FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 7 (UPI) -- A U.S. company has designed a compact guided rocket for use in urban areas where collateral damage is a concern.
Lockheed Martin Wednesday unveiled the DAGR, a 2.75-inch rocket that is compatible with HELLFIRE missile launchers already in the field.
"We've leveraged existing HELLFIRE and Joint Common Missile technology to bring to market a precision weapon system that will dramatically assist in the Global War on Terrorism," said Rick Edwards a vice president at Lockheed's Missiles and Fire Control unit in Florida.
Lockheed completed some minimum-range testing last month and later this year will carry out flight-test launches from a full mix of helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The United States has been looking for weapons that offer precision guidance like the HELLFIRE but with a smaller price tag and less of a destructive punch so that it can be used to take out an insurgent position without leveling half the block.
Lockheed compared the DAGR (Direct Attack Guided Rocket) to the proven Hydra 70 rocket, which was developed during the Cold War to provide close-air support from helicopters and planes. DAGR is designed as a semi-active laser weapon with enhanced capability to lock on to a target once in the air. It also allows troops to use the system at longer range than unguided weapons.
