DAGR proves land-launch value

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ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin reports its Direct Attack Guided Rocket, using canister mounts to pedestal launch rails, successfully hit its target during recent trials.

The DAGR incorporates Hellfire II technology into a 2.75-inch guidance kit that also integrates with legacy Hydra-70 rockets, resulting in a laser-guided missile.

DAGR, the company said, can put a 10-pound warhead within 1 foot of the laser target spot. It's ideal for use against non-armored or lightly-armored targets. And its lock-on-before launch mode ensures the missile identifies the correct target prior to launch.

More than 30 DAGR flight test launches have been conducted against targets from ranges as much as 3 miles distant.

Tests were conducted at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. A prototype pedestal launcher was used and proved the DAGR as a capable weapon for ground launch as well as air launch.

"These tests demonstrated the DAGR missile is as accurate on the ground as it is in the air," said Ken Musculus, director of air-to-ground missile system programs in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business.

"The tests also verified the missile's ability to acquire targets prior to launch, a capability that currently-fielded 2.75-inch guided rockets cannot deliver."

DAGR has been launched from multiple Hellfire-equipped platforms, including the AH-64D Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior.