The Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) Block II Missile, developed by Lockheed Martin , successfully dispensed 13 tactical Brilliant Anti-Armor (BAT) submunitions during Developmental Test-5 (DT-5). The test was conducted July 21 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

The missile was launched against an array of armored vehicles and accurately delivered the 13 BAT submunitions to their target area. All additional test objectives were achieved. The DT-5 test results met the Army Test and Evaluation Command entrance criteria for Operational Testing, which will begin in August.

The Block II missile has a range of more than 80 miles (128 km). The missile is being developed under a manufacturing development contract for the U.S. Army TACMS/BAT Project Office. The contract was originally awarded to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in July 1995. A Low-Rate Initial Production contract was awarded in June 1999.

The BAT submunition, produced by Northrop Grumman, has the lethality and intelligence to search out and destroy moving armor. The BAT submunitions are dispensed from Army TACMS by a gas bag management system. Once the Army TACMS warhead skin separates from the missile, the gas bags inflate, pushing the BATs out of the missile body. The BATs then activate and begin searching for targets.

Located in Dallas, Tex.; Orlando, Fla.; and Sunnyvale, Calif., 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.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin, visit http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control