Aerojet Rocketdyne teams with Lockheed Martin to develop Long Range Maneuverable Fires Missile

Aerojet Rocketdyne teams with Lockheed Martin to develop Long Range Maneuverable Fires Missile
by Simon Mansfield
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 22, 2023

The latest in a series of strategic partnerships in the space and defense sector, has seen aerospace and defense leader Aerojet Rocketdyne team up with multinational defense, security, and advanced technology corporation Lockheed Martin to develop an advanced propulsion system for the Long Range Maneuverable Fires (LRMF) missile. This initiative aligns with the U.S. Army's focus on advancing its missile systems to significantly exceed existing capabilities.

As part of this high-profile project, Aerojet Rocketdyne will draw upon their long-standing experience in propulsion technology to create a solution for the LRMF missile that Lockheed Martin is engineering for the U.S. Army. It's a bold move that showcases the expanding capabilities of these powerhouse organizations as they push the boundaries of missile technology.

The LRMF missile, which is the subject of this joint venture, stands as a new addition to the arsenal of precision fire missiles deployed by the U.S. Army. The missile is engineered to be launched from existing U.S. Army platforms, such as the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The standout feature of this weapon is its ability to engage targets at ranges far beyond those of the current Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) baseline, offering a considerable enhancement in terms of military reach and firepower.

Eileen P. Drake, the CEO and President of Aerojet Rocketdyne, weighed in on the partnership and the company's role in this project, saying, "Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion has powered U.S. Army systems for decades, and we look forward to leveraging that experience and our talented workforce to develop next-generation missiles with significantly extended range."

Drake further expanded on the strategic importance of the new missile system. She stressed that the extended-range missile does not just provide soldiers with an advantage in offensive operations. It also acts as a powerful deterrent, promising effective strike capabilities from long ranges, thereby significantly boosting the country's defensive posture.

This joint venture is part of the LRMF program's multiphase development approach, with the current phase being centered around design and risk-reduction activities. By incorporating these stages, the program ensures a systematic and comprehensive analysis and development process, enhancing the final product's performance and reliability.