The first tests of a new operational tactical missile passed in the USA
Graphic image of a promising tactical missile from Lockheed Martin
In the United States, the first tests of the latest promising operational tactical missile, created under the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program, were completed. As the bmpd blog reports with reference to the Lockheed Martin press service, the tests passed on December 10.
Lockheed Martin Corp. conducted the first test at the US White Sands missile range in New Mexico, the promising Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) tactical missile. The prototype was launched from the M142 launcher of the HIMARS missile system and flew about 240 km to the target area. The corporation said that "the test was successful with all the set goals."
The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) program, launched in 2017, involves the creation of a new generation of high-precision operational-tactical missiles with the official initially declared range from 60 to 499 km, but the development was carried out taking into account the US exit from the INF Treaty. According to reports, the rocket is already capable of flying at 550 km, and according to other sources - up to 700-750 km.
In the future, the new missile should replace the Lockheed Martin MGM-140 ATACMS tactical missiles.
One of the requirements for the new missile is that it must be launched from standard launchers of the American M270A1 MLRS and M142 HIMARS missile systems, but, unlike ATACMS, the M270A1 MLRS launcher should have four PrSM missiles (instead of two ATACMS), and on the launcher M142 HIMARS - two PrSM missiles (instead of one ATACMS).
It is assumed that by the end of the 2020 year, the U.S. Army will make a choice between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon rockets (a competitor, creates its own rocket), the mass production of which will begin already in the 2023 year.
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