Raytheon Conducts Initial Captive Flight Testing of Laser-Guided Maverick Missile

Raytheon Company has completed the first captive flight-testing of the laser-guided Maverick missile. The AGM-65E2/L is an air-to-ground, direct-attack missile utilized by the US Marine, Navy and Air Force Corps in combat operations.

The missile will feature new software and an improved laser seeker. The software minimizes the collateral damage risks and allows the aircraft to utilize ground-based, buddy and onboard lasing to designate various targets.

The laser seeker of the Maverick locked on to various moving and stationary targets from maximum distances of 28 km, during the tests. The tests were performed on the A-10C, F-16, and F/A-18 fighter aircraft.

Raytheon Missile Systems Air Warfare Systems’ Vice President, Harry Schulte stated that the laser-guided missile is ideal for high-speed maneuvering and urban combat targets at sea and on land.