Production qualification flight test completed for Precision Strike Missile from HIMARS launcher
Lockheed Martin has successfully completed a production qualification flight test of PrSM with the US Army in a demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
The missile was fired from M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher to hit a set target and, according to a statement from Lockheed Martin, was a short-range flight test over an undisclosed distance.
The test was described as ‘the shortest-distance flown to date demonstrating the system’s continued accuracy from launch to impact’.
It was designed as a stressful and dynamic environment for the hypersonic missile as it manoeuvres and verifies structural integrity of the missile and trajectory control.
Jay Price, VP of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘This demonstration is the first of several production qualification tests moving PrSM closer to fielding and delivery of early operational capability (EOC) missiles this year.’
The test followed a third production contract to produce additional EOC missiles awarded in September 2023.
PrSM is a next generation long-range precision strike missile capable of destroying targets out to more than 400km. The new surface-to-surface weapon features an open systems architecture design for maximum affordability and flexibility, is modular for future growth, and HIMARS and M270 compatible.
More from Land Warfare
-
Germany joins CAVS 6x6 AFV R&D programme
The Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme started in 2019 involving Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Sweden. Germany has now been joined in the research and development (R&D) phase.
-
Support and commitments continue for Ukraine
Billions of dollars and many tons of equipment have been sent to help Ukraine’s fight against Russia over the past two years with funds and material continuing to be committed as a frontline stalemate drags on.
-
Oshkosh unveils improved MTVR as 4x4 variant
Oshkosh has produced more than 10,000 6x6 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements (MTVRs) for the US Mariine Corps and US Navy ‘Seabees’ (US Naval Construction Battalions), which have been operating off-road missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world.
-
Franco-German next-generation tank project moves forward
The Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme was initiated in June 2018 when France and Germany signed a Letter of Intent to develop a common next-generation main battle tank (MBT) platform.
-
Patria plans for improvements to CAVS 6x6
In January 2020, the Finnish Ministry of Defence and Latvia signed a Technical Arrangement to develop the Patria 6x6 armoured wheeled vehicle chassis platform.
-
US Army chooses Textron Systems and Griffon Aerospace in final showdown for FTUAS
The US Army plans to procure a Future Tactical UAS (FTUAS) to replace the Textron Systems RQ-7Bv2 Shadow tactical UAV currently in service with the US Army's Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). The FTUAS is being developed under the wider Future UAS (FUAS) programme.