Lockheed Martin awarded for services in support of the Hellfire Missile and Joint Air-to-Ground Missile.

Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Florida, was awarded a $9,829,327 modification to contract W31P4Q-19-C-0071 for engineering services in support of the Hellfire Missile and Joint Air-to-Ground Missile.

Hellfire II missile exposed through a transparent casing, showing laser homing guidance system in front, copper cone explosively formed penetrator (EFP) in shaped charge explosive in middle, propulsion in rear (Picture source: Stahlkocher)

The AGM-114 Hellfire is an air-to-surface missile (ASM) first developed for anti-armor use, but later models were developed for precision drone strikes against other target types, and have been used in a number of targeted killings of high-profile individuals. It has multi-mission, multi-target precision-strike ability, and can be launched from multiple air, sea, and ground platforms, including the Predator drone. The Hellfire missile is the primary 100-pound (45 kg) class air-to-ground precision weapon for the armed forces of the United States and many other nations.

Advanced Hellfire Joint Air-to-Ground Missile was used recently by the USA to kill Iranian General Qassem Soleiman.

Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) is an Army led program managed by PEO Missiles and Space, Joint Attack Munitions Systems (JAMS) Project Office.

JAGM provides an improved air-to-ground missile capability. It is a precision-guided munition for use against high value stationary, moving, and relocatable land and maritime targets. JAGM utilizes a multi-mode seeker to provide precision point and fire-and-forget targeting day or night in adverse weather, battlefield obscured conditions and against a variety of countermeasures. A multi-purpose warhead provides lethal effects against a range of target types, from armored vehicles, thin-skinned vehicles and maritime patrol craft to urban structures and field fortifications. JAGM delivers the Joint Services a single air-to-ground missile with improved lethality, operational flexibility, and a reduced logistics footprint.

JAGM incorporates a guidance section capable of precision point targeting using a Semi Active Laser (SAL) sensor, fire and forget targeting using Millimeter Wave (MMW) radar, and a targeting capability that leverages both radar and laser targeting capabilities for maximum operational flexibility. JAGM leverages the fielded and combat proven HELLFIRE II Romeo (AGM-114R) propulsion, warhead and control sections. The JAGM system will be compatible with all joint rotary wing and fixed Wing aircraft that are compatible with the HELLFIRE II missile.

Work will be performed in Orlando, Florida, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 15, 2021. Fiscal 2020 missile procurement, Army funds in the amount of $9,829,327 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.