Lockheed Martinâ??s EAPS undergoes testing

Lockheed Martin has announced that it has successfully conducted a series of target tracking tests against Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (RAM) targets using its Extended Area Protection and Survivability (EAPS) miniature hit-to-kill interceptor system. The company revealed the news 15 May, 2012.

The tests were conducted during the first week of April at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., in collaboration with the US Army Research Development & Engineering Command/Aviation Missile Research Development & Engineering Center (RDECOM/AMRDEC). The tests demonstrated EAPS can track targets launched from tactical ranges for the duration of their trajectory.

According to the company, during the tests, the EAPS fire control sensors provided target track information sufficient to conduct a full target engagement sequence, including the issuance of a launch command followed by a simulated EAPS missile fly-out and simulated intercept. This test series supports the upcoming EAPS Integrated Demonstration flight tests, consisting of a non-targeted test flight in the May timeframe followed by a several guided flights against tactical targets in the summer of 2012.

The Lockheed Martin EAPS round is an agile, small hit-to-kill interceptor that weighs approximately 3 kilograms. It is less than 50 millimeters in diameter and less than 1 meter long. The interceptor will meet the AMRDEC Average Unit Production Cost goal at specified quantities. Paired with a fire control sensor, EAPS defeats targets through body-to-body impact at tactical ranges. The system supports multiple launchers and fire control sensors. This capability ‘greatly increases the protected operational environment, providing soldiers greater protection and increased flexibility over legacy and interim systems’.