Lockheed Martin [LMT] on Nov. 30 tested a new Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Plus (GMLRS+)’scalable effects warhead, which allows users to select the range of the warhead’s detonation power depending on the target, at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
“The ‘scalable effects’ warhead was set to low-yield prior to the flight and scored a direct hit on the target,” said Scott Arnold, vice president of precision fires in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. “The performance of both the GMLRS+ rocket and the scalable effects warhead were outstanding, validating our continued investment in evolving the proven GMLRS weapon system to address current and future threats.”
Scalable effects warhead supplier Aerojet [GY] was selected for this test phase after an evaluation and selection process.
For the test, the warhead was set to low-yield output prior before the 49-kilometer (30-mile) flight and scored a direct hit on the target, an Aerojet statement said. The test demonstrated the new warhead’s ability to control blast effect with an affordable design.
“This successful flight test represents a significant advancement in capability for the warfighter,” said Aerojet’s Vice President for Tactical Systems John Myers. “We continue to invest in affordability and capability improvements for the GMLRS program with our Lockheed Martin partner.”
This test was the second of two GMLRS+ launches scheduled for 2011, Lockheed Martin said in a statement. In early August, a GMLRS+ round successfully completed a 120-kilometer mission, an improvement in range of approximately 50 kilometers over the current GMLRS round. Both tests were internally funded by Lockheed Martin and Aerojet and were supported by the Army’s Precision Fires Program Office.
GMLRS+ is a Lockheed Martin internal research and development program to upgrade the combat-proven GMLRS Unitary system and integrate new capabilities into the existing GMLRS guidance/navigation package and airframe. It will accommodate various warheads, and operate seamlessly within the current High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and MLRS M270A1 launcher force structure. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor on the GMLRS program.