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Naval
Defense Industry News - USA |
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Lockheed Martin Successfully tests LRASM Vertical Launch System interface
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Lockheed
Martin recently demonstrated and validated that its Long Range Anti-Ship
Missile (LRASM) can be launched from any MK 41 Vertical Launch System
(VLS) by only modifying the software to existing shipboard equipment.
During the company-funded test, LRASM and Tactical Tomahawk Weapons
Control System (TTWCS), MK 41 VLS and Mk-114 booster hardware with modified
software executed simulated missions and provided all electrical interfaces
and data transfers needed to prepare and launch LRASMs. |
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An LRASM launches from a VLS (Artist Impression)
(Picture: Lockheed Martin)
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LRASM
is an autonomous, precision-guided anti-ship standoff missile leveraging
the successful Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range
heritage, and is designed to meet the Offensive Anti-Surface Weapon
needs of U.S. Navy and Air Force warfighters.
“This
recent test demonstrates the low-risk and low-cost of launching LRASM
from a ship, and was made possible by a cross-company team effort,”
said Glenn Kuller, vice president of advanced and special programs at
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “This program success
helps pave the way for rapid fielding of a surface launch capability,
meeting our warfighters’ critical needs.”
Lockheed Martin
has invested $30 million to reduce risk and accelerate LRASM Initial
Operational Capability on U.S. Navy DDGs. Multiple Lockheed Martin businesses
are involved in this effort. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control
has overall responsibility for the LRASM program. Lockheed Martin Mission
Systems and Training manufactures the MK 41 VLS for the DDG 51 platforms
and the Mk-114 booster hardware. Lockheed Martin Information Systems
and Global Solutions collaborates with several Navy laboratories to
develop and integrate TTWCS. |
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Our LRASM interview from October 2013 |
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In
September 2013, Lockheed Martin successfully launched the first LRASM
Boosted Test Vehicle from a MK 41 VLS launcher at White Sands Missile
Range, N.M. During the test, MK 41 VLS successfully ignited the LRASM
Mk-114 rocket motor, and the LRASM Boosted Test Vehicle penetrated and
exited through the canister cover and performed a guided flight profile
similar to a tactical configuration.
In 2014, there
will be two DARPA-funded surface-launch demonstrations with a LRASM
vertically launched from the Desert Ship at White Sands Missile Range,
transitioning to controlled flight and target area impact.
LRASM is in
development with the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA)
and the Office of Naval Research. Lockheed Martin’s offering has
both surface-launched and air-launched variants to prosecute sea-based
targets at significant standoff ranges. |
