The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Block II Missile, built by Lockheed Martin, successfully dispensed 13 tactical BAT submunitions during the third developmental flight test of the Block II Missile on August 30th. The test was conducted at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. Soldiers from the 2-18th Field Artillery, Fort Sill, Okla., fired the missile.

The missile accurately delivered the 13 BAT submunitions to their target area. The ATACMS Block II Missile was fired from a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270 Improved Position Determining System launcher. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas is the prime contractor for the Block II Missile. Northrop Grumman Corporation is the prime contractor for the BAT submunition.

ATACMS was the first tactical surface-to-surface missile ever fired in combat by the U.S. Army, when it was deployed in Operation Desert Storm. Production of the ATACMS was accelerated so that the missile could be used against high priority targets.

The Block II missile has a range of 145 km. The missile is being developed under a manufacturing development contract for the U.S. Army ATACMS- BAT Project Office. The contract was originally awarded to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas in July 1995. A Low-Rate Initial Production contract was awarded in June 1999.

Located in Dallas and Orlando, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and supports advanced combat, missile, rocket and space systems. The company is organized in seven program/mission areas: Strike Weapons, Air Defense, Anti-Armor, Naval Munitions, Fire Control and Sensors, Fire Support and Product Development.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global enterprise principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced-technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's core businesses are systems integration, space, aeronautics, and technology services.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control - Dallas