Lockheed to continue to LRPF Phase 2
Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $73.8 million contract for Phase 2 of the US Army’s Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) programme, the company announced on 6 July.
LRPF Phase 2 includes technology maturation and risk reduction for the development of a prototype LRPF missile system. The LRPF system includes a Launch Pod Missile Container and a fully integrated surface-to-surface guided missile that will be compatible with the M270A1 Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers.
During the 36-month phase, Lockheed Martin will design, develop and fly multiple prototype missiles in anticipation of the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the programme.
The US Army’s LRPF programme aims to provide combatant commanders with next-generation, long-range precision fires with ranges up to 499kms. The missile will be capable of striking time-sensitive and area targets.
Scott Greene, VP of precision fires for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘Lockheed Martin has invested heavily in leveraging our legacy of unrivaled performance and affordability on the combat-proven tactical missile system programme to create the next generation long-range precision engagement weapon.
‘We intend to demonstrate to our army customer that our LRPF solution will be the most cost-effective, precise and reliable munition to meet their future long-range engagement needs.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities
The HX truck is already in use in many NATO and allied countries around the world as a logistics vehicle and carrier for high-value systems, including missile firing weapons, so its use for the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System makes logistical sense.