HIMARS Fitted with Networked Launcher Fires ATACMS

Released on Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the fifth live-fire test of the Quick Reaction Unitary (QRU) Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) recently at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. This was the first firing to use a network centric integrated High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher.

In addition to the standard performance objectives of a TACMS QRU missile test, with a 'conditioned cold' missile, the Program Composition for Embedded Systems (PCES) concurrently conducted a Capstone demonstration of network centric technologies. PCES is a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program for which Lockheed Martin provides technology development and integration. All test objectives were achieved.

In this test, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) identified a Time Sensitive Target (TST), relaying the information to the proper system node in order to generate a 'call-for-fire' message to a Battle Command Cell (BCC) prototype. The BCC prototype provides embedded battle command capabilities, including command and control, situational awareness and direct sensor feeds of target imagery. The UAV provided geographic location data to the BCC, which then ordered a fire mission for an ATACMS QRU off the network-integrated HIMARS launcher, significantly reducing time factors.

The ATACMS QRU Unitary Missile was combat proven in joint operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and is the latest addition to the current ATACMS family of munitions. The government furnishes a proven unitary warhead, which Lockheed Martin integrates into new ATACMS QRU missiles for precision attack out to 300 kilometers. The ATACMS QRU variant provides the capability to attack high-payoff, time sensitive targets with limited collateral damage.

The HIMARS First Unit Equipped (FUE) will be completed at the end of May. HIMARS is the newest member of the Multiple Launch Rocket System family offering MLRS firepower on a wheeled chassis enhancing its ability to operate in urban and mountainous environments. HIMARS carries a single six-pack of rockets or one Army Tactical Missile Systems missile and can launch the entire MLRS family of munitions.