{"id":22149,"date":"2020-05-01T01:49:49","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T01:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2020\/05\/01\/us-army-completes-third-test-of-lockheeds-precision-strike-missile\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T02:16:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T02:16:55","slug":"us-army-completes-third-test-of-lockheeds-precision-strike-missile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/land\/2020\/05\/01\/us-army-completes-third-test-of-lockheeds-precision-strike-missile\/","title":{"rendered":"US Army completes third test of Lockheed\u2019s Precision Strike Missile"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON \u2014 The Army held a third test for Lockheed Martin\u2019s precision strike missile<\/a>, or PrSM<\/a>, firing it out of a HIMARS launcher<\/a> at White Sands Missile Range, in New Mexico, Thursday morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This latest 85-kilometer test was the shortest and most challenging yet, according to Brig. Gen. John Rafferty, the Army\u2019s Long Range Precision Fires <\/a>cross-functional team director.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe missile almost has to start tipping over as soon as it comes out of the launcher. It has to burn off a lot of energy in order to turn over,” said Rafferty. \u201cBut we started off with 240 kilometers, went to 180 and now we\u2019re at 85.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Future testing will look at longer ranges, and Army Futures Command is examining what officials actually want the PrSM missile to do, including engaging moving armored vehicles at extended ranges. A maximum range shot will occur in roughly one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The missile performed as expected and as required in every way, as it had in two previous tests<\/a>, said Gaylia Campbell, Lockheed\u2019s vice president of precision fires and combat maneuver systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe team has really performed flawlessly,\u201d Campbell said. \u201cAnd being able to take a clean sheet design of a new missile and be able to perform three for three \u2014 [that\u2019s] really 100 percent mission success. And it\u2019s the Army\u2019s No. 1 modernization priority.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this point, Lockheed is the only competitor vying to replace the Army Tactical Missile System<\/a> after Raytheon exited the competition<\/a> in March. Being down to one competitor might not be permanent, though, according to Gen. John Murray, who helms Army Futures Command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo concern whatsoever about being down to one competitor,\u201d Murray said. “Based upon a lot of factors, there will be chances to introduce competition in this program as we get into further increments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Future increments, called spirals, would add a more capable seeker, make the missile more lethal and extend its range. For the missile\u2019s seeker technology, Rafferty said his team is moving into the hands-on testing, outside of the lab, in the next few months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Campbell said Lockheed plans to participate in any future competitions, “looking at what what are possible solutions for those next spirals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t