Lockheed Martin successfully
conducted the sixth flight test of a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS)
Unitary rocket on March 30 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
Test objectives included demonstrating the GMLRS Unitary rocket in the delay
mode at long range. The GMLRS Unitary tri-mode fuse provides the
warfighter with three distinct detonation options: point detonate, which
detonates the warhead on impact with the target providing minimal collateral
damage; delay mode, which detonates after impact with the target providing a
penetration capability; and proximity mode, which detonates at a predetermined
height above the target allowing a greater target area to be covered.
This was the third flight of the GMLRS Unitary rocket with the enhanced
capability fuze architecture. Preliminary data indicate all test
objectives were achieved.
“The delay mode test of the GMLRS Unitary rocket demonstrates the ability
to attack point targets where limiting collateral damage is an important
tactical constraint,” said Al Duchesne, director of MLRS Rocket Programs at
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We continue to develop these
new capabilities in the MLRS family of munitions to give our warfighters the
tools necessary to achieve mission success.”
Guided MLRS Unitary integrates a 180-pound unitary warhead into the GMLRS
rocket, giving battlefield commanders the ability to attack targets up to 70
kilometers away with high precision. This low-cost, low-risk program will
greatly reduce collateral damage by providing enhanced accuracy to ensure
delivery of the warhead to the target.
Lockheed Martin received a $119 million contract to conduct System
Development and Demonstration (SDD) for a GMLRS variant with a single warhead in
October 2003. The SDD contract includes 86 rockets, 71 of which are flight
articles, with the balance supporting test and other activities. The
contract also provides test hardware to support 26 flight tests for an initial
configuration and 39 flight tests of a follow-on configuration.
The SDD phase of this program was preceded by a successful system
demonstration in 2002 of a Quick Reaction Unitary Rocket and a nine-month
Component Advanced Development program. The Guided Unitary SDD program will
continue through 2007.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people
worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development,
manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and
services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.
Contact:
Craig Vanbebber, (972) 603-1615
e-mail craig.vanbebber@lmco.com
