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US Army Asks LM To Speed Up MLRS Rocket Production
Dallas TX (SPX) Jul 31, 2006 The U.S. Army has asked Lockheed Martin to accelerate production of guided Multiple Launch Rocket System unitary rockets. The MLRS is an all-weather, precision-guided rocket that provides increased accuracy thus reducing the number of rockets necessary to defeat current targets by 80 percent. It also provides increased precision and maneuverability, and it can be fired from the MLRS M270A1 and the HIMARS launchers. "The GMLRS proved itself in combat in Tal Afar (Iraq) and provided the regiment with tremendous capability," said Col. H. R. McMaster, commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and Operation Restoring Rights' senior U.S. officer. "It not only was able to hit enemy positions with a great deal of precision, but was able to limit collateral damage," McMaster said. "The physical and psychological effect the system had on the enemy in Tal Afar - who was trying either to successfully defend against an attack or goad the coalition into destroying large portions of the city - was extremely valuable." LM originally had received a $108 million contract to conduct Low-Rate Initial Production-2 for GMLRS in April 2004. In January 2005, LM completed delivery of GMLRS unitary rockets to satisfy the first Army request to convert guided MLRS rockets to unitary warhead variants. To respond to the Army's latest request for additional production, existing contracts will be modified to include delivery of GMLRS Unitary rockets scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2006. A second set of GMLRS unitaries is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2007. "Lockheed Martin will deliver the GMLRS Unitary to the warfighter as requested," said Rick Edwards, vice president for tactical missiles at LM Missiles and Fire Control. "This request is indicative of the capability that this weapon system provides to deployed troops, and highlights its value to our nation's warfighters," Edwards said. "We are committed to supporting our troops." GMLRS unitary rockets have been fired in theater with overwhelming success, LM said in a news release. "When the GMLRS was used in Tal Afar, damage to surrounding buildings was almost nonexistent, and the target's destruction was absolute," said Lt. Col. A. J. Legg, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment. "[Guided MLRS unitary is the] greatest distance-capable weapon." Guided MLRS unitary integrates a 196-pound warhead into the rocket, giving battlefield commanders the ability to attack targets up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) away with high precision. The weapon is designed to reduce collateral damage by providing enhanced accuracy. Related Links Lockheed Martin 
US To Tighten Noose On North Korean Missile Technology
Manila (AFP) July 31, 2006The United States will move to tighten the screws on North Korea's acquisition of funds and technology for manufacturing nuclear weapons and missiles, a senior official said Monday. US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill ruled out a military response by Washington over Pyongyang's continued refusal to freeze its nuclear weapons program and its snubbing of multilateral talks to end the crisis. |
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