08 Jan 07. Lockheed Martin has successfully conducted two demonstrations of its Multi Mode Enhanced Laser Detection and Ranging (E-LADAR) seeker at Redstone Arsenal, AL, and at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Dallas.
The Redstone tests assessed the system’s capability to independently acquire and track targets in standalone Semi-Active Laser (SAL) and LADAR modes, as well as simultaneous SAL and LADAR target identification, acquisition and tracking in a cooperative engagement. The Dallas tests verified the system’s performance against moving and stationary targets. All tests were fully successful and met or exceeded expectations.
Lockheed Martin’s low-cost, dual-mode seeker design was developed and operationally demonstrated to provide unique high-resolution, three-dimensional target imaging for multiple applications. The system is designed to conduct wide-area searches and identify actual or potential threats, including targets partially obscured by camouflage or foliage. Additionally, the system can be operated in a high resolution terrain mapping mode.
“The success of this program exemplifies the important role Science and Technology has in mitigating development risks and lowering costs for weapon systems,” said Greg Haynes, Non Line of Sight – Launch System (NLOS-LS) Army Technology Objective (ATO) manager at the Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC). “In addition, significant progress was made in lowering the seeker cost while enhancing performance.”
This LADAR sensor and planned variants have short- and long-range capabilities from less than one kilometer to as far as 20 kilometers. The sensor system can be packaged to make it suitable for integration aboard manned or unmanned aerial vehicles. It will provide reliable performance under a wide variety of conditions.
“The exponential growth of our E-LADAR performance is astounding,” said Rick Edwards, vice president – Tactical Missiles and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We strongly believe that this dual mode sensor is going to revolutionize the target acquisition business, setting the new standards for performance.”
Lockheed Martin has a family of proven LADAR sensors that range from very short-range navigation systems to missile seekers to long-range reconnaissance assets. Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of innovative technologies that protect the warfighter.
“The performance of this Enhanced LADAR version is outstanding,” said John Metzger, lead engineer for Research and Technology at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “These tests have shown a 174 percent increase search rate capability over previous NetFires and Low-Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS) variants, and a 50 percent improvement over the NLOS-LS SDD baseline.”
The NetFires LLC, a limited liability company formed by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, was established to develop the NLOS-LS consisting of the Loitering Attack Missile (LAM), the Precision Attack Missile (PAM) and the Container Launch Unit (CLU). The LAM is no longer being funded as part of NLOS-LS.
Lockheed Martin designed loitering munitions have achieved multiple successful flight tests with multiple airframe configurations. LAM’s LADAR seeker has been successfully demonstrated under previous DARPA NetFires and U.S. Air Force LOCAAS programs.
Loitering munitions with ATR technology will provide early entry forces with responsive artillery to hold moving or stationary enemy forces at risk anytime anywhere in the area of interest.