Sep 20 2007
Lockheed Martin today unveiled the DAGR? a system developed with company funding to defeat targets close to civilian assets and friendly forces due to its precise accuracy and ability to minimize collateral damage. DAGR is a semi-active laser guidance kit that adapts to 2.75-inch/70mm rockets to provide guided-rocket performance comparable to that of the precision-strike laser-guided HELLFIRE II?missile.
“Lockheed Martin has committed substantial resources to this in-house development program to make this flexible new system available to our customers,?said Rick Edwards, vice president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “We’ve leveraged existing HELLFIRE and Joint Common Missile technology to bring to market a precision weapon system that will dramatically assist in the Global War on Terror.?/p>
The DAGR guidance kit provides 2.75-inch/70mm rockets, such as the Hydra-70 and CRV-7, lock-on-after-launch and lock-on-before-launch capability, target handoff, enhanced built-in test and laser coding from the cockpit. DAGR’s off-axis capability also increases the engagement envelope, providing additional field of view for angle of attack, moving targets and wind.
Accompanied by Lockheed Martin’s four-pack launcher, the DAGR system allows quick and easy integration on all HELLFIRE platforms including unmanned aerial vehicles and Cobra, Apache, Seahawk, Kiowa and Tiger helicopters. Fully compatible with the M299 and the M310 “smart?launchers, DAGR increases launcher load out by up to four times and provides single-switch operational flexibility, drawing upon a payload that includes DAGR, as well as multiple variants of HELLFIRE, for multi-mission capability.
Additionally, due to DAGR’s compatibility with the HELLFIRE weapon system, the usual resources for fielding a new weapon system ?development, training, additional equipment and force structure ?are avoided.
“We’re very excited to offer the DAGR system to our HELLFIRE customers,?said Doug Terrell, director of International Business Development at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Nations employing the combat-proven HELLFIRE are provided maximum operational flexibility by the semi-active laser seeker HELLFIRE and its four warheads. As the latest addition to Lockheed Martin’s semi-active laser seeker family, DAGR complements the HELLFIRE II system by providing the same precision-strike capability in a 2.75-inch/70mm package against targets that do not require the full effect of HELLFIRE.?/p>
In guided flight tests earlier this year, DAGR demonstrated its precision strike and objective maneuverability capabilities, hitting short- and long-range off-axis targets within one meter of the laser designated aim point. This provides the Warfighter with increased capability and engagement envelope. In the short range, DAGR is capable of easily engaging targets moving at up to 60 miles per hour and up to 15 degrees off-boresight. From extended ranges and high altitudes, DAGR is capable of engaging targets that are within a 12-kilometer diameter circle below the firing platform.