Demonstration blends Stinger and Javelin capabilities
Raytheon Missiles & Defense claims to have successfully completed the ‘first-ever demonstration’ for the US Army of a Stinger missile fired from a Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LWCLU).
‘The missile engaged and defeated an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), validating the capability of the combined systems to defeat emerging threats on land and in the air,’ Raytheon announced on 12 March.
In the test at Eglin AFB, soldiers from the Mississippi National Guard used a Sentinel radar simulator and a Forward Area Air Defense C2 system to track the target UAV, allowing the gunner to engage the aerial target with a Stinger Block I proximity fuse missile through the networked LWCLU.
Shephard reported in 2019 that the effective range of the LWCLU with the G-model Javelin missile will be 4.5km and with older Javelin missiles 4km based on modelling, as opposed to the flat 2.5 km with the old CLU.
‘Because LWCLU can defeat both land and aerial threats, it’s easier for soldiers to use in complex environments,’ said Tom Laliberty, VP of the land warfare and air defence business area of Raytheon Missiles & Defense. ‘It reduces the burden of carrying additional gear.’
According to Raytheon, the LWCLU enables standalone ISR missions as well as functioning as a Javelin launcher.
The system weighs 30% less than its predecessor and offers twice the sight range at night and three times the site range during the day, regardless of weather conditions, the company added.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.
-
Technology transfer: how well does it work?
Technology transfer is trumpeted by many companies as a way to tap into new markets, win contracts and expand supply and manufacturing capability. It is often used in the area of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) and these requirements are a way to see how – and if – they work.
-
The challenge of making the inflatable illusion and training centre
Faking aircraft, yanks and vehicles has a storied history through the previous century but there are others uses for inflatable systems such as more detailed and classified military equipment and training structures.
-
Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV to collaborate on land systems
New agreement between Singapore’s DSTA and Sweden’s FMV signals deepening cooperation on land systems, with potential focus on counter-UAS and mobile air defence solutions.