The JAGM system of Lockheed Martin Is Approved for Low-Rate Initial Production

ORLANDO, Fla., the USA (BulgarianMilitary.com), June 28, 2018, Author: Bm Team, Photo credit: Capt. Brian Harris/U.S. Army

As already stated earlier today by BulgarianMilitary.com, this week is quite busy for Lockheed Martin.

Yesterday on 27th June 2018, the Company announced its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) system has been approved to enter into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP), learned BulgarianMilitary.com.

The JAGM system is a multi-sensor air-to-ground missile, is intended to replace the combat proven missiles HELLFIRE Romeo and HELLFIRE Longbow.

The multi-mode guidance section of the JAGM ensures enhanced performance on the battlefield. The system also features improved Semi-Active Laser and millimetre wave radar sensors that provide accurate strike and fire-and-forget capability against stationary and moving land and maritime targets in unfavourable weather conditions and obscured battlefield situation.

The JAGM system has passed flight tests before being approved for LRIP, which have proved its effectiveness and technical maturity.

A 24-month contract for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the JAGM program, which included JAGM production, test qualification and integration on the AH-64E Apache and AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, was awarded to Lockheed by the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. The EMD phase involved an initial low-rate manufacturing capability as well in support of 3 follow-on LRIP options. US Army Initial Operational Capability is expected at the beginning of next year.

The photo above shows loading of an AGM-114 Hellfire missile on an AH-64E Apache helicopter, Kunduz, Afghanistan.

BulgarianMilitary.com