US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center - Non-Line-Of-Sight-Launch System (NLOS-LS)

Project Overview: Non-Line-Of-Sight-Launch System (NLOS-LS) is identified by congress as one of the 18 core programs of Future Combat Systems (FCS). Netfires LLC, a combination of Raytheon and Lockheed-Martin associates, has been working with the US Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development, and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) on this effort. NLOS-LS will eventually consist of a family of artillery missiles that are fired from a vertical launcher, can be deployed by either ground or air, and can be networked quickly to engage the enemy.

Currently the purpose of NLOS-LS is to design 2 missiles and a launch unit that can be incorporated into the FCS network of the future. Once the technology has been designed, NLOS-LS will be produced for Boeing Corporation to include in the FCS Unit of Action. The two missiles will consist of a Precision Attack Missile (PAM) and a Loitering Attack Missile (LAM). The LAM will have the capability of searching wide areas for targets, by using laser radar, and relaying the locations back to a commander who can then deploy the PAM to strike the target. The system has automatic target recognition technology that will help in providing a responsive, precision attack of high-payoff targets. The missiles will have 2-way data links attached to provide for re-tasking while in flight and to download images.

The program looks to develop these missiles between FY04-FY07. CenGen Inc participated in the testing and evaluation of prototype networked communication systems to allow missile-to-missile and missile-to-ground/air users during 2004.