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Military

Lockheed Martin tests ground-launch missile with double the range

By David Szondy
September 05, 2023
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Computer render of the ER GMLRS taking off
Lockheed Martin
Computer render of the ER GMLRS taking off
Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin has successfully tested the latest in its family of missiles. Its next generation Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) reached a record 150 km (93 miles) at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The recent test firing from a US Army HIMARS launcher was of the latest GMLRS missile, which not only boasts twice the range of previous iterations, but has a larger solid rocket motor and a tail-mounted guidance system that maintains its precision over the extended distance. In addition, the missile's transport and firing canister can fit in both the standard HIMARS launcher and the MLRS M270 family of launchers.

According to Lockheed, the test was not only of the missile itself, but also of its ability to integrate with the HIMARS system. Going beyond this, the missile and canister were subjected to what is called Stockpile to Target Sequence (STS) testing, which saw them bashed about in the same way an operational round is when being delivered from factory to battlefield.

The test of the ER GMLRS highlights the current evolution of the US conventional arsenal as increasing aid to Ukraine to fight the Russian invasion depletes American weapon stockpiles, sparking an effort to replace them with more advanced versions.

"This test demonstrates nearly double the range, while maintaining the precision GMLRS is known for," said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Lockheed Martin is committed to advancing this critical capability on a rapid timeline for our Army customer, and this test moves ER GMLRS one step closer to fielding."

Source: Lockheed Martin

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MilitaryUS ArmyLockheed MartinMissile Defense
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David Szondy
David Szondy is a playwright, author and journalist based in Seattle, Washington. A retired field archaeologist and university lecturer, he has a background in the history of science, technology, and medicine with a particular emphasis on aerospace, military, and cybernetic subjects. In addition, he is the author of four award-winning plays, a novel, reviews, and a plethora of scholarly works ranging from industrial archaeology to law. David has worked as a feature writer for many international magazines and has been a feature writer for New Atlas since 2011.
5 comments
Robt
The problem is the ability (or not) to manufacture these and other weapons at the scale and speed required.
The war in Ukraine has reinforced the understanding that the level of attrition in modern warfare is extremely high, and if you don’t have the stockpiles plus the ability to manufacture weapons and ammunitions replacements, you are going to be in deep trouble.
These are not insurmountable issues, but they require the political understanding and will to finance the necessary facilities.
WillyDoodle
Doesn't a longer range option than HIMARS already exist in ATACMS which Western "leaders" are afraid to actually use?
Evan
@WillyDoodle - I think ATACMS is one missile only inside the MLRS launch pod, as opposed to the usual six. This article did not specify whether this new missile can fit the standard six pack, but looking at Lockheed's website they say the ER GMLRS does fit six per pod, so that would explain the reason for it to exist.
Nelson
It is so encouraging to know how dilligently humanity is working on new and innovative ways to kill one another.
Ryanza
@Nelson if killing your enemy that attacks you first so that you and your nation survive is what you mean then yes, it is encouraging. What is more encouraging is the accuracy and precision of Western weaponry, I think this is what separates the humans from the animals.
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