The testing was performed at the Redstone Arsenal Technical Test Center in Huntsville, AL, against the specified Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) target for the JCM missile system.

The series of tests was designed to demonstrate performance of the JCM's warhead -- including precursor charge detonation and main charge penetration capability -- and operation of the fuze's delay timing feature. The test verified that the Lockheed Martin JCM system would successfully detonate the main warhead inside the structure, as required.

"This test demonstrates the successful penetration of the MOUT structure and the timing of the fuze delay to detonate the warhead on the opposite side of the wall," said Lockheed Martin JCM program director Steve Barnoske.

"This critical technical accomplishment significantly reduces JCM development risk, and highlights the Lockheed Martin team's readiness to deliver this new missile to our nation's warfighters."

The testing included air gun firings of a high fidelity simulated missile with varying velocity and impact angles against brick-over-block structures to measure JCM performance against urban structures. The fuze survival and function had been previously verified at Eglin Air Force Base, FL, in November via howitzer shots that blasted it through concrete walls.

The multi-target warhead and fuze, developed with General Dynamics- Ordnance and Tactical Systems and PerkinElmer respectively, applies cutting- edge technology to provide diverse mission, multi-target capability for JCM.

It possesses both a shaped-charge capability, to defeat armored targets, and a blast fragmentation capability, for use against buildings, bunkers, small boats, lightly armored vehicles and other soft targets.

"Our JCM integrates a combination of innovative technologies from fielded, combat-proven systems with the newest, low-cost technologies," said Rick Edwards, director of Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This is the latest in a series of tests we are conducting to provide the best-performing, lowest-risk solution to our Armed Forces."

The Joint Common Missile is the next-generation, multi-purpose, air-to- ground precision missile and will replace the Hellfire, Longbow and Maverick air-to-ground missiles currently in the U.S. arsenal.

To deliver the multi-purpose warhead to its target, the Lockheed Martin JCM includes a tri-mode seeker with imaging infrared, semi-active laser and millimeter wave radar capabilities for active and passive "fire-and-forget" and precision-strike targeting.

This increases crew survivability and minimizes collateral damage. The JCM also has extended range for standoff engagements-16 kilometers (10 miles) for rotary-wing and 28 kilometers (17.5 miles) for fixed-wing aircraft-and maximum modularity for growth.

The Lockheed Martin JCM candidate builds on the heritage of the Longbow/Hellfire missile family with greatly improved capabilities and reduced cost.

The Hellfire missile family has been in production since the early 1980s with more than 16,000 Hellfire II and more than 60,000 Hellfire I rounds produced. Hellfire is in the inventory of 13 countries around the world and has a combat-proven legacy.

The Lockheed Martin JCM combines the experience, technology and the up- front focus to deliver the lowest acquisition and life-cycle cost. 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.

Related Links
Lockheed Martin
SpaceDaily
Search SpaceDaily
Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express