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Marines from Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1) conducted an operational test and air-to-surface missile evaluation (JAGM) from an AH-1Z Viper, Nov. 3-7 at Air Base D ‘Eglin Florida.
The VMX-1 fired and assessed the JAGM to determine its suitability and effectiveness in supporting advanced expeditionary base operations, such as conducting denial of sea operations in shorelines and supporting sea control operations .
Personnel of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two One (HX-21), Naval Air Systems Command Direct and Time Sensitive Strike program office (PMA-242), Army Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, Air Force 780th Test Squadron, as well as industry partners were on hand to observe and analyze data from the test event. This event can lead to significant improvements in the lethality of attack helicopters by arming them with newer ammunition equipped with two sensor technologies and optimizes missile performance on maritime targets.
“To see these professionals from all departments and industry come together to test the effectiveness and work on improving this weapon system is truly a phenomenal experience,” said VMX-1 Commander Col. Byron Sullivan. “The team is doing everything possible to ensure that this ability will be the necessary upgrade that enhances our ability to use precision strikes against fast moving sea targets.”
The team observed the test from locations across Eglin Air Force Base, focusing on weather considerations, telemetry and instrumentation, coordinating with pilots, and observing the impact area . Ultimately, the data collected will be analyzed to determine the overall effectiveness of the system and develop tactics, techniques and procedures for its use.
“Executing this type of concept development is very critical to getting it right on paper and putting more efficient systems in the hands of the fighter,” said Major Thomas Hutson, Head of the Assault Support Department at VMX-1. and member of the JAGM test. team.
This test is part of a larger effort to modernize AH-1Z and UH-1Y aircraft, in line with the commander’s vision of force modernization to maintain a competitive advantage against potential adversaries.
VMX-1’s mission is to perform operational and evaluation tests of Marine Corps aviation platforms and systems.
This press release was prepared and distributed by the Communications Directorate, Eglin Air Base.
