Cheap, Fast, Deadly: NETFIRES “Missiles in a Box” (NLOS-LS)
Jan 11, 2011 13:25 EST
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The basic concept of NETFIRES is to develop a family of artillery-like precision attack missiles based upon a vertical launcher design. Yet the idea goes far beyond that simple description. The NETFIRES CLU box launcher is intended to be be fully autonomous, meaning it can be dropped off anywhere and operate on its own without a support vehicle. The launch unit includes power generation and control systems as well as a total of 15 missiles, each with a warhead similar in size and capability to a 155mm artillery shell.
The system is also known as XM501 Non Line-Of-Sight, Launch System, or NLOS-LS. At one time, it was one of Future Combat systems’ most promising programs, slated for early fielding to the Army and even for integration with US naval forces. It has been canceled in both areas, and its absence threatens to leave a serious hole in both the Army’s and Navy’s modernization plans.
- The NETFIRES Concept
- NETFIRES Missiles
- Contracts and Key Events [updated]
- Appendix A: Lockheed’s Successful Design Improvement Workshops
- Appendix B: Additional Readings & Sources
Get instant access to DII's story of the development of the NETFIRES program NLOS-LS attack missile when you subscribe to DII. Our article network and reference materials include:
- Discussion of the concept and function of the Non Line-Of-Sight, Launch System, or NLOS-LS
- News of testing on moving and stationary targets
- Discussion of Lockheed Martin's cost-reduction efforts, and its award-winning performance (America's Best Plants, Manufacturer of the Year and the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing)
- Quotes from involved parties: "Our program approach is to test early and test often Ö"
- Quick links to related articles from the DII archive including: USN Approves LCS Surface Warfare Package - But Doubts Remain, "FCS Phase 1 Spinouts Prepare for Production," and "USA's $160
- Billion Future Combat Systems Restructured"
- 7 photos and diagrams
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