XM501 non-line-of-sight launch system

{{Infobox weapon

|is_missile=yes

|name= Non-line of sight launch system

|image= 300 px

|caption= NLOS missile launching from a CLU on the back of a truck

|origin= United States

|designer= Lockheed Martin and Raytheon

|production_date=Canceled

|type= Self-contained missile launch system

|speed=

|weight= {{convert|3150|lb|t ST|lk=out|abbr=on}}

|launch_platform = CLU of 15 canistered missiles on truck, ship or ground

|width= {{convert|45|in|m|abbr=on}}

|length= {{convert|45|in|m|abbr=on}}

|height= {{convert|78|in|m|abbr=on}}

|unit_cost= US$500,000 per missile

}}

The non-line-of-sight launch system (NLOS-LS) was a self-contained missile launcher system that was under development by NETFIRES LLC, a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Each Container Launch Unit (CLU) holds 15 missiles, and a self-locating networked communications system. CLUs can be linked for coordinated launching, with the missiles fired and controlled remotely via autonomous vertical launch. The weapon is roughly 2 metres tall.

The program was cancelled early 2011. It was being developed for the United States Navy's Littoral Combat Ship, but has been criticised for performance issues. The Griffin missile has been recommended for use instead. NLOS-LS was to be used primarily on the United States Army's Future Combat Systems before it was canceled.

Concept

Image:NLOS-LS truck.jpg

Image:NLOS LS reload.jpg

There were to be two types of missile used with NLOS-LS: the precision attack munition (PAM) and the loitering attack munition (LAM). The LAM was originally contracted to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, but the contract was terminated after costs rose and tests went poorly,{{Citation needed|date=June 2007}} after which, the PAM was the only armament currently being designed for the NLOS-LS.[http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/rtnwcm/groups/rms/documents/content/rtn_rms_ps_nlos_datasheet.pdf NLOS-LS product sheet] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Height: {{convert|69|in|mm|abbr=on}}
Length: {{convert|11|in|mm|abbr=on}}
Width: {{convert|11|in|mm|abbr=on}}

=Precision attack munition (PAM)=

Used to attack vehicles, armor, bunkers, and other targets of opportunity. Uses 3 modes of guidance, GPS/INS, semi-active laser homing, and autonomous imaging infrared. Carries a multi-mode warhead effective against several types of targets. It also includes an online library of pictures of targets, so that it can visually identify what it is homing in on.

==Specifications==

Weight: {{convert|117|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
Diameter: {{convert|7|in|mm|abbr=on}}
Length: {{convert|60|in|mm|abbr=on}}
Guidance: GPS/INS, imaging infrared, semi-active laser homing.{{cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/netfires.html|title=Raytheon PAM Lockheed Martin LAM (NetFires NLOS-LS) - Designation Systems}}
Datalink: Networked for in-flight updates, retargeting and images.
Motor: Variable thrust rocket motor.
Range: {{convert|25|mi|km|abbr=on}}

=Loitering attack munition (LAM)=

A loitering munition designed to fly to a preset area and loiter while autonomously seeking out targets.

Datalink: networked for in-flight updates, retargeting and images
Motor: micro turbojet
Range: {{convert|45|mi|km|abbr=on}} with 30 min loiter time

