Lockheed Martin conducted a successful test of the transformational Line-of-Sight Antitank (LOSAT) Weapon System in which a Kinetic Energy Missile (KEM) was fired at a reinforced urban structure with devastating effect. The test, Engineering Development Flight Test-2 (EDF-2), was conducted at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., on July 17.

In the very short-range (less than one kilometer) shot, a KEM fired from a LOSAT fire unit struck a reinforced concrete structure. Major objectives of the shot included gathering data on the KEM's internal and external effects on the structure, as well as measuring launch effects on the LOSAT's High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) platform. Additionally, due to the short range of the shot, the missile's maneuverability was tested as well.

Representatives from the U.S. Army Evaluation Center at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, instrumented the structure to measure impact and blast effects of the kinetic energy weapon. All test objectives were achieved.

"Our initial assessment of the structure is that it was a totally devastating impact," said Ron Abbott, vice president -- Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This was our first LOSAT test against a structure such as this, and I think we have in this single shot proven that the battlefield commander will be able to use LOSAT against more than just heavily armored vehicles. Soldiers are eager to get LOSAT into the field."

This was the final EDF test for LOSAT, which now moves into the Production Qualification Testing (PQT) phase of the program. Over the next 10 months, the program will fire 18 missiles in a variety of PQT flight tests. A Low- Rate Initial Production (LRIP) decision is expected in fiscal year 2004.

LOSAT fills an urgent operational requirement for overmatching capability in the Light Forces. The LOSAT program is managed by the Close Combat Weapon Systems Project Management Office (PMO) in Huntsville, Ala.

In June, 16 members of A Company, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg, N.C., visited the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control facilities in Grand Prairie, Texas, to undergo crew training on LOSAT. 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.

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.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information on Lockheed Martin Corporation, visit our website: www.lockheedmartin.com .

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Corporation