Lockheed Martin has successfully tested its new Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3) solution for the second time, an affordable training round with a reusable launch pod designed to replace the current Reduced Range Practice Rocket for the U.S. Army and global partners.
During a flight test conducted at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Lockheed Martin successfully launched multiple training rounds demonstrating range, trajectory, accuracy and marking payload effects.
What’s New
- Second flight test: JR3 rounds launched from a HIMARS at Yuma Proving Ground, validating range, accuracy and marking payload.
- Designed for HIMARS | M270: The new all-up round and 24-rocket launch pod supports launcher crews training in different environmental conditions, enabling high-volume live fires.
- Reusable and affordable: Built on mature rocket motor technology, our modular solution has a low-cost motor and adaptable payload for cost-effective, repeatable training cycles.
Why it Matters
- Higher-training volume: Launcher crews can conduct realistic live-fire drills on constrained ranges, day or night, across multiple locations.
- Cost savings: Our solution offers lower expense-per-round, with reloadable launch tubes and the ability to reuse the launch pods.
Expert Perspective
- “Our new training round offers a scalable, very affordable solution built on mature rocket motor technology,” said Dave Griser, vice president, Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Rockets. “With a 24-round rocket launch pod, our JR3 system meets the Army’s demand for higher training volume and lower cost without sacrificing performance.”
What’s Next
- Next flight test: Another JR3 flight test is planned later this year to further validate performance.
- Scalable to future programs: Our JR3 architecture and technology can be transferable to future evolutionary efforts like the Army’s Direct Support Fires Technology initiative for mass produced low-cost, direct-fire rockets.
