Article Posted on : - Apr 19, 2010

ARIZONA (BNS): The Talon laser-guided rocket system, being jointly developed by US� Raytheon Company and Emirates Advanced Investments, has undergone a series of ground-based flight tests.

The semi-active laser guided rocket demonstrated its precision lethality with a tactical warhead flight at extreme temperatures, Raytheon said.

The tests pave the way for airborne testing of the weapon system, including a series of live firings from the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter.

Raytheon is producing the Talon laser-guided rockets in partnership with United Arab Emirates� EAI.

The weapon has been designed to provide better precision and lethality as compared to the conventional unguided rockets. It requires no software or hardware modifications to the launcher or aircraft platform and can be fired from any aircraft that fires 2.75-inch unguided rockets.

The rocket also fills the critical operational gap between unguided rockets and guided heavy anti-tank missiles. It is capable of destroying targets ranging from tactical armoured vehicles to high-speed naval craft.