Lockheed
Martin’s Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) sensor suite recently
completed its first flight during a captive carry flight test off the
coast of northwest Florida using a modified Sabreliner business jet.
The objectives of the flight test included detecting, classifying and
recognizing targets. Conducted at various airspeeds and altitudes, the
flight tests exceeded all objectives and demonstrated successful sensor
operation, as well as integration of the sensor suite with the missile
electronics. Littoral imagery was captured during the tests, and target
data processing algorithms ran real-time in the missile electronics,
and demonstrated outstanding performance.
“This is a tremendous step toward integrating the LRASM
subsystems and getting the missile into additional flight testing,”
said Mike Fleming, LRASM program manager in Lockheed Martin’s
Missiles and Fire Control business. “Testing and validation of
subsystems is on schedule and will lead to All-Up-Round flight tests
in early 2013. Our experience with related missile technology development
efforts, such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Missile-Extended Range program,
is directly benefiting our efforts on LRASM.” |
The sensor
suite consists of a radio-frequency sensor to detect ships in the area,
a weapon data link for communication with battlefield managers and an
electro-optical seeker for positive target identification and precise
targeting during the terminal phase of flight. The missile also employs
an enhanced digital anti-jam Global Positioning System to detect and
destroy specific targets within a group of numerous ships at sea.
LRASM is designed to meet the needs of U.S. Navy and Air Force warfighters.
LRASM incorporates sensors and systems to achieve a stealthy and survivable
subsonic cruise missile with reduced dependence on intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance platforms, network links and GPS navigation in electronic
warfare environments.
This stealthy missile is in development with DARPA and the Office of
Naval Research. Lockheed Martin is planning to offer both surface-launched
and air-launched variants to attack sea-based targets at significant
standoff ranges. |
