Lockheed tests LRASM sensor

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ORLANDO, Fla., July 18 (UPI) -- A captive-carry flight test of a new sensor suite for U.S. cruise missiles has been completed by Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed said its Long Range Anti-Ship Missile sensor suite for subsonic cruise missiles was carried out on a modified Sabreliner business jet at varying altitudes and airspeeds off the coast of Florida.

The system successfully detected, classified and recognized targets. Littoral imagery was also captured during the tests and target data processing algorithms ran real-time in the missile electronics system.

"This is a tremendous step toward integrating the LRASM subsystems and getting the missile into additional flight testing," said Mike Fleming, LRASM program manager in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "Testing and validation of subsystems is on schedule and will lead to All-Up-Round flight tests in early 2013.

"Our experience with related missile technology development efforts, such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Missile-Extended Range program, is directly benefiting our efforts on LRASM."

The LRASM sensor suite consists of a radio-frequency sensor to detect ships, a weapon data link for communications and an electro-optical seeker for positive target identification and targeting.

Lockheed is developing the stealth LRASM missile under a U.S. military contract.