Lockheed Martin’s DAGR missile demonstrates ground launch capability in guided flight tests

Lockheed Martin recently conducted two separate DAGRÆ missile flight tests, successfully firing the missiles from a prototype pedestal launcher and hitting a stationary target.

The tests, which took place at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., demonstrated DAGR’s capability as a ground-based weapon. In each flight test, an inert DAGR missile locked onto the laser spot illuminating the target before launch. Upon launch, each missile flew 3.5 kilometers and hit the target within one foot of the laser spot.

These tests demonstrated the DAGR missile is as accurate on the ground as it is in the air,î said Ken Musculus, director of air-to-ground missile system programs in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. ìThe tests also verified the missile’s ability to acquire targets prior to launch, a capability that currently-fielded 2.75-inch guided rockets cannot deliver.

Lockheed Martin’s pedestal launcher features four M299 launcher rails, associated cables and electronics, providing full compatibility with HELLFIRE II and DAGR missiles. DAGR’s canister mounts to the pedestal launch rails as it would on a standard HELLFIRE launcher designed for aircraft.

DAGR incorporates proven HELLFIRE II technology into a 2.75-inch/70 millimeter guidance kit that integrates seamlessly with legacy Hydra-70 rockets. 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. DAGR’s lock-on-before launch mode ensures the missile identifies the correct target prior to launch.
Lockheed Martin has conducted more than 30 DAGR flight tests from ranges of 1 to 5.1 kilometers. DAGR has been launched from multiple HELLFIRE-equipped rotary-wing platforms, including the AH-64D Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior.