RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Missile canards from Liquidmetal Technologies Inc. have been delivered to Lockheed Martin for use in future testing of Lockheed's EAPS missile.
The canards are made from special amorphous alloys. Located at the front of a missile, they enhance the weapon's maneuverability in flight.
Liquidmetal said its canards have greater strength than those made from steel, greater dimensional consistency in the production process and are less expensive.
"Lockheed Martin has been an ideal development partner for this breakthrough application for Liquidmetal Technologies, creating a high precision, high performance part at a lower cost," said Dr. Bruce Bromage, Liquidmetal's executive vice president of business development.
Details on the number of canards supplied to Lockheed were not detailed.
Lockheed will use the canards on its Extended Area Protection and Survivability missile. The EAPS missile is an advanced hit-to-kill missile for use against rocket, artillery and mortar targets with reduced probabilities for collateral damage.