Lockheed Martin has successfully conducted the inaugural test launch of its Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3) at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, US.
The JR3 is a reusable pod and training round designed to replace the existing Low-Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket used by both the US Army and its international allies.
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The flight demonstration marked the first occasion the training round was launched, which showcased its range capabilities, flight trajectory, and potential for reuse.
Post-launch, the test team demonstrated the system’s reusability by reloading a fresh rocket into the previously used tube.
According to the company, this feature underscores the practicality of field operations where soldiers can repeatedly use the same rocket tube and pod, thereby enhancing training efficiency and conserving resources.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, precision fires rockets vice president Dave Griser said: “Our new prototype training round offers a scalable, cost-effective solution built on mature rocket motor technology.
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By GlobalData“With a pod capacity of more than 20 rockets, it meets the Army’s demand for increased training volume and affordability without sacrificing performance.”
The JR3 rocket is compatible with existing High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) M270 launchers, noted the company.
It is engineered to facilitate live-fire training exercises under diverse environmental conditions and across various facilities, whether during daytime or nighttime.
Furthermore, Lockheed Martin’s JR3 technology can also be leveraged for future defence initiatives such as Direct Support Fires Technology (DSFT).
DSFT is an US Army initiative focused on developing “cost-effective” rockets that are mass-producible and compatible with current HIMARS and M270 platforms.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing the reach, payload capacity, and agility of Tactical Fires Formations. “With our unique precision fires experience, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure, we’re positioned to offer scalable solutions in that space as well,” Griser added.
