Lockheed Martin [LMT] March 19 said it demonstrated the ability of its DAGR® missile to launch from an Apache AH-64D helicopter and repeatedly hit a target during a recent series of Air Worthiness Release (AWR) live firing flight tests at Eglin AFB, Fla.
The AWR tests demonstrated DAGR’s capability as an air-launched weapon.
In each of the 16 flight tests, a DAGR missile locked onto the laser spot illuminating the target before launch. When launched, each missile flew between 1.5 and 5.1 kilometers and hit the target within one meter of the laser spot.
“These flight tests confirm DAGR’s ability to safely launch and separate from a moving, diving platform without degrading aircraft or weapon performance,” said Kevin Fitzpatrick, close combat systems development program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “These tests also validate DAGR production readiness at our Ocala [Fla.] Operations facility.”
Before AWR testing, Lockheed Martin completed DAGR System Qualification testing, validating the missile and rail-mounted canister for use in aircraft captive carry, storage and transportation operations.
The 30 System Qualification guided flights demonstrated DAGR’s ability to hit moving targets, devastate tactical targets such as structures and trucks, and achieve high accuracy when launched with a 7-degree offset, up to six kilometers away from the target.
DAGR incorporates proven Hellfire II technology into a 2.75-inch/70 millimeter guidance kit that integrates seamlessly with legacy Hydra-70 rockets. Its lock-on-before-launch mode ensures the missile identifies the correct target before launch. Multiple DAGRs can be fired in rapid succession at different targets using different laser codes from multiple designators. The result is a laser-guided missile that puts a 10-pound warhead within one meter of the laser spot, defeating high-value, non-armored or lightly-armored targets while minimizing collateral damage.
Lockheed Martin has conducted more than 40 DAGR guided flights from ranges of 1 to 6 kilometers. DAGR has been launched from multiple Hellfire-equipped rotary-wing platforms, including the Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, as well as the ground-based Hellfire/DAGR pedestal launcher.