Demonstration blends Stinger and Javelin capabilities
Lightweight command launch unit offers reconnaissance capability as well as control for Stinger and Javelin missiles.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense claims to have successfully completed the ‘first-ever demonstration’ for the US Army of a Stinger missile fired from a Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU).
‘The missile engaged and defeated an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), validating the capability of the combined systems to defeat emerging threats on land and in the air,’ Raytheon announced on 12 March.
In the test at Eglin AFB, soldiers from the Mississippi National Guard used a Sentinel radar simulator and a Forward Area Air Defense C2 system to track the target UAV, allowing the gunner to engage the aerial target with a Stinger Block I proximity fuse missile through the networked LWCLU.
Shephard reported in 2019 that the effective range of the LWCLU with the G-model Javelin missile will be 4.5km and with older Javelin missiles 4km based on modelling, as opposed to the flat 2.5 km with the old CLU.
‘Because LWCLU can defeat both land and aerial threats, it’s easier for soldiers to use in complex environments,’ said Tom Laliberty, VP of the land warfare and air defence business area of Raytheon Missiles & Defense. ‘It reduces the burden of carrying additional gear.’
According to Raytheon, the LWCLU enables standalone ISR missions as well as functioning as a Javelin launcher.
The system weighs 30% less than its predecessor and offers twice the sight range at night and three times the site range during the day, regardless of weather conditions, the company added.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
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.
