The British Army has test-fired the latest Javelin command launch unit at a record range of 4 kilometers (2.48 miles).
The record shot at Salisbury Plains demonstrated the Javelin’s Lightweight Command Launch Unit’s (LWCLU) enhanced battlefield effectiveness.
“The UK Armed Forces are pioneers in firing the LWCLU out to the 4K range, making them the first in the Javelin international user group to conduct this activity,” UK Defence Equipment and Support Javelin project manager Victoria Thornhill said.
“This is a major achievement for the UK Javelin programme, delivering UK Armed Forces with a lighter, more capable anti-tank weapon that will change the dynamics of battle.”
The LWCLU is 30 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter compared to the current Block I Command Launch Unit.
It can detect and recognize a target from twice the maximum range of the Block I due to enhanced camera resolution.
The unit offers day and night engagement capability, even in adverse weather and “battlefield obscurants” such as smoke screen.
It is compatible with all current, past, and future Javelin variants.
“Partnering with the British Army on this extended range LWCLU live-fire allows us to further demonstrate the robust capability of the LWCLU and the Javelin missile,” Javelin Joint Venture president and Javelin program director at Raytheon Andy Amaro said.
The Javelin is a man-portable anti-armor weapon system produced by a joint-venture of Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
The UK supplies key components in support of Javelin production, which is set to increase to 3,960 missile rounds annually by 2026 and 900 LWCLUs by 2030.
The Javelin Joint Venture contributes 56 million pounds ($76 million) to the UK economy annually at current production.
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