Demonstration blends Stinger and Javelin capabilities
Lightweight command launch unit offers reconnaissance capability as well as control for Stinger and Javelin missiles.
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
-
![How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%]()
How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%
The new small arms training approach includes the use of data and simulation capabilities, as well as more realistic environments.
-
![Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles]()
Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles
The PrSM missiles, known as Increment 1 weapon systems, will eventually replace the US Army’s Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
-
![US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years]()
US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years
The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office plans to deploy armoured and infantry platoon configurations around FY2027.
-
![Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs]()
Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs
Penske Australia will also carry out local assembly and testing of Allison X1100 series cross-drive transmission under licence using kits supplied by South Korea's SNT Dynamics.
-
![Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions]()
Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions
Swedish company showcases Arctic UGV test as it eyes NATO defence market expansion.
-
![US Army Project Convergence to evaluate CJADC2 in the Indo-Pacific theatre]()
US Army Project Convergence to evaluate CJADC2 in the Indo-Pacific theatre
As part of its experimentation campaign, the service will assess CJADC2 concepts and capabilities in challenging environments.
