NetFires LLC, a joint venture between Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin, completed a test flight of the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System's Precision Attack Missile using a warhead.

The PAM missile was launched from the NLOS-LS container launch unit (CLU) and used its on-board, semi-active laser seeker to detect, lock on and destroy a stationary BM-21 rocket launcher at a range of 38 kilometers (23.5 statute miles).

"For months we've been testing NLOS-LS against stationary and moving targets in various scenarios using telemetry systems," said Scott Speet, executive vice president of NetFires LLC and Raytheon's NLOS-LS program director. "Demonstrating the system's capability with a warhead in a tactical scenario is the culmination of years of hard work. The success of this test means we're only steps away from putting this capability in the hands of soldiers and sailors."

During the test, the PAM missile received a tactical representative target location error, joined the network with its on board radio and operated as a node on the net throughout the flight. Prior to impact, the missile sent back a terminal target image to the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System.

"NLOS-LS is a platform-independent system solution that gives the brigade combat team (BCT) commander unprecedented organic, precision indirect fire support," said Anne Johnson, president of the NetFires LLC and Lockheed Martin's NLOS-LS program director. "Demonstrating the total system success of the CLU and the PAM missile with a warhead against a threat target is a significant milestone in this program's development."

NLOS-LS takes targeting information from the command and control cell and sends it to the NLOS-LS CLU's computer and communications system for initial missile targeting. The missile can also use the command and control cell's targeting information for in-flight updates.

"This test proves NLOS-LS is going to revolutionize the BCT's ability to strike targets with beyond line-of-sight lethality for both stationary and moving targets," said Col. Doug Dever, the U.S. Army's NLOS-LS project manager. "Soon soldiers and sailors will be able to capitalize on the incredible mission assurance that NLOS-LS provides."

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

Sergyi Way
03.12.2009

www.army-guide.com