In a groundbreaking collaboration with the U.S. Army, Lockheed Martin has achieved a pivotal milestone in the integration of the Spike NLOS Long Range Precision Munitions Directed Requirement (LRPM DR) system onto the U.S. Apache Echo Model V6 attack helicopter.
Apache Echo Model Upgrade: Spike NLOS Missiles to Enhance US Army Apache Fleet (Photo: FlightGlobal)
Tom Bargnesi Highlights Spike NLOS Readiness for Apache Fleet Integration
In a recent news development published by Defence Blog, in December 09, 2023, the successful live firing of eight Spike NLOS All Up Rounds (AURs) at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona signifies the clearance of this cutting-edge system for Airworthiness Release (AWR). The Apache Echo Model now stands equipped with a premier defense capability, setting the stage for heightened precision and accuracy in complex threat environments.
Tom Bargnesi, program management senior manager of the Precision Strike team at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, emphasized the readiness of the Spike NLOS system for integration onto the U.S. Army’s current  Apache Echo Model V6 attack helicopter or Apache fleet. This successful demonstration underscores the system’s adaptability and its role as the defense capability of choice.
The AWR clearance positions Lockheed Martin to deliver 21st-century security solutions to the Army, marking a significant leap forward in addressing evolving mission requirements. The collaboration sets the stage for the Army’s plan to equip all 18 Apache Echo Model V6 platforms with the Spike NLOS LRPM DR system by September 2024.
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Spike NLOS: A Versatile and Advanced Defense Solution
According to the news released by Shephard Media, the live demonstration not only validated the firing capabilities of Spike NLOS AURs but also showcased its versatility across various mission scenarios. Lockheed Martin’s plans to train U.S. Apache Echo Model V6 attack helicopter pilots for system utilization in mid-2024 further solidify the commitment to seamless integration.
With a history dating back to its covert use by the Israel Defense Forces since 1981, the fifth-generation Spike-NLOS system stands out for its extended range of 20 miles and advanced guidance features. The “man-in-the-loop” mode, allowing real-time adjustments during the missile’s terminal phase, positions  Apache Echo Model Spike NLOS as a game-changer in the landscape of precision munitions, setting new standards for operational flexibility and effectiveness.
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