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The prime’s new strike missile capability is one step closer towards initial operating capability, after completing a record-breaking flight test.
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Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) has exceeded its maximum threshold, completing its longest recorded flight during trials with the US Army at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), California.
The missile was fired over the Pacific Ocean from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) launcher.
This latest trial, which is the second of three demonstrations taking place this year as part of the Enhanced Technology Maturation and Risk Reduction (ETMRR) phase, marked the fifth consecutive successful flight test of the next-generation PrSM.
“The Precision Strike Missile continues to validate range and performance requirements,” Paula Hartley, vice-president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control said.
“Achieving this long-range milestone for the baseline missile demonstrates PrSM’s capability to meet our customer’s modernisation priorities on a rapid timeline.”
This latest test comes just a month after Lockheed Martin secured two US Army contracts for Early Operational Capability (EOC) production and Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) for the next phase of the program.
The prime has leveraged a number of advanced technologies – including augmented reality, advanced modelling and simulation, machine learning or data analytics, and software factory – to accelerate the development of the missile system.
“We are also working closely with our Army partners to develop and integrate future incremental capabilities,” Hartley added.
The next test flight is scheduled to take place in the coming months as part of the US Army’s Project Convergence 21.
The PrSM prototype was produced at Lockheed Martin’s new Long Range Precision Fires facility in Camden, Arkansas, which forms part of a $142 million investment to expand and enhance its Precision Fires centre of excellence.
[Related: Lockheed Martin wins accelerated missile radar contract]
