Defence Online

Lockheed Martin has successfully showcased its new prototype Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3) solution, a reusable pod and affordable training round to replace the current Low-Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket for the U.S. Army and global partners.

During a flight demonstration conducted at White Sands Missile Range, Lockheed Martin successfully launched the training round for the first time, demonstrating range, trajectory and reusability. After firing, the test team reloaded a new rocket into the same tube – highlighting the ability for soldiers to reuse the same rocket tube and pod in the field. This advancement provides more training rockets per pod and saves time and resources.

“Our new prototype training round offers a scalable, cost-effective solution built on mature rocket motor technology,” said Dave Griser, vice president of Precision Fires Rockets at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “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 designed to be used with HIMARS and MLRS M270 launchers, which will provide realistic live-fire practice for crews on constrained ranges. The new round enables training exercises to be conducted in a variety of environmental conditions, during day or night, at multiple facilities.

Lockheed Martin’s JR3 is not only a cost-effective solution; the technology can also be transferable to future evolutionary efforts such as Direct Support Fires Technology (DSFT) – an Army-led initiative focused on low cost, mass producible rockets compatible with HIMARS and M270 launchers. “With our unique precision fires experience, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure, we’re positioned to offer scalable solutions in that space as well,” said Griser.