DALLAS, May 23 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin's new Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System Alternative Warhead has successfully concluded its first EMD flight test.
The warhead, designed to achieve the same area-effects as the GMLRS sub-munitions warhead but without the lingering danger of undetonated explosives, was launched from a HIMARS mobile launcher at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
In the engineering, manufacturing and development exercise, it flew 21.7 miles to the target and detonated.
Two weeks earlier the warhead had performed as expected in a ground-based test.
"These tests are early indicators that we are on the right track in developing a warhead that meets the requirements defined by our armed forces, and that gives our soldiers and Marines a distinct advantage on the battlefield," said Scott Arnold, vice president of precision fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
The alternative warhead is being developed by ATK under subcontract to Lockheed. Lockheed last year received a $79.4 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop the warhead.
