The Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System precision attack missile completed its first guided test flight, Raytheon Co. [RTN] announced.

NLOS is a product of NetFires LLC, a joint venture of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT].

That test was conducted at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

"The PAM missile, launched from a container launch unit, used its digital, semi-active laser seeker to score a direct hit against a T-72 tank target," said Scott Speet, executive vice president of NetFires LLC and Raytheon NLOS-LS program director. "The test demonstrated the performance of the complete NLOS-LS system."

While guiding to its intended target, the PAM joined the network with its onboard radio and sent back a terminal target image. The PAM also operated as a node on the net throughout the flight.

"NLOS-LS once again proves it is on a path to meet the Future Combat Systems lethal requirements," said Col. Doug Dever, the Army NLOS-LS project manager. "This is good news for the soldiers who will one day rely on this innovative and effective weapon system in the field."

The Army is accelerating delivery of NLOS-LS to soldiers in its 43 infantry brigade combat teams.

"NLOS-LS represents an exciting, new capability within the IBCT (Infantry Brigade Combat Team) to precisely engage moving targets," said Col. Tony Daskevich, Army Training and Doctrine Command capabilities manager for Rockets and Missile Systems.

The NLOS-LS is one of 14 Future Combat Systems core systems. As part of the FCS systems-of-systems, the NLOS-LS will meet requirements of the future brigade combat teams by providing increased capability for the current force modular BCT (Brigade Combat Team).

NLOS-LS provides the brigade commander with immediate, precise and responsive fires on high-payoff targets with real-time target acquisition and battle effects. It also is one of the key Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mission modules. The LCS is a coastal fighter capable of hunting enemy submarines and mines, and taking out terrorist-piloted "swarm boats" attacking Navy ships, all with minimal LCS crew complements.

Compared to systems with equivalent firepower, the NLOS-LS provides a modular, persistent, responsive, networked and rapidly deployable precision strike capability against moving and stationary targets.