The project's roots can be traced back to the early 1960s. The original platform for the submunition was the 203 mm M509 ICM projectile, and the concept was demonstrated in the late 1970s. By 1983 the project shifted focus to the 155 mm caliber and the target set was changed to self propelled howitzers and other lightly armored vehicles. With the approval for engineering development in 1986 the scope was expanded to include the larger diameter submunitions in the MLRS rockets.