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Lockheed Martin's HIMARS Completes Flawless Test Series at White Sands Missile Range

DALLAS, TX, September 6th, 2002 -- Lockheed Martin's High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) completed a second successful extended series of tests at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., today by firing multiple MLRS and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) munitions.

This series, along with a first series of tests completed in July and August, were completed as part of the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) requirement to transition into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) in 2003.

More than 40 MLRS M26 rockets were fired during the second test series, as well as 12 Reduced-Range Practice Rockets (RRPRs), 26 Extended-Range Rockets (ERRs), one ATACMS Block I missile and one ATACMS Block II missile. Firings took place over a range of conditions, and all rockets and missiles performed nominally during the tests. In addition to these rounds, more than 100 MLRS rockets and one ATACMS Block IA missile were fired successfully in the first test series.

"We've now assessed HIMARS in two series of tests that were calculated to stress the system and qualify the launcher for the entire family of MLRS and ATACMS munitions," said Ron Abbott, vice president - Fire Support for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "HIMARS showed superb reliability and faultless performance throughout both series of tests. Flexibility and dependability have been our goals with this launcher all along, and it continues to meet the challenge. HIMARS is ready for LRIP."

HIMARS carries a single six-pack of MLRS rockets, or one ATACMS missile. Its fire control system, electronics and communications units are interchangeable with the MLRS M270A1 launcher, and the crew and training are the same. Because of its C-130 transportability, HIMARS can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to larger launchers. It also sports the self-loading, autonomous features that have made MLRS the premier rocket artillery system in the world.

In addition to the munitions used in this test series, HIMARS is capable of launching the new Guided MLRS, the next major step in the evolution of the MLRS Family of Munitions, offering advanced capabilities, reduced logistics support and precision attack. HIMARS was designed to enable troops to engage and defeat artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations. After launching, HIMARS can move away from the area at high speed before enemy forces are able to locate the launch site.

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.

Craig Vanbebber, 972-603-1615
e-mail craig.vanbebber@lmco.com