Test objectives included demonstrating the GMLRS Unitary rocket's warhead Proximity Sensor, which gives the rocket the capability to detonate at a predetermined distance above ground for improved effectiveness against soft targets.

Other test objectives were to collect temperature, shock and vibration data; verify rocket performance and evaluate warhead effectiveness.

The rocket, launched from an unmanned MLRS M270A1 launcher, was tested at ambient temperature with a range of less than 20 kilometers. All test objectives were achieved.

"This flight test demonstrated the ability of the Guided MLRS Unitary rocket to detonate the munition at a set height above ground level to deliver a blast and fragments onto soft targets," said Al Duchesne, director - MLRS Rocket Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"This is a capability our warfighters have needed for some time."

The GMLRS Unitary tri-mode fuze provides the warfighter with three distinct detonation options: Point Detonate, which detonates the warhead on impact with the target providing minimal collateral damage; Delay Mode, which detonates after impact with the target providing a penetration capability; and the Proximity Sensor, which detonates at a predetermined height above the target allowing a greater target area to be covered.

"The testing of the final mode of the three-mode fuze brings us closer to delivering this vital capability to the warfighters, which will enable them to more effectively achieve their missions," Duchesne added. "Guided MLRS Unitary is a munition I'm confident will prove valuable in a variety of missions."

Guided MLRS Unitary integrates a 180-pound unitary warhead into the GMLRS rocket, giving battlefield commanders the ability to attack targets up to 70 kilometers away with high precision. This low-cost, low-risk program will greatly reduce collateral damage by providing enhanced accuracy to ensure delivery of the warhead to the target.

Lockheed Martin received a $119 million contract to conduct a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) for a GMLRS variant with a single warhead in October 2003.

The SDD phase of this program was preceded by a successful system demonstration in 2002 of a Quick Reaction Unitary Rocket and a nine-month Component Advanced Development program. The Guided Unitary SDD program will continue through 2007.

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