Lockheed Martin has secured a contract to work on Phase II of the US Army’s long-range precision fires (LRPF) programme.
Phase II of the programme will involve technology maturation and risk reduction for the development of a prototype LRPF missile system.
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The prototype missile system will have a launch pod missile container and a fully integrated surface-to-surface guided missile that will be compatible with the multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) M270A1 and M142 high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) launchers.
Valued at $73.8m, the contract requires the company to design, develop and fly multiple prototype missiles during the 36-month Phase 2 LRPF contract.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Precision Fires vice-president Scott Greene said: "Lockheed Martin has invested heavily in leveraging our legacy of unrivalled performance and affordability on the combat-proven tactical missile system (TACMS) programme to create the next generation long-range precision engagement weapon.
"We intend to demonstrate to our army customer that our LRPF solution will be the most cost-effective, precise and reliable munition to meet their future long-range engagement needs."
The initial LRPF Phase 1 risk-reduction contract was successfully completed in May 2017.
The LRPF will provide the US Army's combatant commanders with next-generation missiles with ranges up to 499km.
According to Lockheed Martin, the missile can be used for time-sensitive operations in a variety of conditions.
