Lockheed tests scalable warhead

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DALLAS, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin reports it has tested a new rocket warhead that allows user selection of its detonating power.

In the test, conducted this week in New Mexico, the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System-Plus "scalable effects" warhead was set to low yield prior to firing, said Scott Arnold, vice president of precision fires in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business.

"The performance of both the GMLRS+ rocket and the scalable effects warhead were outstanding, validating our continued investment in evolving the proven GMLRS weapon system to address current and future threats."

The test was the second of two GMLRS+ launches. A GMLRS+ round in August successfully performed a 74.5-mile flight, about 31 miles farther than the most recent test.

Both tests, supported by the U.S. Army's Precision Fires Office, were funded by Lockheed and Aerojet, a U.S. manufacturer of propulsion systems.

Lockheed said the GMLRS+ is an internal research and development program to upgrade the combat-proven GMLRS Unitary system, in which new capabilities are integrated into the existing GMLRS.

The new warheads will "operate seamlessly within the current High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and MLRS M270A1 launcher force structure," Lockheed said.