Defense contractors Raytheon Co. and Lockheed Martin teamed up to successfully fire Javelin test missiles from a remote launcher at the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center in Alabama.
The Javelin is a platform-employed anti-tank and multi-target precision weapon system. The Javelin Joint Venture team has produced over 45,000 Javelin missiles and 12,000 command launch units. The tests validated the integration of the weapon station, missile, and vehicle.
“Javelin is ready to support emerging military robotic vehicle requirements,” Sam Deneke, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president, said. “Remotely operated technology like this protects soldiers in battle.”
U.S. and coalition forces have used Javelin extensively in Afghanistan and Iraq in more than 5,000 engagements.
“Javelin offers true fire-and-forget engagements to 4 kilometers in most operational conditions,” David Pantano, Javelin Joint Venture vice president and Lockheed Martin Javelin program director, said. “Once the launch command is issued, soldiers and vehicle assets like the UGV can reposition out of harm’s way. These tests demonstrated our ability to evolve Javelin capabilities to address new missions in support of the warfighter.”
Lockheed Martin, based in Bethesda, Md., is a global security and aerospace company that is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services.
Raytheon Company, based in Waltham, Ma., specializes in defense, civil government, and cybersecurity solutions.