U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin conduct LRASM captive-carry flights

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin completed the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile's first flight test from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

LRASM, a precision-guided, anti-ship missile, is a follow-up to Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range. The recent test with the U.S. Navy was conducted to measure the missile's capabilities from an air-based platform. Testers measured structural loads and strains on the aircraft.

Mike Fleming, LRASM director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control said the flight test brings the anti-ship missile one step closer to operational capability.

"The flight data acquired validates the LRASM system design and clears the way for the test program to continue," Fleming said.

The missile is designed to detect and destroy targets within groups of ships, with the aim of reducing the Navy's dependence on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms. Lockheed Martin officials say the LRASM will play a role in littoral and open water combat missions and will be an asset for tactical engagements from long ranges.

Future tests on LRASM will evaluate the noise and vibration data between the aircraft and missile.