Lockheed Martin's successful live fire test paves way for Spike NLOS integration on AH-64E Apache.

Lockheed Martin successfully fired eight Spike NLOS all-up rounds (AURs) over five days from the U.S. AH-64E V6 Apache at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. The successful live fire event clears the Spike NLOS Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement (LRPM DR) system for Airworthiness Release (AWR) for the U.S. Apache platform, which paves the way for starting to equip the system into the U.S. Army’s current AH-64E V6s.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

The demonstration featured eight Spike NLOS AURs firing from an AH-64E V6 Apache platform at a variety of targets (Picture source: Technology Development Directorate – Aviation)

“This successful demonstration of Spike NLOS showcases that the system is ready to be integrated into the Army’s current Apache fleet and provides a premier defense capability of choice when precision and accuracy matter,” said Tom Bargnesi, program management senior manager of the Precision Strike team at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The AWR allows delivery of 21st-century security solutions to our Army customer for complex threat environments.”

The demonstration featured eight Spike NLOS AURs firing from an AH-64E V6 Apache platform at a variety of targets, showcasing the system’s different mission set capabilities across multiple scenarios. This demonstration was one of the final steps for the system to receive AWR and allow the Army to begin the fielding of Spike NLOS onto its Apache V6 platforms.

In mid-2024, Lockheed Martin will work with the Army to train pilots to use the system on the Apache V6 platforms. The Army expects the Spike NLOS LRPM DR system to be fully integrated into all 18 Apache Echo Model V6 platforms by September 2024.

Spike NLOS is a multi-purpose, electro-optical/infrared missile system. Its advanced rocket motor provides the capability to reach ranges up to 32 kilometers. Operators can integrate Spike NLOS with ground, aviation or maritime platforms – while leveraging its stand-off capability to strike distant or geographically concealed targets without line-of-sight.

The weapon’s seeker and wireless datalink provide operators with real-time video imagery and man-in-the-loop control throughout the missile’s flight. This provides operators with the opportunity to alter or abort the mission while en route to the target.

Lockheed Martin has teamed with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. to offer the weapon system to U.S. customers. Today, this combat-proven, long-range precision strike system is in service with U.S. forces and six international countries.

In mid-2024, Lockheed Martin will work with the Army to train pilots to use the system on the Apache V6 platforms (Picture source:  Marc Hepp)