By Andy Choi
Lockheed Martin has achieved the initial launch of a Shadow Hawk precision-guided weapon. This successful direct target hit was conducted recently from a Shadow 200 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).
LOCKHEED MARTIN SHADOW HAWK Lockheed Martin's Shadow Hawk Munition Launches from Shadow UAS for the First Time and Achieves a Direct Hit. (PRNewsFoto/Lockheed Martin)
Shadow Hawk is a drop-glide weapon that measures 2.75-in diameter, 27-in long and weighs 11-lb. A semi-active laser seeker acts as a terminal guide, with over 1 m accuracy. Shadow Hawk presents the vital off-axis capability to ensure striking the designated targets beyond the aircraft's wing.
According to the director of advanced programs for Missiles and Fire Control business at Lockheed Martin, Glenn Kuller, the Shadow UAS’s progressive mission requires the ability to neutralize the detected and designated threats resulting from the sensor package of Shadow. This will cause only insignificant impact to the aircraft's durability. As Shadow Hawk has an inbuilt precision strike accuracy capability, it can be used effectively in urban environments entailing low collateral damage.
Shadow Hawk was tested at UAS Rapid Integration and Acceptance Center at Utah. The Shadow Hawk munition was launched from 5,100 ft altitude and propelled towards the target with speed rate of 460 ft per second. The integration of guidance electronics, control section and sensor package of Shadow Hawk enabled the weapon to strike the target, at just 8-in off the laser spot center. The target received a ground location laser designator for initial demonstration.
Shadow Hawk is a compact, portable, lightweight modular precision weapon that can provide lethal anti-personnel warhead with high-efficiency from UAS platforms having accurate weight payload capacities and limited size. With its low weight, Shadow UAS can have extended time-on-station, enabling the efficient operation of target acquisition, critical reconnaissance and surveillance.
Source: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/