Development

November 2002 – First guided flight of precision attack missile.{{cite web|url=http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/briefs/111802.htm |title=Raytheon Precision Attack Missile makes first guided flight - Raytheon PR |publisher=Raytheon.com |date=2002-11-18 |access-date=2011-05-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606180517/http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/briefs/111802.htm |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}
December 2005 – Successful loitering attack missile boost test vehicle (BTV) flight test at Eglin Air Force Base, FL.[http://www.lockheedmartin.com/wms/findPage.do?dsp=fec&ci=17338&rsbci=0&fti=0&ti=0&sc=400&jsi=false Lockheed Martin, Netfires Llc Successfully Conduct Loitering Attack Missile Boost Vehicle Test - Lockheed Martin PR] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
April 2007 – Successful test launch of a precision attack missile from a CLU at White Sands Missile Range.[http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/netfires-llc-precision-attack-missile/story.aspx?guid=%7B71201188-8991-4CD4-8499-B7B533BC53AC%7D NetFires LLC Precision Attack Missile Launch Paves the Way for Complete System Testing - Netfires LLC PR]
June 2007 – Successful test of precision attack missile warhead against a fortified bunker.{{cite web|author=John Pike |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2007/06/mil-070628-raytheon01.htm |title=NetFires LLC Conducts Successful Warhead Demonstration for Precision Attack Missile - NetFires LLC PR |publisher=Globalsecurity.org |date=2007-06-28 |access-date=2011-05-27}}
November 2008 – Successful first test of precision attack missile fired from container launch unit. Scores hit on T-72 tank.{{cite web|url=http://www.spacewar.com/reports/NLOS_LS_Team_Completes_First_Test_Of_Missile_Fired_From_Container_Launch_Unit_999.html |title=NLOS-LS Team Completes First Test Of Missile Fired From Container Launch Unit |publisher=Spacewar.com |access-date=2011-05-27}}
May 2009 – Captive flight test clears way for over-water flights to test capability against small boats.{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Security_Industry/2009/05/05/NetFires-NLOS-LS-makes-advancement/UPI-88481241551622/ |title=NetFires NLOS-LS makes advancement |publisher=Upi.com |date=2009-05-05 |access-date=2011-05-27}}
Feb 2010 – Four out of six missiles fail to hit their targets in a limited user test.{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?channel=aerospacedaily&id=news/asd/2010/02/26/07.xml&headline=Challenges%20Ahead%20For%20NLOS-LS |title=Challenges Ahead For NLOS-LS |publisher=Aviationweek.com |date=2010-02-26 |access-date=2011-05-27 }}{{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
April 2010 – US Army calls for program to be canceled.{{cite web|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/04/defense_NLOS_axed__042610/ |title=Army asks to cancel NLOS-LS |publisher=Armytimes.com |date=2010-04-23 |access-date=2011-05-27}}
3 May 2010 – The U.S. Army removes the system from their website.{{cite web |url=http://www.bctmod.army.mil/systems/index.html |title=Army modernization | Capabilities |publisher=Bctmod.army.mil |access-date=2011-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905153715/http://www.bctmod.army.mil/systems/index.html |archive-date=5 September 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}
12 May 2010 – House Armed Services seapower and expeditionary forces subcommittee moves R&D funding to Navy budget.{{cite web|url=http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/05/military_army_navy_nlos_funding_051210w/ |title=Committee shifts NLOS R&D funding to Navy |publisher=Armytimes.com |date=2010-05-12 |access-date=2011-05-27}}
18 May 2010 – Defense Department approved an Army recommendation to cancel the program{{cite web |last=Corrin |first=Amber |url=http://defensesystems.com/articles/2010/05/14/army-cancels-launch-system.aspx?s=ds_190510&admgarea=TC_DEFENSE |title=Embattled missile program meets its demise |publisher=Defensesystems.com |date=2010-05-14 |access-date=2011-05-27 |archive-date=9 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709010916/http://defensesystems.com/articles/2010/05/14/army-cancels-launch-system.aspx?s=ds_190510&admgarea=TC_DEFENSE |url-status=dead }}
6 Jan 2011 – DefSec Gates announces end of program.{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/ID/62351/ |title="Gates Reveals Budget Efficiencies, Reinvestment Possibilities." |publisher=Defense.gov |access-date=2011-05-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110529013300/http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=63635 |archive-date=29 May 2011 }}
2012 – US Navy was to begin at-sea testing of LCS surface missile module.{{cite web|url=http://www.defense-update.com/features/2010/april/nlos_ls_navy_24042010.html |title=Army NLOS Dead. Will the Navy Keep it Alive? |publisher=Defense-update.com |access-date=2011-05-27}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20090502014118/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/NonLineOfSightLaunchSystem/index.html Non Line of Sight-Launch System - Lockheed Martin]
[http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/netfires.html NetFires NLOS-LS - Designation Systems]
[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/net-fires.htm Non-Line-of-Sight Launch System (NLOS-LS) - Global Security]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20070403024743/http://www.defense-update.com/products/p/pam.htm Precision Attack Missile - Defense Update]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20120301023700/http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/feature/nlos-ls_04-10/ Raytheon Missile Systems NLOS-LS]

Category:Proposed weapons of the United States

Category:United States Army equipment

Category:Raytheon Company products