Captive Flight Test Moves Raytheon and Lockheed's NLOS-LS Closer to U.S. Navy Live Fire Testing

Captive Flight Test Moves Raytheon and Lockheed's NLOS-LS Closer to U.S. Navy Live Fire Testing
May 4, 2009

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., May 4, 2009 /PRNewswire/ -- NetFires LLC, a joint venture between Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin , conducted the second captive flight test of the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System Precision Attack Missile (PAM).

NLOS-LS provides the warfighter with immediate, precise and responsive fires on high-payoff targets with real-time target acquisition and battle effects. It is also one of the key Littoral Combat Ship mission modules.

"As a key part of the LCS 'layered' surface warfare capability, NLOS-LS counters the small-boat threat," said Capt. Mike Good, U.S. Navy program manager for the Littoral Combat Ship Mission Modules. "The success of this captive flight test increases our confidence in the over-water capability of these missiles. Combined with the recent successful U.S. Army guided tests, these are important steps toward the Navy-guided flight tests scheduled for later this year."

The LCS Mission Module can fire as many as 45 NLOS-LS PAM missiles from three container launch units. With a range greater than 25 miles, the PAM missile gives the LCS an increased surface warfare weapon capability.

"These tests prove the plug-and-play missile seeker ability to detect and track targets while filling the warfighter's capability gap for precision engagement of moving and stationary targets in open and complex terrain," said Scott Speet, executive vice president of NetFires LLC and Raytheon's NLOS-LS program director.

Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 87 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 146,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion