Following flight testing at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, Ariz., the Mast Mounted Sight-Diode Pumped (MMS-DP) Laser Rangefinder/Designator (LRF/D) developed by Northrop Grumman and partner DRS Technologies successfully demonstrated its capabilities for the U.S. Army.

The MMS-DP LRF/D is designed as a drop-in replacement for the legacy MMS LRF/D, which was also produced by Northrop Grumman. The system allows the U.S. Army's hunter-killer helicopter teams to remain concealed while acquiring and illuminating targets and guiding Hellfire and other laser-guided munitions to those targets from much greater stand-off ranges.

"With the ability to easily replace legacy systems that have been in use for 25 years and commonality in the core design that supports other Army platforms, we are confident this system will meet a variety of needs," said Gordon Stewart, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Laser Systems business unit.

"With the flight testing now complete and pending final approval by the government, we are prepared to move into production and deliver initial units."

Using advanced diode pumped technology, the MMS-DP laser system performs the same range finding and targeting functions for laser-guided weapons as the legacy system with greater reliability and significantly lower power consumption.

Additionally, its interchangeability with the legacy laser enables the Army's Forward Repair Activities to readily replace more than 600 original lasers with the modern, diode pumped version.

For the flight testing, the MMS-DP laser system was installed on a Kiowa Warrior helicopter. The Army's testing fully exercised the system's capabilities, which included guidance of a live Hellfire missile to its target.