A Multi-Mission Launcher, like the one shown mounted to a truck in this picture, was used to launch a Lockheed Martin-built Miniature Hit-to-Kill interceptor during a test exercise held Monday. (Image: U.S. Army)
A Lockheed Martin Miniature Hit-to-Kill interceptor was successfully shot from a Multi-Mission Launcher Monday during an exercise held at the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
According to a media statement from Lockheed Martin, the launch was held so that the “agility and aerodynamic capability” of the missile could be examined.
The U.S. Army will eventually use the missile against enemy rockets, artillery, and mortars.
The Multi-Mission Launcher that the interceptor was fired from is an important part of the Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 – Intercept program, which the military branch said it uses to safeguard ground forces and critical assets from attacks made by enemy drones, cruise missiles, rockets, artillery, and mortars.
Lockheed Martin said the missile is capable of destroying threats from much further distances than permitted through the use of current missiles.
“This test is a critical milestone demonstrating the interceptor’s maturity, and we look forward to continuing to build on this success using key data gathered from today’s launch,” said Hal Stuart, manager of Lockheed Martin’s MHTK program, according to the statement.
The Miniature Hit-to-Kill interceptor used for the launch measured at around two feet in length and weighted five pounds. This miniscule build allows military personnel to fire a number of the missiles out of the same launcher.
Hit-to-Kill technology destroys threats using kinetic energy that is created when it strikes the target. Using a missile possessing this technology is advantageous because the distance of the launch to the point of contact diminishes the possibility of collateral damage.
Filed Under: Aerospace + defense
