Article Posted on : - Apr 16, 2013

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (BNS): Lockheed Martin has successfully demonstrated the capabilities of its Nemesis missile in three flight tests at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

In the first two tests, Nemesis demonstrated vertical launch, GPS navigation to targets located at distances of eight and 12 kilometers, engagement by the missile's semi-active laser (SAL) seeker and live warhead detonation, Lockheed said in a statement.

The missile performed flawlessly in both flights destroying the intended targets, it said, adding, the successful third shot demonstrated the vertical launch of an inert round, followed by GPS-only navigation to a target positioned just 100 meters away.

Nemesis is a man-portable surface-launched missile. The missile is fired vertically from its launch tube, enabling 360-degree engagement capability. A combat-proven rocket motor, deployable wing and GPS guidance enable the missile to engage targets in excess of 12 kilometers.

The missiles SAL seeker activates in the terminal phase of flight to provide precision accuracy and minimize collateral damage. The user is also able to select height of burst or point-detonation fuzing options to optimize lethality against enemy personnel, light armoured vehicles and structures.

The missile can also be configured for internal or external carriage on other fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, it said.

Lockheed Martin funded the development of the Nemesis missile, building upon proven technologies from demonstrated systems, including HELLFIRE II, DAGR and Scorpion.