Javelin’s vehicle-launch capability demonstrated

The vehicle-launch capability of the Javelin missile has been demonstrated to an unnamed international customer at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, by the Lockheed Martin-Raytheon Javelin Joint Venture. According to a 29 July announcement, the customer has expressed interest in purchasing vehicles integrated with Javelin.

The demonstration saw the Javelin missile successfully launched from a remote weapon station integrated onto a wheeled vehicle. The missile hit a T-62 tank target from a range of 1,000m.

Immediately after missile launch, the remote weapon station engaged an alternate target with its ballistic weapon, demonstrating a seamless Javelin integration that supports requirements to quickly transition between multiple weapon systems.

Richard Benton, Javelin Joint Venture vice president and Javelin senior manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘This demonstration highlights the ability to mount Javelin on a vehicle. The international customer already uses the combat-proven Javelin for dismounted troops, but this test demonstrated the Javelin’s versatility and how easily it can be integrated with the vehicle to enhance mission capability.’

Michelle Lohmeier, vice president, Raytheon Missile Systems’ Land Warfare Systems, added: ‘This effort demonstrates the Javelin Joint Venture’s commitment to expand Javelin’s capability beyond the current man-portable role. We are working closely with end user customers and industry partners to provide the warfighter with an effective system for improving vehicle lethality and enhancing survivability.’

Javelin is a compact, lightweight missile designed for one-soldier operations in all environments. It has been adopted by international armed forces around the world, is currently fielded with the US Army and US Marine Corps, and has also been approved for foreign military sales to 14 nations.

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