TACMS in first flight test
Lockheed Martin’s first modernised Tactical Missile System (TACMS) has successfully completed its first flight test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, the company announced on 9 November 2016.
The missile was launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher at a target area over 130km away, successfully hitting the target with a proximity sensor-enabled detonation.
The missile has been modernised under the army’s TACMS Service Life Extension Program inventory refurbishment effort, with updated guidance electronics and added capability to defeat area targets without leaving behind unexploded ordnance.
The modernisation process disassembles and demilitarises previous-generation submunition warheads that do not comply with the international Convention on Cluster Munitions, replacing them with new unitary warheads; and resets the missile’s 10+ year shelf life.
The TACMS platform also provides flexibility to quickly integrate novel payloads and new capabilities.
TACMS was formerly known as ATACMS.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
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]()
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.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
