NLOS-LS PAM Missile Demonstrates Capability Against Moving Targets

[Metallic]

UNITED STATES - 21 JULY 2009

NetFires LLC, a joint venture between Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Missiles and Fire Control, completed the first moving target test flight of the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System's Precision Attack Missile.

The PAM missile, launched from the NLOS-LS Container Launch Unit (CLU), used the on-board, uncooled imaging infrared seeker to detect and track a moving T-72 tank traveling with other vehicles. The result was a direct hit at a range of 9 kilometers (5.6 statute miles).

"NLOS-LS is designed to defeat both stationary and moving targets. The demonstration of this capability is a significant milestone for the program," said Scott Speet, executive vice president of NetFires LLC and Raytheon's NLOS-LS program director. "Previous guided test flights have succeeded in direct hits against stationary targets. Today's test proved this weapon will provide the warfighter with platform-independent, networked fires with immediate and responsive precision against moving targets."

During the test, the PAM missile joined the network with its onboard radio, operated as a node on the net throughout the flight and sent back a terminal target image to the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System.

"Not only is this another successful launch from the CLU and successful missile flight, this test measures the true capability of NLOS-LS as a networked weapon system," said Anne Johnson, president of NetFires LLC and Lockheed Martin's NLOS-LS program director. "This network capability will provide the Brigade Combat Teams with unparalleled beyond line-of-sight target lethality."

NLOS-LS takes targeting information from the command and control center and sends it to the NLOS-LS CLU's computer and communications system for initial missile targeting. The missile also takes the command and control center's targeting information for in-flight updates.

"The ability of the PAM missile to defeat a moving target is a first for the U.S. Army," said Col. Doug Dever, the U.S. Army's NLOS-LS project manager. "Once fielded, NLOS-LS is going to give soldiers in the BCTs and sailors on littoral combat ships the ability to precisely engage moving targets -- a capability they've never had before."

NLOS-LS PAM missile launches from a CLU on the back of a truck.



Source: Raytheon Company

 

[Metallic]

NLOS-LS Team Uses Warhead To Defeat Stationary Target
UNITED STATES - 1 DECEMBER 2009

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Dec. 1, 2009 -- NetFires LLC, a joint venture between Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), completed a test flight of the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System's Precision Attack Missile using a warhead.

The PAM missile was launched from the NLOS-LS container launch unit (CLU) and used its on-board, semi-active laser seeker to detect, lock on and destroy a stationary BM-21 rocket launcher at a range of 38 kilometers (23.5 statute miles).

"For months we've been testing NLOS-LS against stationary and moving targets in various scenarios using telemetry systems," said Scott Speet, executive vice president of NetFires LLC and Raytheon's NLOS-LS program director. "Demonstrating the system's capability with a warhead in a tactical scenario is the culmination of years of hard work. The success of this test means we're only steps away from putting this capability in the hands of soldiers and sailors."

During the test, the PAM missile received a tactical representative target location error, joined the network with its on board radio and operated as a node on the net throughout the flight. Prior to impact, the missile sent back a terminal target image to the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System.

"NLOS-LS is a platform-independent system solution that gives the brigade combat team (BCT) commander unprecedented organic, precision indirect fire support," said Anne Johnson, president of the NetFires LLC and Lockheed Martin's NLOS-LS program director. "Demonstrating the total system success of the CLU and the PAM missile with a warhead against a threat target is a significant milestone in this program's development."

NLOS-LS takes targeting information from the command and control cell and sends it to the NLOS-LS CLU's computer and communications system for initial missile targeting. The missile can also use the command and control cell's targeting information for in-flight updates.

"This test proves NLOS-LS is going to revolutionize the BCT's ability to strike targets with beyond line-of-sight lethality for both stationary and moving targets," said Col. Doug Dever, the U.S. Army's NLOS-LS project manager. "Soon soldiers and sailors will be able to capitalize on the incredible mission assurance that NLOS-LS provides."


Source: Raytheon Company