The Direct Connect Transition Test was conducted at L3Harris’ facility in Orange County, Virginia, with representatives from Lockheed Martin and the Army’s Aviation and Missile Center present to witness the final transition test. L3Harris said the testing demonstrated readiness to support extended-range capabilities needed to provide an advantage in future threat environments.
The test validated a critical risk-reduction activity for the missile’s propulsion architecture. Lockheed Martin said the successful booster-to-ramjet handoff removes the primary technical barrier to flight-testing its PrSM Increment 4 design.
Flight testing of the missile is scheduled to begin in the fall of this year. Lockheed Martin said the program remains on track for operational fielding.
The design is a next-generation missile system under development to deliver precision effects at extended ranges. It is intended to launch from existing platforms, including the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System and the Multiple Launch Rocket System.
Lockheed Martin said the innovative propulsion architecture enables ranges beyond 1,000 kilometers while remaining compatible with existing HIMARS and M270 launchers. The company said this would provide long-range precision-strike capability without requiring new launch platforms or logistical changes.
Following extensive engine ground testing in both booster and ramjet modes, a flight test this year is expected to demonstrate near-tactical range performance. The companies said the testing also shows mature propulsion technology for future long-range strike missions.
The ramjet-powered engine is intended to double the range of the baseline PrSM. Lockheed Martin said the configuration also combines high-control authority and high terminal velocity, complicating adversary interception and enabling engagement of relocatable land targets and moving maritime targets.
The missile uses the same transport container as earlier PrSM increments. It can also be moved by C-130 aircraft using current logistics infrastructure, allowing the Army to upgrade firepower without new launch platforms or supply chain changes.
“Rapidly advancing our next-generation propulsion system through ground test and into flight test demonstrates our unique ability to deliver on the Army’s mission requirements and near-term fielding plans,” said Scott Alexander, President, Missile Propulsion, Missile Solutions, L3Harris. “Our propulsion system strikes a balance between capability and affordability by meeting the Army’s requirements for speed, range and lethality.”
“The Direct Connect Transition Test shows the missile’s core propulsion is not a future concept but a validated capability that can be loaded onto current HIMARS and M270 launchers quickly, dramatically shortening the time to warfighter delivery,” said Randy Crites, Vice President, Advanced Programs, Lockheed Martin.
L3Harris said it has invested significant internal funding over the past two years to mature its propulsion technology. The company said it is investing and innovating ahead of need and is ready to deliver defense technology at the speed and scale required by the Department of War.
Lockheed Martin and L3Harris have made a combined investment of more than $300 million in additive manufacturing and automation. The companies said the investment has built a rapid production hardware pipeline to support an accelerated fielding schedule.
The L3Harris Orange County campus covers more than 2,000 acres and includes 256,000 square feet of manufacturing space. The site also includes a static test facility, an aerothermal propulsion lab and an altitude test site.
