Lockheed tests precision munitions
The Lockheed Martin Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary munitions have undergone stockpile reliability testing at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. According to the company the testing was successful.
The tests saw the rockets fired from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at simulated targets for the US Army’s tactical munitions reliability programme. The firings were initiated by soldiers inside the HIMARS’ improved armoured cab.
Eight GMLRS were conditioned at hot and ambient temperatures, while the ATACMS Unitary missile, which is the current production configuration, was conditioned hot for the test.
HIMARS brings MLRS firepower to a wheeled chassis. It carries a single six-pack of rockets or one ATACMS missile, and can launch the entire MLRS family of munitions. It is C-130-transportable and can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
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
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
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
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.