Compact Kinetic Energy Missile Test Successful

MISSILE DEFENSE

CKEM (pictured) is the next generation kinetic-energy anti-tank missile.

by Staff Writers
Dallas TX (SPX) Sep 28, 2006
Lockheed Martin conducted a guided test flight of its Compact Kinetic Energy Missile (CKEM) against a reinforced urban structure (RUS) recently at Eglin Air Force Base, FL. All objectives for this test were achieved. In addition to demonstrating CKEM's capability against a RUS, the test also gathered performance data about the missile's guidance system and collected thermal, shock and vibration effects data.

This flight was the second of four guided test flights scheduled for this calendar year.

"This test demonstrated CKEM against a reinforced structure at the missile's maximum kinetic energy," said Loretta Painter, CKEM Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) program manager at the U.S. Army Research and Development Command (RDECOM), Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC), Redstone Arsenal, AL. "This test collected target effects data to assess the lethality potential of CKEM against various targets, and substantiates what CKEM could provide the warfighter."

The remaining flight tests planned for this year are designed to demonstrate CKEM's ability to fill current lethality gaps against enhanced reactive armor. CKEM will be particularly effective in bridging the Army's capability gaps identified for the Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the Stryker Brigade Combat Team by ensuring lethality overmatch at both close and extended ranges.

"Lockheed Martin and the Army are one step closer to providing the warfighter with a next generation, extended-range capability that currently does not exist," said Rick Edwards, vice president - Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "CKEM technology has greatly evolved and is now aligned with the requirements of the Modular Force."

CKEM is the next generation kinetic-energy anti-tank missile. It is less than 60 inches long and weighs less than 100 pounds, yet has an extended range for direct fire, line-of-sight engagements and provides the Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Stryker Brigades and Future Combat System platforms overwhelming lethality overmatch against all potential target sets.

Lockheed Martin received a $78 million contract in 2003 for CKEM's ATD phase. Successful completion of sled tests and ATD work will ensure the missile is ready to enter the SDD phase of development later this year. Work on the contract will be performed at the company's facilities in Dallas and El Paso, TX, and Camden, AR.

MISSILE DEFENSE

Stevens Wins GBI Funding Battle

Washington (UPI) Sep 26, 2006
Congressional champions of ballistic missile defense led by Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, have won another funding battle to increase the number of Ground-Based Midcourse Interceptors, or GBIs deployed around Fort Greeley, Alaska.

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