The Direct Attack Guided Rocket, or DAGR, a helicopter-mounted weapon, succeeded in its first ground launch, Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT] announced.
Along with earlier tests, the DAGR now has a 12 for 12 record, according to Lockheed.
In the test at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., the DAGR employed a delayed action fuze, so that the rocket penetrated the side of a stationary target vehicle before detonating.
“The live warhead test demonstrated DAGR’s ability to increase lethality and reduce collateral damage. The delayed fuze actuation allows the rocket time to penetrate an exterior before the warhead detonates, ensuring defeat of the threat,” said Jerry Brode, DAGR program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We are very pleased with the test results.”
Lockheed developed the DAGR system with internal funding. The system includes the rocket and four-pack container that mounts on Hellfire compatible launchers.
The DAGR system allows quick and seamless integration on all rotary-wing Hellfire platforms, including the Cobra, Apache, Seahawk, Kiowa and Tiger. DAGR is designed to be compatible with the M299 family of launchers, which is currently under evaluation. It provides single-switch operational flexibility with multiple variants of Hellfire, for cost- effective multi-mission capability from a single platform.
In guided flight tests, DAGR has demonstrated precision strike and objective maneuverability capabilities, hitting short- and long-range off-axis targets within one meter of the laser designated aim point.
This provides warfighters with an increased capability and engagement envelope. In the short range, DAGR is capable of easily engaging targets moving at up to 60 miles per hour and up to 15 degrees off-boresight. From extended ranges and high altitudes, DAGR is capable of engaging targets that are within a 12-kilometer diameter circle below the firing platform.