Next-gen MHTK missile undergoes first controlled flight test

New electronics and a revamped airframe were on display in Lockheed Martin’s controlled flight test of a Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) missile on Friday at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The first test of the next-generation MHTK demonstrated its enhanced agility, accuracy, and range compared to previous iterations. The missile, which measures less than 2.5 feet and weighs about 5 pounds at launch, was designed to neutralize rocket, artillery, and mortar (RAM) targets with less collateral damage.

“The U.S. Army and international customers have made it clear that today’s global security environment demands agile, close-range solutions that protect warfighters and citizens from enemy rockets, artillery and mortars,” Tim Cahill, vice president of integrated air and missile defense at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said.

MHKT has two configurations, active and semi-active seeker, to drive affordability. It relies on hit-to-kill technology that uses kinetic energy in body-to-body contact to destroy targets.

”The design of the MHTK interceptor enables a highly effective solution in a very compact package,” Cahill said. “This test is exciting because it is another successful milestone demonstrating the interceptor’s revolutionary capabilities. We look forward to building on this success.”