Army tests missile launch demonstrator

The tube integrity and missile stack integration of a demonstrator multi-mission launch system has been successfully verified in U.S. Army testing.

The testing involved the use of three missiles and was conducted by the Army's Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2-Intercept Product Office with support from the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center.

The Army said the three missiles launched included an Air Intercept Missile 9-X that intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle after launch, a low-cost active seeker and a mini hit-to-kill interceptor.

"This, yet again, demonstrates a positive step forward for the MML," said James Lackey, AMRDEC Director. "MML will be critical in providing expanded ground troop area protection capabilities by enabling kinetic kill lethality effects against a variety of advanced, airborne incoming threats.

"I am very proud of the AMRDEC Team for keeping the focus and solidly executing requirements to both affordable cost and efficient schedule."

AMRDEC is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for the Army. Its MML Program is designing and building two MML prototypes for integration into the IFPC Inc 2-I system during the technology maturation and risk reduction phase of development.

The MML, built on open system architecture, will be able to launch a variety of air defense interceptors against cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles and will be fielded in 2019.