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L3Harris Technologies has been selected by the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) to develop, test and manufacture Red Wolf vehicles for the Marine Corps’ Precision Attack Strike Munition (PASM) program. L3Harris’ Red Wolf systems will fill a gap in modern warfare with long-range precision weapons capabilities.
The Department of Navy announced the $86.2 million contract award of the PASM to L3Harris Technologies Jan 30, a critical component of the Marine Corps’ vision for enhancing the lethality and survivability of its rotary-wing assets.
PASM will provide the Marine Corps with a cost-effective, longer-range, precision weapon that can deliver diverse effects (kinetic or non—kinetic) from AH-1Z aircraft in land and sea-based environments.
The Navy’s selection builds off 52 launched effects vehicle flights, including recent low-altitude test firing from a Marine AH-1Z helicopter.
“Recent conflicts and incursions over NATO airspace, particularly with the increased use of mass-produced drones, demonstrates the urgent need for cost-effective alternatives to exquisite munitions,” said Christopher Kubasik, Chairman and CEO, L3Harris, in a company news release.
“Our proven Red Wolf system can bring affordable mass to the Marine’s arsenal of advanced munitions within the timeline U.S. officials have outlined to support the most lethal fighting force in the world.”
Over the past several years, the Marine Corps conducted a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) for the Long-Range Attack Munition (LRAM). The tests successfully proved the technology’s capability for a low-altitude, rotary-wing aircraft to perform offensive anti-surface warfare and maritime strikes. These demonstrations informed the department’s decision to award the contract.
“We are proud to partner with L3Harris Technologies to deliver a system that will provide a decisive advantage to Marine Corps pilots and support their missions worldwide,” said Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons (PEO (U&W)), in a NAVAIR news release.
PEO (U&W)’s Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Weapons program office (PMA-242) awarded the contract under an Other Transaction Agreement/Authority (OTA) – a contract vehicle used by the government to streamline research and development and prototype development.
“The use of an OTA contract is a key part of this strategy, designed to rapidly prototype and field a capability that’s essential for operations in contested environments and against advanced adversaries,” said. Capt. Lindsay Buzzell, PMA-242 program manager.
Under the contract, L3Harris Technologies will deliver all units, manuals, training, support equipment, and test equipment for AH-1Z by end of fiscal year 2027.
Red Wolf extends the range of weapons launched from vertical take-off and landing platforms to proven distances of 200 nautical miles, far exceeding the single-digit range of other rocket-launched missiles. The system’s beyond line-of-sight communication and autonomous over-the-horizon engagements will dramatically increase the number of aircraft available for strike missions.
L3Harris fielded Red Wolf systems through the Long-Range Advanced Missile program as part of the Defense Innovation Acceleration program to address critical military needs and validate requirements through operational demonstrations.
Photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps
Dario Leone: All articles
