By Ann Roosevelt
The Army said it recently completed two successful tests of the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System (NLOS-LS) Precision Attack Missile (PAM) at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
NLOS-LS development is done by Netfires LLC, a joint Raytheon [FTN]-Lockheed Martin [LMT] team, which received a $1.1 billion contract for systems development and demonstration in 2004 (Defense Daily, March 23). Raytheon is developing the PAM missile.
The precision fire, rapidly deployable NLOS-LS is part of the Army’s major modernization program, the Future Combat System (FCS), and is one of the technologies the service is speeding to Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCT) as part of Spin Out 1 of the most mature technologies.
The system will provide soldiers with a network-linked long-range precision fire delivery system. Current infantry and Special Operations Forces do not have precision fires capability without augmentation from artillery or air support.
Earlier this month, the successful launches proved the NLOS-LS’s PAM’s stability in cruise and guidance modes and its ability to operate as a node on the network using its onboard radio.
Lt. Col. Fred Hughes, Army NLOS-LS assistant product manager, said: “The test marked the first time an Army missile with an on-board radio transmitted both missile status while in flight and a preloaded, simulated target image just prior to impact.”
The missile also proved that just prior to impact it can transmit a target image through the Single Channel Radio Set radio, a new radio developed for the PAM. This gives the commander the ability to visually ensure that the correct target was attacked.
Initial reviews of the test video and telemetry data show that all test primary and secondary system objectives were met. The missile flew an estimated 23 kilometers and performed several critical g-maneuvers up to 6g’s.
The successful completion of this launch moves NLOS-LS closer to complete system testing, which is scheduled to take place in the third quarter of fiscal year 2009.
NLOS-LS will be part of the FCS Spin Out 1 Limited User Test (LUT) planned for the summer of 2009. The LUT will support a production decision allowing NLOS-LS and the other FCS systems to field to an IBCT in 2011.
The Army is restructuring the FCS program compressing the test schedule and fielding the first mature FCS technologies from Spin Out 1 to IBCTs rather than Heavy BCTs, as originally planned. To do this, the Army must move program funds around, and request permission to reprogram FY ’08 and potentially FY ’09 funds, to accommodate the changes. This funding shift would include $19 million for changes to NLOS-LS (Defense Daily, July 14).
Additionally, NLOS-LS is under development by Navy for the surface warfare mission package for the Littoral Combat Ship. The Navy wants a modular, networked, strike module to use against surface targets.
NLOS-LS consists of a containerized launch unit (CLU) with self-contained tactical fire control electronics and software for remote and unmanned operations. Each launch unit houses 15 Precision Attack Missiles.
The NLOS-LS PAM is a vertical launched munition able to engage moving targets using automatic target acquisition. The missile receives target information before launching and can receive and respond to target location updates during flight.
The missiles also can transmit near-real-time information in the form of target imagery prior to impact.
The NLOS-LS has been under evaluation by Army Evaluation Task Force (AETF) soldiers since early 2008. Located at Ft. Bliss, Texas, the 5th Brigade 1st Armor Division (AETF) is testing and evaluating FCS equipment, helping to develop and validate NLOS-LS doctrine, organization and training for soldiers.