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Lockheed Martin has confirmed that its Extended-Range GMLRS has successfully passed through a series of systems qualification tests executed over the past two years designed to prove the system’s range and accuracy.
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Each of these tests at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, is a key milestone, bringing the system closer to being fielded by the US Army as the ER Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) completes its final phase of development.
The ER GMLRS is designed to “roughly” double the range of its predecessor, the standard GMLRS rocket, with the new extended range variant expected to be capable of a 150-kilometre range, while leveraging the same level of reliability and precision.
The new variant is designed to be deployable on the new HIMARS system, fielded by the United States, and is expected to be fielded by the Australian Army by 2027 among other nations seeking to extend their long-range strike capabilities.
Jay Price, vice-president for Precision Fires with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, explained the importance of this milestone, saying, “ER GMLRS continues to perform with precision as we move through system qualification testing and closer to the US Army fielding this critical capability”.
The tests included alternative and unitary warhead variants of the rocket, with the tests pushing the system’s limits to a variety of distances from short and mid-range flights to maximum range.
Each test confirmed the system’s ability to integrate with the HIMARS launcher as well as the projectile’s range, trajectory, and accuracy. Prior to launch, the rocket pods underwent stockpile to target sequence testing.
The effort simulates cumulative effects ER GMLRS will meet in the field between factory and launch for the life of the system and demonstrates durability of the missile and launch pod container.
Following the systems qualification test flight series, ER GMLRS will move forward with operational testing with the US Army.
Lockheed Martin has produced more than 60,000 GMLRS rounds and is under annual contract to continue production of GMLRS unitary and alternative warhead rockets including integrated logistics support for the US Army, US Marine Corps, and international customers.
Once ER GMLRS enters production, it will be produced at the company’s Precision Fires Center of Excellence in Camden, Arkansas.
