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’.
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.
