Lockheed Martin has successfully tested its modernised Tactical Missile System (TACMS) missile, during a long-range mission.
This is the sixth consecutive successful flight for TACMS at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico and confirms that the missile functions as designed and meets the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) program requirements.
Manufactured at Lockheed Martin’s Precision Fires Production Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas, the missile was launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher, which had been held in an environmental chamber until just prior to launch, simulating hot launch conditions for this test. The missile flew approximately 240km and successfully engaged the target.
Scott Greene, vice president of Precision Fires & Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control said of the test: “During this test, we demonstrated a successful proximity detonation of the TACMS missile, as well as confirmed numerous performance improvements to these rounds.
“This sixth consecutive success further demonstrates that our customers can have full confidence that Modernised TACMS is going to perform reliably when called upon.”
The missile is being modernised as part of the US Army’s TACMS Service Life Extension Program, which will extend the missile’s shelf-life.
Program development includes the addition of new state-of-the-art guidance electronics, as well as added capability to defeat area targets without leaving behind unexploded ordnance. The TACMS modernisation process disassembles and demilitarizes TACMS Block 1 and 1A submunition warheads, replacing them with new unitary warheads.
By using the TACMS platform, the US Army has maximised its ability to quickly integrate new payloads and capabilities, meeting both current and future demands.
With unsurpassed performance and a longstanding record of production excellence, TACMS is the only long-range tactical surface-to-surface missile ever employed by the US Army in combat. TACMS missiles can be fired from the entire family of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) launchers.
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