Precision Attack Missile Launched Successfully Using NLOS-LS Launcher

Released on Thursday, May 15, 2008

 

TUCSON, Ariz., May 15, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- A Non Line-of-Sight-Launch

System (NLOS-LS) Precision Attack Missile was successfully launched May 15

at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., taking the missile system a step closer

toward providing the warfighter a much-needed precision weapon system.

The missile was launched by NetFires LLC, a joint venture between

Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Missile Systems business and Lockheed Martin

(NYSE: LMT) Missiles and Fire Control.

The control test vehicle flight test launched from a tactical NLOS-LS

Container Launch Unit sets the stage for further all up round testing of

NLOS- LS in 2008.

"This successful test validates the design and brings a critical

solution to a known capability gap for the joint forces," said Col. Doug

Dever, U.S. Army's NLOS-LS project manager. "This test is an example of the

exceptional cooperation of the Raytheon and Lockheed Martin technical

workforce. The Army and Navy are very appreciative of these men and women

who have dedicated long hours to ensure this critical flight test was a

success."

The test met or exceeded all test parameters. The missile safely exited

from a tactical NLOS-LS Container Launch Unit, deployed the missile wings

and fins, and transitioned to stable flight. Additionally, the Precision

Attack Missile demonstrated all guidance commands and achieved the desired

acceleration within the maximum and minimum boundaries, matching the

integrated flight simulation predictions.

Airframe dynamic response and airframe drag data were collected during

missile flight, as well as performance data on the wings and fins, Non

Line- of-Sight navigation system, rocket motor, control actuator system,

thrust vector control, electronic safe arm device, air data sensor, thermal

battery and telemeter.

"This control flight test, combined with the highly successful Future

Combat Systems field and simulated exercises conducted by the Army

Evaluation Task Force at Fort Bliss, Texas, shows that the NLOS-LS system

fills the much- needed capability gap for precision engagement of moving

and stationary targets in open and complex terrain," said Col. Gary Kinne,

U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command capability manager for Rocket and

Missile Systems.

"This test flight is another example of the demonstrated technical

maturity of the NLOS-LS Precision Attack Missile," said Scott Speet,

executive vice president of the NetFires LLC and Raytheon's Non

Line-of-Sight-Launch System program director.

 

Source: NetFires LLC Precision Attack Missile Flight Test Sets the Stage for Complete System Testing