Apr 1 2010
Lockheed Martin has completed tests of its tri-mode seeker that incorporates millimeter wave radar, semi-active laser, and imaging infrared (IR) sensors.
Lockheed Airborne Multimode Radar
This seeker is also known as the multimode seeker and is under the technology development stage. It will be incorporated in the Lockheed’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) system. The JAGM will offer an adverse weather, accurate, and a low-collateral-damage weapon for unmanned aerial system users and fixed and rotary wing pilots.
Lockheed has made several multimode seekers for missile flight, captive flight, and tower testing. The performance of these seekers under a flight environment will be verified during a forthcoming captive-carry testing event. These seekers will also be tested for vibration and thermal performance and against electromagnetic effects this year.
Structured Improvement Activity (SIA) or Kaizen events were recently conducted by the program officials at the Ocala, FL, and Troy, AL facilities of the seeker and electronics production facilities of Lockheed.
Rick Edwards, Lockheed’s vice president for Tactical Missiles and Combat Maneuver Systems informed that early development of the completely functional seeker hardware in the early program stage is enabling his company to certify its test and software integration procedures. He revealed that the Kaizen events and the recent tests have proved the maturity of the seeker that is at the core of the JAGM weapon system.