Lockheed Martin and the Air Force Research Lab Munitions Directorate conducted a successful powered Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) flight test at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The test demonstrated the ability of LOCAAS to deploy its wings, and start the engine in flight following a high-altitude launch. It also showed the LADAR (Laser Acquisition Detection and Ranging) seeker's ability to detect and identify the correct relocatable target, then guide to a simulated warhead detonation point.

In this test, the LOCAAS was launched from a test aircraft. After weapon release, the fins and wings were deployed, followed by the in-flight start of the engine. The flight vehicle navigated through a series of pre-determined waypoints enroute to a target area populated with the intended target and several "confuser" vehicles. As planned, the LOCAAS seeker discriminated the valid target, engaged it, and photographed the target using a camera in place of a warhead.

"This was an end-to-end test which demonstrated a scenario that closely replicates the system's operational profile," said Randy Bigum, vice president of Strike Weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Considering this is a laboratory program, one has to be impressed with LOCAAS' demonstrated capabilities," Bigum added.

The Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is chartered to develop, demonstrate, and transition munition technology to the warfighter.

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