BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin Corporation recently completed a series of successful guided flight tests for 155mm long-range land attack projectiles (LRLAP) as part of the ongoing qualification test programme at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

The three tests evaluated the LRLAP’s long-range (63 nautical miles) flight performance and accuracy with a preconditioned tactical rocket motor in hot, ambient, and cold temperatures. All test requirements were met or exceeded, and all range, accuracy, and lethality objectives were successfully demonstrated.

“This was a critical step forward for the US Navy’s 155mm LRLAP programme,” said Tom Pfenning, Director of Precision Guided Munitions at BAE Systems. “BAE Systems continues to progress on track to fully qualify the 155mm LRLAP in support of the deployment of the advanced gun system aboard the DDG 1000.”

The 155mm LRLAP is effective against a variety of targets in multiple mission areas and was designed to provide expeditionary forces with an affordable, ship-launched alternative to currently used missiles. The LRLAP is guided by a GPS and inertial measurement unit, allowing for high levels of accuracy at ranges beyond 63 nautical miles. This capability reduces costs by requiring fewer rounds to achieve desired effects on targets and is effective where collateral damage is an issue.

BAE Systems is progressing towards completing 155mm LRLAP live fire testing in Q4 of 2013.