Posted on 04/04/2005 8:21:58 PM PDT by Righty_McRight
DALLAS, TX, April 4, 2005 --
Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] 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 fuze 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
The MLRS Family of Munitions includes three rockets and four missiles with an additional six variants in development. This MFOM meets the complete Army requirement for tactical and operational support.
Guided Unitary MLRS
-A pre-planned product improvement to GMLRS
-Integrates approximately 200 pound Unitary Warhead into the GMLRS
-Enhanced anti-jam and accuracy processor
-Low cost/risk program to greatly reduce collateral damage
-One round, one kill capability
I didn't know Free Republic was a Lockheed-Martin PR outlet. I wonder how much us sucker taxpayers are being over-billed for this thing.
Good against stationary targets. Would be great if they could update the target GPS coordinates while in flight, then it could hit moving vehicles. Be a great tank buster.
Maybe we should just use sticks and stones?
A B-52 could carry a lot of rocks.
If it saves the life of one American serviceman or civilian I don't give a rat's a##. Unless, of course, you'd rather have NPR, the NEA, homosexual advocacy groups or the ACLU on the front lines.(All of which are taxpayer funded, which, of course I'm sure you know).
Actually a lot of the improvements like this actually reduce the cost/kill. Instead of droping 20 dumb bombs, and risking several aircraft worth $50mill per copy and maybe not killing the target, we can send in a $10 mill UAV and definately mill the target. Technology is now working for us.
Zactly. Plus fewer non-combatants killed or injured and less infrastructure damage.
If we ever go toe to toe with China and North Korea, proximity fuses are the only way to go. Collateral damage will be the least of our concerns when dealing with massed infantry.
We're going to have to hit them HARD with everything we've got. Fuel Air explosives, MLRS, B-52 strikes, even the kitchen sink.
IF it is true that China can conscript a significant percentage of its population into their Reserves (like 200++m) and give each a Chinese knock-off of an AK47 etc, from a Conventional standpoint, we will have to routinely achieve kill ratios of 200:1, assuming we have a million man army deployed in the field.
One shot, 200 kills.
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