By Ann Roosevelt
Lockheed Martin [LMT] said it recently completed another series of successful tests of the Direct Attack Guided Rocket (DAGR) semi-active laser guidance kits for 2.75 inch/70mm rockets.
The DAGR guidance kit adapts to rockets such as the Hydra 70 and CRV-7, with high explosive and blast fragmentation warheads, to provide guided-rocket performance comparable to that of the precision-strike laser-guided Hellfirer II missile. It can be launched interoperably with Hellfire from both the M299 and M310 smart launchers for operational flexibility and cost-effective delivery of ordnance.
Lockheed Martin first exhibited DAGR in March 2007. The company is developing and funding the program using its own funds and leveraging technology from existing Hellfire and the Joint Common Missiles (Defense Daily, Sept. 13).
The recent guided flight tests demonstrated DAGR’s lock-on-before launch ability and an increased off-axis capability beyond that demonstrated in previous tests, the company said April 8.
DAGR is now 11 for 11 in control vehicle and guided test vehicle flights dating back to February 2006. Like the previous six test flights, the most recent shots were direct hits.
The latest tests, conducted March 29 at Eglin AFB, Fla., were mid-range shots from 2.5 to 3 kilometers that demonstrated DAGR’s ability to deliver precision-strike accuracy from 10 degrees off boresight–significantly expanding a platform’s capability by providing a rocket with the same accuracy and reliability as a Hellfire missile.
“The off-axis capability demonstrated by these tests offers a significant combat edge,” Glenn Kuller, DAGR program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said. “Coupled with DAGR’s lock-on-before-launch capability, the expanded angle of attack allows pilots to handle moving targets and to rapidly suppress multiple threats. DAGR reduces targeting time for short-range, moving and sudden emerging targets where aircrew response time is extremely limited.”
Accompanied by Lockheed Martin’s four-pack launcher, the DAGR system allows quick and seamless integration on all rotary-wing Hellfire platforms such the AH-1 Cobra, AH-64 Apache, SH-60 Seahawk, OH-58 Kiowa and Tiger helicopters. DAGR system provides single-switch operational flexibility, drawing upon a payload that includes DAGR, as well as multiple variants of Hellfire for multi-mission capability from a single platform.
DAGR’s compatibility with the Hellfire weapon system also limits the usual resources for fielding a new weapon system–development, training, additional equipment and force structure.
“Lockheed Martin’s substantial investment in DAGR demonstrates our belief in the global demand for guided-rocket capability,” Rick Edwards, vice president of tactical missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said. “We have five more flights scheduled over the next five months, and we are committed to making DAGR available for the warfighter as soon as possible.”