Lockheed Martin has successfully tested its new Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3) solution for the second time, an affordable training round with a reusable launch pod designed to replace the current Reduced Range Practice Rocket for the U.S. Army and global partners.

During a flight test conducted at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona (photo), Lockheed Martin successfully launched multiple training rounds demonstrating range, trajectory, accuracy and marking payload effects.

What’s New?

• Second flight test: JR3 rounds launched from a HIMARS at Yuma Proving Ground, validating range, accuracy and marking payload.
• Designed for HIMARS | M270: The new all-up round and 24-rocket launch pod supports launcher crews training in different environmental conditions, enabling high-volume live fires.
• Reusable and affordable: Built on mature rocket motor technology, our modular solution has a low-cost motor and adaptable payload for cost-effective, repeatable training cycles.

Why it Matters?

• Higher-training volume: Launcher crews can conduct realistic live-fire drills on constrained ranges, day or night, across multiple locations.
• Cost savings: Our solution offers lower expense-per-round, with reloadable launch tubes and the ability to reuse the launch pods.

 “Our new training round offers a scalable, very affordable solution built on mature rocket motor technology,” said Dave Griser, Vice President, Lockheed Martin Precision Fires Rockets.

“With a 24-round rocket launch pod, our JR3 system meets the Army’s demand for higher training volume and lower cost without sacrificing performance,” he added.

What’s Next?

• Next flight test: Another JR3 flight test is planned later this year to further validate performance.
• Scalable to future programs: Our JR3 architecture and technology can be transferable to future evolutionary efforts like the Army’s Direct Support Fires Technology  initiative for mass produced low-cost, direct-fire rockets.

Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. The company’s all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those it serves always stay ahead of ready. (Photo © Lockheed Martin)