Lockheed Martin, DALLAS, TX: Fire units of Battery Bravo, 3rd Battalion, 13 Artillery Regiment, successfully conducted the first in-theater tests of the Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary rockets recently in Iraq.
Seven GMLRS Unitary rockets were rippled fired from a 65 kilometer distance and reached the target with extreme accuracy. Test objectives included demonstrating the GMLRS Unitary rocket precision capability, and also demonstrated its lethality while limiting collateral damage. The tests served as a determination of employability of the GMLRS rocket in the Global War on Terrorism.
“This test measures the lethality and accuracy of the GMLRS rocket,” said Al Duchesne, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's director – MLRS Rocket Programs. “The GMLRS Unitary fills the Army's urgent need for a long-range precision rocket. The GMLRS team has worked very hard to deliver an accurate and lethal addition to the Army's capability to achieve its missions.”
Upon receipt of the Army's request for Guided Unitary rockets, Lockheed Martin was able to deliver the first lot in an extremely short timeframe, getting the rockets into the hands of the Soldiers in a matter of weeks. During its testing phase, the GMLRS Unitary missile performed successfully in 12 separate flights in 14 months.
“Lockheed Martin is leaning far forward to bring in theater the technology we need to allow the precision we presently lack,” said Col. James Heverin, U.S. Army TRADOC System Manager for rockets and missiles at Fort Sill, OK.
Guided MLRS Unitary integrates a 196-pound unitary warhead into the GMLRS rocket, giving battlefield commanders the ability to attack targets up to 70 kilometers away with high precision. This low-cost, low-risk program will greatly reduce collateral damage by providing enhanced accuracy to ensure delivery of the warhead to the target.
The SDD phase of this program was preceded by a successful system demonstration in 2002 of a Quick Reaction Unitary Rocket and a nine-month Component Advanced Development program. The Guided Unitary SDD program will continue through 2007.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2004 sales of $35.5 billion.
