Natick is additionally collaborating with Rafael on the Israeli organization's [b]Wall Breaching Standoff Munition (WBSM), which is intended to punch a hole of approximately 1m diameter in walls up to three bricks thick. The WBSM round weighs 3.5kg and is effective over ranges of 25-40m. [/b]At present it involves a tripod-launched rocket, although the design is expected to evolve into a shoulder-launched munition. Evaluations began in May 2001.
Training and the development of TTPs formed an important part of the MOUT ACTD. Instead of using blank rounds operating in conjunction with MILES laser-based training systems, Simunitions -[b] non-lethal blunt training rounds filled with soap and dye - showed several advantages. Soldiers could train force-on-force while trying to avoid getting hit with a bullet they could feel,[/b] and the use of Simunitions significantly improved close-quarters marksmanship.
Dismounted infantry firing rocket-propelled grenades over comparatively short ranges, especially in complex environments such as city streets, can severely disrupt operations by even the heaviest armored forces. During the most recent conflict in Chechnya, for example, [b]the Russian Army lost an entire tank battalion to such weapons in a single engagement.[/b]