DAGR missile launched from JLTV prototype
Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the ability of its DAGR missile to launch from a pedestal launcher mounted on in the bed of a ground vehicle. The latest flight tests for the precision-strike, multi-role, multi-platform munition were conducted from a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) prototype at Eglin Air Force Base.
The tests saw DAGR and two Hydra 70 rockets launched from the JLTV. According to the company, DAGR locked onto the laser spot two seconds after launch, flew 5 km down range and impacted the target within 1 meter of the laser spot. The unguided Hydra 70 rockets were launched down the centre of the range, and flew 521 and 2,600 meters, respectively.
These most recent tests showed DAGR’s ability to provide a ‘high-precision defensive capability to the surface combat arena when paired with the pedestal launcher and a mobile ground platform like the JLTV’, Ken Musculus, director of close combat systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said.
Lockheed Martin's pedestal launcher features four M299 launcher rails, associated cables and electronics, providing full compatibility with Hellfire II and DAGR missiles. DAGR's rail-mounted canister attaches to the pedestal launch rails as it would on a standard Hellfire launcher designed for aircraft.
DAGR incorporates proven Hellfire II technology into a 2.75-inch/70 millimetre guidance kit that integrates seamlessly with legacy Hydra-70 rockets. The result is a laser-guided missile that puts a 10-pound warhead within one meter of the laser spot, defeating high-value, non-armoured or lightly-armoured targets while minimising collateral damage. DAGR's lock-on-before launch mode ensures the missile identifies the correct target prior to launch.
Lockheed Martin has conducted 40 DAGR flight tests from ranges of 1 to 5.1 kilometres. DAGR has been launched from multiple Hellfire-equipped rotary-wing platforms, including the AH-64D Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. It has been launched from the pedestal launcher in three guided flight tests and five flights in total.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
