If I understand right this project has been in the works one way or another for 20 years. At least I have seen some conceptual  form of this in the late 1980s. And the idea is focused on using up OLD stockpiles of ammo instead of destroying them. I am not sure if the 81mm is the biggest aging overstock or just most suitable to prototyping (maybe less damage if it goes astray or least hazard changing fuses).

 

Obviously more than one type of munition is adaptable to the fuse. But perhaps guidance limitations on accuracy or mass will make munitions over a certain size too risky for today's ROE.

I think part of the new fuse is that it can find its own targets within a general area without continual support from spotters.

 

Dumb mortar CEP can be become very bad without constant feedback as to where their shells are landing relative to a target...especially a moving ground target.

 

On the other hand these shells are probably not good for movement over 8mph either -- just not like to have enough steering ability. I also wonder how big of a useful area they initially see.

Well a UAV can mount a laser designator (already do) so that means the precision munition sensor fuse gets a lot cheaper. The new sensors and steering might well work back to the mortar support. Then lasers designator on your little fire team or platoon UAV would be cool. 

 

For arming small UAVs with actual munitions your real problem is first the ammo must be lightweight and then.... How well can a light-weight yet effective bomb or rocket can steer? The more payload mass and lower the attitude (less time) the harder it will be to steer a munition on target. Oversized fins also are difficult to use on small UAVs at low altitude.

 I suspect that means that small or low altitude operating UAVs will not be doing much bombing as they would lack either punch or sufficient munitions delivery steering.

 

Direct vertical bomb drops...maybe if you are thinking undefended fixed objects.  If the target is defended, a 200-500 pound UAV to drop dumb 10 pound bombs (fire RPG?) from low altitude is not going to last long nor payoff. Big UAVs are BIG targets. Oh and you want it to hover motionless for drop like a helio? Easy target. Aren't  the "helios with GPS accuracy" envisioned as dropping on currently undefended bridges and dams in more of a rear area combat engineering role? Fewer engineers needed and safer than artillery especially in PR terms versus friendly fire.

 

For small reusable, low altitude unit level UAVs --- I suspect sniper ability (small high velocity ballistic rockets) and maybe a couple rifle grenades on a rocket (medium velocity) would be the most you could expect for standard infantry company tactical support -- all direct fire and relatively close range (less than 150 meters). Probably several (6-10) UAVs per company though.

 

In fact your most common unit level bomber is likely to be a deposable UAV grenade (also scout firefight) or claymore charge (direct bombing only) that you kamikaze into the target. Once it becomes disposable the UAV airframe costs can go down. Sensors and powerplant remain the same cost as pure scouting.