was calculated to be $30,000 based on a production of 12,000 units before cancellation.

After being launched from a weapon platform, it is guided by GPS/INS to the target general area, where it can loiter. A laser radar (LIDAR or LADAR) illuminates the targets, determines their range, and matches their 3-D geometry with pre-loaded signatures. The LOCAAS system then selects the highest priority target and selects the warhead's mode for the best effect.[http://www.afrlhorizons.com/Briefs/Jun02/MN0205.html Powered Low-Cost Autonomous Attack System - US Air Force Research Laboratory] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061018140454/http://www.afrlhorizons.com/Briefs/Jun02/MN0205.html |date=2006-10-18 }}

The LOCAAS program was cancelled.