US Tests New Precision Missile

The US Army is testing a precision missile that can change direction during flight.

The Precision Attack Missile (PAM) is launched from the new Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS), which can carry 15 PAMs.

Programme manager of the NLOS-LS Colonel Douglas Deaver told the Navy Times the PAM is primarily designed to hit moving targets.

"It is also designed so that once the missile is in the air, a soldier can use his laser and laser two spots to get the track of the missile," Deaver says.

"He can tell the missile while it is in flight to keep adjusting where it is looking."

The PAM is part of the Army's Future Combat System and is due to be fielded by 2010.

By Tim McAtackney