TweetThis is what the look like when an MLRS fires
Missiles and Fire Control successfully conducted the sixth flight test of a Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary rocket on March 30, 2005, at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
Test objectives included demonstrating the GMLRS Unitary rocket in the delay mode at long range. 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 proximity mode, which detonates at a predetermined height above the target allowing a greater target area to be covered.
This was the third flight of the GMLRS Unitary rocket with the enhanced capability fuze architecture. Preliminary data indicate all test objectives were achieved.
"The delay mode test of the GMLRS Unitary rocket demonstrates the ability to attack point targets where limiting collateral damage is an important tactical constraint," said Al Duchesne, director of MLRS Rocket Programs. "We continue to develop these new capabilities in the MLRS family of munitions to give our warfighters the tools necessary to achieve mission success."
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.
MFC received a $119 million contract to conduct System Development and Demonstration (SDD) for a GMLRS variant with a single warhead in October 2003. The SDD contract includes 86 rockets, 71 of which are flight articles, with the balance supporting test and other activities. The contract also provides test hardware to support 26 flight tests for an initial configuration and 39 flight tests of a follow-on configuration.
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.