GPS Guides That Missile Home

SPACEWAR

The Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) is a highly mobile automatic system that fires surface-to-surface rockets from the M270 and M270A1 weapons platform. Twelve MLRS rockets can be fired in less than one minute by the three-man crew, as well as two Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles. MLRS was very successful in Operation Desert Storm. Lockheed Martin photo

Dallas- May 20, 2002
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control and the U.S. Army again successfully tested the new Guided version of the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) rocket at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. In this test, a Guided MLRS rocket, using Global Positioning System- (GPS) aided guidance, performed nominally.

The rocket was launched from an MLRS M270 Improved Position Determining System launcher, flew more than 70 kilometers to the target area and dispensed its submunition payloads.

Major test objectives included the successful launch of the rocket from the launcher, nominal motor performance, tail fin deployment and spin rate evaluation, and navigation performance. Preliminary data indicate that all test objectives were successfully achieved.

This was the final engineering and development test in a series of six. The EDT tests continue to meet or exceed all performance requirements.

"As we complete the EDT phase, we couldn't be more pleased in the performance of the Guided rocket," said Ron Abbott, vice president - Fire Support for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"This rocket's accuracy and reliability are continuing to exceed our expectations. I believe that the Guided MLRS rocket will be a tremendous asset for the battlefield commander."

The Guided MLRS rocket program is an international cooperative program between the U.S., U.K., Italy, France and Germany.

The Guided MLRS rocket incorporates a GPS-aided inertial guidance package integrated on a product-improved rocket body. Additionally, small canards on the Guided rocket nose will provide basic maneuverability and enhance the accuracy of the system. Guided MLRS initial operational capability is scheduled for CY '05.

Guided MLRS is the next major step in the evolution of the MLRS Family of Munitions, offering advanced capabilities, reduced logistics support and precision attack. The rocket will have a range of approximately 60+ kilometers.

SPACEWAR

US Army Tests Missile Bot As Hunter

Huntsville - Mar 21, 2002
A U.S. Army and Northrop Grumman Corporation team has conducted a successful flight test of the Pre-Planned Product Improved (P3I) Brilliant Anti-armor Submunition (BAT) at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. This was the first in a series of 12 drop tests of a recoverable version of the P3I BAT (RBAT).

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.