U.S. Air National Guard fires Lockheed laser-guided training rounds for first time

ARCHBALD, Pa., July 26 (UPI) -- A U.S. Air National Guard unit has successfully released eight Lockheed Martin Enhanced Laser Guided Training Rounds, or ELGTR, for the first time, the company announced Tuesday.

The release from the unit's F-16C/D Fighting Falcon Block 40/42 jets took place during recent flight evaluations at the Barry M. Goldwater Ranges in Arizona, Lockheed said in a statement.

The successful release completes the evaluation of the rounds on those aircraft.

The ELGTR replicates the key performance and laser engagement requirements of Paveway II laser-guided bombs.

ELGTR's reliability and accuracy were demonstrated while being flown under various mission conditions, with the rounds' accuracy falling within 3 meters, Lockheed said.

The training rounds are already in use on several allies' F-16s, allowing pilot training without expending tactical inventory.

Lockheed said the training rounds are recognized worldwide as the only live-fire laser-guided bomb training solution for warfighters.

It is compatible with the F/A-18 Hornet, the AV-8B Harrier II and the F-16, as well as various international aircraft.