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ORLANDO (BNS): Lockheed Martin has scored a hit on a main battle tank at a range of six kilometers during a multiple-mission firing of its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

The tactically configured JAGM was fired from a static Lockheed Martin HELLFIRE M299 launcher and was propelled by the single multi-platform rocket motor.

It demonstrated the ability of the imaging infrared (I2R) sensor in the missile’s cooled tri-mode seeker to lock on before launch at extended range.

The test also showcased the ability of the millimeter wave (MMW) radar sensor to simultaneously track a nearby moving tank, as well as the ability of the two sensors to discriminate targets and to hit the target of choice.

Other test objectives included characterisation of the launch shock environment, free-flight environment characterisation and verification of design maturity, including demonstrating the success of corrective actions following minor anomalies in earlier tests.

The cooled I2R sensor acquired and locked on to a stationary main battle tank prior to launch from six kilometers. Following launch, the I2R sensor guided the missile to a lethal hit. Concurrently, the MMW sensor detected and tracked a nearby secondary target, a moving main battle tank.

Coupled with an August 2 target hit at 16 kilometers in a contract-funded test of the semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, this latest shot completed the process of demonstrating the performance of Lockheed Martin’s tri-mode seeker.

“In establishing the flight profile for the company-funded shot, we moved the range for the I2R engagement from four to six kilometers because passive target detection from safe standoff range is critical to platform and aircrew survivability,” Hady Mourad, JAGM programme director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control said.

“The cooled I2R also provides clear target discrimination, which reduces collateral damage. This is especially critical when rules of engagement demand confirmation of target track prior to launch,” he added.

In 2016, initial operational capability (IOC) of JAGM will be practiced on AH-64D, AH-1Z and F/A-18E/F is scheduled for 2016. IOC for the MH-60R, OH-58 CASUP and MQ-1C is scheduled for 2017.

Numerous additional platforms are under consideration, including the Tri-Service Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F-35 being developed by Lockheed Martin with an anticipated initial fielding in 2011.