Lockheed Martin and teammate PerkinElmer Optoelectronics successfully demonstrated the cold, ambient and hot-temperature penetration capability of its Joint Common Missile (JCM) multi-target warhead fuze this month. The tests were the latest in a series intended to demonstrate the Lockheed Martin JCM's robust design and its readiness to meet the requirements of multiple military services.

The JCM is the next-generation, multi-purpose, air-to-ground precision missile that will replace the Hellfire, Longbow and Maverick air-to-ground missiles currently in the U.S. arsenal.

The JCM's multi-purpose warhead must deliver lethality against a wide target set, ranging from advanced tanks to urban targets to small naval vessels.

"This test success demonstrates another critical element of the Joint Common Missile system as a part of the Lockheed Martin team's ongoing Risk Reduction program," said Rick Edwards, director of Tactical Missiles for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Orlando, FL.

According to Lockheed Martin JCM program director Steve Barnoske, "The multi-target programmable fuze, developed by our teammate PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, applies cutting-edge technology to provide diverse-mission, multi-target capability for the JCM. The testing series demonstrated target penetration and delayed initiation performance required to defeat urban structures and water patrol craft."

"We know how important the Joint Common Missile is to our Armed Forces, and we are constantly working to provide the best-value, lowest-risk solution to give our warfighters the performance they need," Barnoske added.

The warhead itself, provided by General Dynamics-Ordnance and Tactical Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics , possesses both the shaped-charge capability against tanks and other armored threats currently provided by the Hellfire II high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) round and the anti-ship and structure-penetrating capability provided by the Hellfire II blast fragmentation round.

To deliver the multi-purpose warhead to its target, the Lockheed Martin JCM includes a tri-mode seeker with imaging infrared, semi-active laser and millimeter wave radar capabilities for active and passive "fire-and-forget" and precision-strike targeting. This will increase crew survivability and minimize collateral damage. The JCM also has extended range for standoff engagements-16 kilometers (10 miles) for rotary-wing and 28 kilometers (17.5 miles) for fixed-wing aircraft-and maximum modularity for growth.

The Lockheed Martin JCM candidate builds on the heritage of the Longbow/Hellfire missile family with greatly improved capabilities and reduced cost. The Hellfire missile family has been in production since the early 1980s with more than 16,000 Hellfire II and more than 60,000 Hellfire I rounds produced. Hellfire is in the inventory of 13 countries around the world and has a combat-proven legacy.

The Lockheed Martin JCM combines the experience, technology and the up- front focus to deliver the lowest acquisition and life-cycle cost.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin