Compact Kinetic Energy Missile Passes Test

Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT] successfully conducted a guided test flight of its Compact Kinetic Energy Missile (CKEM) against a reinforced urban structure (RUS).

The test was conducted at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

That test demonstrated CKEM’s capability against a RUS, and gathered performance data about the missile’s guidance system. As well, the test collected thermal, shock and vibration effects data. This flight was the second of four guided test flights scheduled for this calendar year.

“This test demonstrated CKEM against a reinforced structure at the missile’s maximum kinetic energy,” said Loretta Painter, CKEM Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) program manager at the Army Research and Development Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala.

Remaining flight tests planned for this year are designed to demonstrate CKEM’s ability to fill current lethality gaps against enhanced reactive armor.

CKEM is the next generation kinetic-energy anti-tank missile. It is less than 60 inches long and weighs less than 100 pounds, yet has an extended range for direct fire, line- of-sight engagements and provides the Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, Stryker Brigades and Future Combat System platforms overwhelming lethality overmatch against all potential target sets.

Successful completion of sled tests and ATD work will ensure the missile is ready to enter the system development and demonstration, or SDD, phase of development later this year. Work on the contract will be performed at the company’s facilities in Dallas and El Paso, Texas, and Camden, Ark.