The Line-of-Sight Antitank (LOSAT) System, developed by Lockheed Martin , successfully completed Engineering Development Flight Test-1 (EDF-1) at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., yesterday. The LOSAT system fired a Kinetic Energy Missile (KEM) more than three kilometers down range and intercepted a M-60 tank that was used as a target. Throughout the short-duration flight, the missile received timed updates from the system's fire unit. All test objectives were achieved.

This was the first guided flight of a LOSAT KEM missile since 1996, when the U.S. Army canceled the Armored Gun System, and LOSAT was transitioning from a Bradley Fighting Vehicle as the launch platform. The cancellation required LOSAT to move to the more agile HMMWV platform. The improved system is now more robust and provides the warfighter with a more mobile capability that can deliver overwhelming lethality against advanced armor, active protection systems and bunkers. LOSAT fills an urgent operational requirement for overmatching capability in the Light Forces. The program is managed by the Kinetic Energy Missiles Project Management Office (PMO) in Huntsville, Ala.

KEM project manager Col. Jed Sheehan said, "Today's outstanding test results are the culmination of a whole lot of great work on the part of many talented and dedicated people. My congratulations to the entire LOSAT team and especially to the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control personnel who've brought LOSAT to this successful point in the program. LOSAT is another step closer to bringing this much-needed capability to our light forces."

Following EDF, the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) program will transition from contractor test flights to government controlled Production Qualification Testing (PQT). Over the next 10 months, the program will fire 18 missiles during PQT flight tests. A Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) -- 1 decision is expected in fiscal year 2004.

In addition to system testing at White Sands Missile Range, 16 members of A Company, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, N.C., are currently at the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control facilities in Grand Prairie, Texas, conducting crew training that includes supportability, logistics, engaging targets, maintenance and standing operating procedures. Members of the 511th have been involved in the development of the system since the beginning of the program, and participated in the Early Soldier Involvement (ESI) program that incorporates user comments and improvement as the system evolves.

Capt. Mark Chandler, commander of the Alpha 511th, said, "We are conducting intense training that covers the nuts and bolts of the system -- everything a three-man crew needs to know to successfully use the system. LOSAT is long-awaited and long overdue."

The LOSAT Weapon System provides a high volume of extremely lethal and accurate missile fire that is effective against heavy armor systems at ranges exceeding tanks' main gun ranges. LOSAT consists of kinetic energy missiles and a second-generation FLIR/video acquisition sensor mounted on an air- mobile, heavy HMMWV chassis. The LOSAT weapon system will help remedy the forced-entry/early-entry force lethality shortfall against heavy armor because it can deploy with both forces.

The key advantages of the LOSAT system are the tremendous overmatch lethality of the KEM, which defeats all predicted future armored combat vehicles, and its deployability. The LOSAT weapon system also provides increased survivability for the operator and countermeasure effectiveness. It operates to the maximum range of direct-fire combat engagements and provides dramatically increased rates of fire and enhanced performance under day and night, adverse weather and obscured battlefield conditions. The system can be transported by C-130H low velocity airdrop or by sling load with the UH-60L.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and integrates world-class air defense, fire support, strike weapon, naval munition, combat vision, anti-armor and advanced product solutions and systems for U.S. and international armed forces.

For additional information, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control