Lockheed Martin has successfully conducted a live-fire test of eight Spike NLOS all-up rounds (AURs) from the AH-64E Apache V6 at Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona.
The test which was conducted over five consecutive days has cleared the Spike NLOS Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement (LRPM DR) system for Airworthiness Release (AWR) for the U.S. Apache platform. This development clears the path for equipping the system onto the U.S. Army’s current Apache V6 platforms.
“This successful demonstration of Spike NLOS showcases that the system is ready to be integrated onto the Army’s current Apache fleet and provides a premier defense capability of choice when precision and accuracy matter,” said Tom Bargnesi, program management senior manager of the Precision Strike team at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
“The AWR allows delivery of 21st century security solutions to our Army customer for complex threat environments.”
The demonstration showcased the Spike NLOS AURs system’s capabilities across multiple scenarios, featuring eight Spike NLOS AURs firing from an Apache platform at various targets.
This demonstration was one of the final steps for the system to receive AWR certification. Once certified, the Army will begin fielding Spike NLOS onto its Apache V6 platforms. In mid-2024, Lockheed Martin will work with the Army to train pilots to use the system on the Apache V6 platforms.
The Army expects the Spike NLOS LRPM DR system to be fully integrated onto all 18 Apache Echo Model V6 platforms by September 2024.
Spike NLOS is a versatile missile system that uses electro-optical/infrared technology. It has an advanced rocket motor that allows it to reach ranges up to 32 kilometers. This weapon can be integrated with ground, aviation or maritime platforms, and it can strike distant or hidden targets without line-of-sight.
Additionally, the missile’s seeker and wireless datalink provide operators with real-time video imagery and control throughout the missile’s flight. This allows operators to modify or abort the mission while en route to the target.
