Long Range Precision Fires Capability Tested from U.S. Helicopter

The U.S. Marine Corps successfully tested a new Long Range Precision Fire (LRPF) capability from a AH-1Z helicopter.

The event was  executed at Yuma Proving Grounds (YPG) in Yuma, AZ where an AH-1Z conducted single launch by way of a wireless application via Marine Air-Ground Tablet (MAGTAB).

The November test at YPG exceeded the threshold requirements with regards to position, navigation, and timing. This activity marks the first time a Marine Corps rotary-wing platform has employed a weapon system using a tablet-controlled device.

“Assessments of current and future capability gaps of the fleets needs identified this LRPF initiative as a cost-effective, long-range precision weapon for use against maritime and land-based targets,” said Col Scott Shadforth, Director, Expeditionary Maritime Aviation – Advanced Development Team (XMA-ADT).

An official press release did not describe the type of LRPF weapon that was tested.

According to available information,the LRPF programs are: Extended-Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA); Precision Strike Missile (PrSM); Strategic Long-Range Cannon (SLRC); and the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW). Other LRPF initiatives include conversion of a Navy Standard Missile (SM)-6 battery by 2023 and Tomahawk missiles to engage moving targets, both on land and at sea, at ranges from 500 to 1500 km.