Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
Lockheed Martin successfully tests first GMLRS+ rocket
Lockheed Martin successfully launched a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Plus (GMLRS+) rocket recently in a test at White Sands Missile Range, NM.
The GMLRS+ rocket, which is equipped with a Semi-Active Laser (SAL) seeker, was fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher. The rocket flew approximately 40 kilometers downrange, acquired the laser designated target and diverted over 150 meters to the target.
The GMLRS+ rocket is a Lockheed Martin internal research and development program to incrementally improve the combat-proven GMLRS Unitary program. GMLRS+ is anticipated to address operational needs including increased range, scalable effects and fleeting targets.
“We have a very high degree of confidence in the GMLRS program, based upon the tremendous track record of this combat-proven system,” said Scott Arnold, vice president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “As this GMLRS+ flight test demonstrated, we are adding new capabilities to the combat-proven GMLRS, giving the warfighter another highly reliable and accurate precision engagement weapon.”
Primary objectives for this GMLRS+ flight test were to demonstrate target acquisition and the ability to divert the missile to a laser-designated target; obtain technical data to support verification of the performance of the GMLRS+ rocket; and to validate seeker, rocket and launcher system software. Preliminary data indicate all test objectives were achieved. Additional launches of the improved GMLRS+ rocket are scheduled for 2011.
Source: Lockheed Martin
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