Lockheed tests MHTK interceptor
Lockheed Martin's Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) interceptor has successfully completed a launch test during an engineering demonstration at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the company announced on 2 August.
The demonstration was part of the US Army's Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) Extended Area Protection and Survivability (EAPS) programme.
According to the company, the flight demonstrated the agility and aerodynamic capability of the MHTK missile, and increased its level of maturity.
The 72cm, 5lb MHTK is designed to defeat rocket, artillery and mortar targets at ranges exceeding those of current and interim systems. It uses hit-to-kill technology, which destroys threats through kinetic energy in body-to-body contact while removing the risk of collateral damage seen in traditional blast-fragmentation interceptors.
Janice Booth, program manager at AMRDEC, said: ‘We still need to review the data gathered, but we are pleased with what we have seen so far.
‘The MHTK has the potential to bring miniaturised capabilities to the warfighter with lower costs and reduced logistic footprints, and opens up a world of opportunities for applications of small interceptors.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions]()
The Philippines looks to Israel for military equipment amid South China Sea tensions
The southeast Asian country has been enhancing its military readiness by procuring advanced Israeli defence platforms and systems.
-
![NSPA signs new helmet system framework deal and agreement for C-UAS systems]()
NSPA signs new helmet system framework deal and agreement for C-UAS systems
The Caiman helmet has been designed to be scalable for dynamic operations with mission-specific accessories and can incorporate electronics, communications headsets and other critical equipment.
-
![US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years]()
US Missile Defense Agency’s budget could be cut by $2.6 billion over the next three years
The reduction would impact several acquisition and development programmes, creating capabilities gaps in US missile defence architecture.
-
![Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack]()
Israel ramps up Arrow-4 development following Iranian attack
Israel’s Ministry of Defense has fast-tracked the development of the Arrow-4 ballistic missile interceptor in response to recent Iranian ballistic missile attacks.
-
![Japan orders THeMIS UGVs]()
Japan orders THeMIS UGVs
Milrem’s Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) is a modular, multimission, hybrid UGV. The current fifth-generation model incorporates knowledge gained during tests in the US, Europe and the Middle East, as well as during field-deployment in Mali in the French-led Operation Barkhane.
