Article Posted on : - Jul 24, 2014

A Lockheed photo.

ORLANDO (BNS): In a recently conducted flight test of its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) system, Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the tactical weapon's dual-mode guidance section successfully engaging a moving target.

The self-funded test conducted at the Eglin Air Force Base, Florida is the second such test of the dual-mode seeker carried out by the company this year.

"During the test, the rail-mounted JAGM flew 6.2 kilometers and initially acquired the target using its precision strike, semi-active laser. The dual-mode guidance section then engaged its millimeter wave radar, and the moving target was destroyed," Lockheed said.

"This flight test is a risk reduction milestone critical to Lockheed Martin's performance on the US Army's 27-month Continued Technology Development programme," it said.

In a February flight test, the company had successfully demonstrated the JAGM dual-mode guidance section by engaging a laser-designated moving target 6 kilometers downrange.

The dual-mode seeker of the missile features an improved semi-active laser sensor and a low cost, all-weather, fire-and-forget, next generation millimeter wave radar.

The JAGM is being developed for the US Army and Navy.