Multi-mission_Affordable_Capacity_Effector
Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector
Anti-ship missile
The Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE) is a planned U.S. Navy air-launched anti-ship cruise missile intended to focus on cost-effectiveness, extended range and increased lethality. It has been described as essentially a "miniature cruise missile."[2] It is designed as an air-launched weapon with adequate stand-off ranges to enable lethality while minimizing significant survivability risks to manned platforms. It will be launched from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-35A and F-35C, and it's intended range and usage will complement the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) currently fielded on the U.S. Navy's F/A-18 and the U.S. Air Force's B-1B platforms.[3] The design requirements state that four All-up Rounds (AURs) should be able to be carried internally on the F-35, in addition to external (pylon) carry.[1] The Navy is interested in producing at least 500 missiles per year and would begin fielding an early version in FY2027.[3][4] The cost per AUR is required to be no greater than $300,000.[1] Production is also required to utilize digital engineering, WOSA compliance and design for export capability "that results in a modular weapon system capable of integrating alternative seekers, payloads and other subcomponents for different weapons variants as well as affordable upgrades to outpace adversaries without disrupting production throughput."[1] Defense analysts have noted that the MACE request bears similarities to the Air Force's request for the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM).[2]