Raytheon tests new Maverick missile

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BANGALORE, India, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The latest variant of the laser-guided Maverick missile has completed a series of flight tests by U.S. defense company Raytheon.

The company, in a news release from a defense and aerospace exhibition in India, said that during the tests the missile's laser seeker locked on to a variety of stationary and moving targets from distances as far as 18 miles.

The tests, conducted late last year, were performed using F/A-18, F-16, and A-10C fighter aircraft.

"The combat-proven, laser-guided Maverick is an ideal weapon for urban combat and high-speed maneuvering targets, both on land and at sea," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems Air Warfare Systems product line. "With more than 33 customers around the globe and certified on more than 25 aircraft, Maverick is clearly the warfighter's weapon of choice for direct-attack precision engagement."

The new AGM-65E2/L Maverick, an air-to-surface weapon, will have an enhanced laser seeker and new software that reduces the risk of collateral damage and enables aircraft to use onboard, buddy and ground-based lasing to designate targets.