DALLAS, 26 March 2009. A Lockheed Martin High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher fired two Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) during a U.S. Army "common launcher" feasibility demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, NM. Representatives from U.S. Army and industry conducted the "proof of concept" firing to examine the viability of firing an air defense missile from the currently-fielded HIMARS, says a representative.

The demonstration featured two modified AMRAAMs, which were rail-launched from a modified Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) enclosure assembly launch pod mounted on a HIMARS launcher.

The test included the operational test missiles (configured from excess AMRAAM assets); integration of modified Surfaced Launched AMRAAM launch rails into an empty ATACMS pod; and the launch of the AMRAAMs using the HIMARS fire control system with modified software.

The Army is evaluating HIMARS as a potential solution for a light "common launcher" for future air defense, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, and ATACMS munitions.

The demonstration was a coordinated effort between the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, Precision Fires Rocket and Missile Systems, Cruise Missile Defense Systems, Prototype Integration Facility, Raytheon Missile Systems, and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.