Lockheed's precision missile test marks a leap in military tech
The American corporation Lockheed Martin has announced another successful test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), a short-range ballistic missile. Here’s a look at what the successor to the effective ATACMS will offer the U.S. Army.
10:01 AM EST, November 23, 2024
According to the corporation Lockheed Martin, the test was conducted at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The trial was part of the verification process for the production quality of missiles from the fourth early production series, contracted in March 2024. It involved launching a pair of PrSM missiles and testing the mid-course guidance system and their ability to hit designated targets.
The successful test was commented on by Carolyn Orzechowski, Vice President of the Precision Fires Launchers and Missiles division at Lockheed Martin. "PrSM demonstrates exceptional system performance and reliability. We continue to advance this credible deterrent, integrating 21st Century Security technologies into the baseline and future variants in support of cross-domain and maritime operations," she said.
PrSM — the successor to the MGM-140 ATACMS with greater capabilities
The new missiles, developed under the program initiated in 2017, are expected to offer a range of over 310 miles, improved precision, and enhanced launcher firepower, as two missiles will fit into one launch container. This is an advantage over the MGM-140 ATACMS, which is effective against Russian forces but accommodates only one missile per container. Thus, the M142 HIMARS will be able to carry two units, and the M270 MLRS will carry up to four.
Although exact specifications are not disclosed, it is likely that PrSM missiles will feature a smaller warhead weighing 200 pounds. However, in the era of programmable fuses, the destructive effect of a larger warhead can be achieved with a smaller one. A good example is the fuse from the Swedish-German TAURUS KEPD 350 cruise missile, which can count floors to detonate at a specific bunker level.
Americans' great ambitions
A smaller warhead and more advanced miniaturized electronics create more space for rocket fuel. Combined with a higher-efficiency engine, this allows for an extended range. The current version, PrSM Increment One, is expected to employ a classic tandem of INS and GPS. Starting with Increment Two, it will have an increased range of up to 620 miles and an additional guiding warhead, enabling it to hit moving targets even under strong GPS signal jamming conditions.
It’s possible that an optoelectronic warhead will be used, similar to the AGM-158 JASSM, which provides pinpoint accuracy even in GPS jamming scenarios by independently searching for a target that matches the designated signature in the final flight phase. Another option is an active radar warhead, with this variant scheduled for completion by 2028.
