HAVE LITE Records Successful test
Lockheed Martin/RAFAEL Have Lite Completes successful first flight - Have Lite precision attack system enhances standoff attack capability of the F-16
28 November 2002 -- Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the first flight test of the lightweight version of the RAFAEL Popeye missile designated HAVE LITE, demonstrating the ability of a U.S. Air Force F-16 pilot to launch and control the weapon while also flying the aircraft. In the test, conducted at the Utah Test Range in Ogden, Utah, the missile struck a stationary target, proving it could follow a planned mission route.
"We're extremely pleased with the results of this test," said Randy Bigum, vice president of Strike Weapons at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "HAVE LITE will enable our international customers to strike high-value ground and sea targets from long range. Since HAVE LITE is designed to work from fighter aircraft, it opens up a heavy strike capability without the need for heavy aircraft."
In this test, the missile was launched from a single seat U.S. Air Force F-16, flying 0.7 mach at an altitude of 8,700 feet. After weapon release, the missile flew a straight path using Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance to locate the target area.
The aircraft then turned away from the target while maintaining data link with the missile. When in range, the F-16 pilot maneuvered the missile into the target using man-in-the-loop controls with the missile's terminal guidance TV seeker. As planned, the missile struck the target with an inert warhead.
A product of PGSUS, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Rafael, HAVE LITE is an advanced, air-to-ground, precision-guided missile designed for use on fighter aircraft. The missile, a smaller sized and reduced weight version of the AGM-142 HAVE NAP missile, provides the same lethal accuracy as the larger missile.
For further information please contact
RAFAEL public affairs. Tel: 972-4-8974777
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