Lockheed Martin conducted a successful test of the transformational Line-of-Sight Antitank (LOSAT) Weapon System yesterday in which a Kinetic Energy Missile (KEM) was fired at short range at a moving target. The test marked two firsts for the program: the first guided test against a moving target and the first test in a series of 18 Production Qualification Tests (PQT) that are under the control of the Army Test and Evaluation community.

This test was conducted to evaluate the system's performance against a short-range moving target at an off-axis firing position; to evaluate the performance of a cold-conditioned missile; and to collect fire unit and missile flight reliability data. Preliminary data suggest all test objectives were achieved.

"LOSAT was devastating in its test against a reinforced structure a few weeks ago, and now we have successfully conducted the first LOSAT test against a moving target," said Ron Abbott, vice president - Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We are pleased that testing is moving forward as planned, and that the warfighter will soon be receiving a system that is effective against the full spectrum of battlefield targets."

The LOSAT program has now successfully completed four firing tests this year. The previous test, conducted July 17, demonstrated LOSAT's effectiveness against a reinforced concrete structure, which was destroyed by the KEM. A Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) decision is expected in fiscal year 2004.

All PQTs should be completed by the end of the second quarter 2004, with all testing scheduled to take place at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. LOSAT fills an urgent operational requirement for overmatching capability in the Light Forces, and is managed by the Army's Close Combat Weapon Systems Project Management Office (PMO) in Huntsville, Ala.

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 a highly mobile, 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 in 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.

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.

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin