U.S. Marine AH-1Z fires secret long-range missile for first time that can reach 150 miles away

The US military is constantly developing new weapons systems against increasingly sophisticated threats to keep its fighting forces the best equipped on the planet. This week a new long-range precision fire (LRPF) missile system was reported to have been successfully tested by the US Marine Corps at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Arizona.

The “low-cost” system, developed in collaboration with L3Harris Technologies, is designed to be used for a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platform, in this case it was tested using an AH-1Z helicopter. ”This demonstration marks the first successful engagement of a target from a VTOL platform at previously untouchable ranges,” the company said in a press release.

What do we know about the secret long-range missile fired from an AH-1Z helicopter?

The new missile system is a “modular open system” according to L3Harris which “ensures adaptability in multi-domain environments.” During testing the design of the weapon “demonstrated a capability of integrating a variety of payloads to satisfy several mission sets and has proven a greater distance range than required.”

More specific details about the new weapon system remain classified but open sources claim that it has a strike range of 150 miles. L3Harris Technologies said that the missile system can reach “beyond ranges that were previously achievable.”

“This weapon system will help the warfighter handle increasingly sophisticated threats and avoid entering into adversary weapon engagement zones,” said Ed Zoiss, President, Space and Airborne Systems, L3Harris.

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