FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                        DATE: 27 OCT 99

    The U.S. Navy’s Standoff Land Attack Missile - Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) scored a direct hit on a simulated surface-to-air missile radar truck last week during successful completion of its first phase of verification testing at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWC-WD) China Lake, Calif., test ranges. The test brought the Boeing-made missile one step closer to entering full rate production.

    On Oct. 21, two U. S. Navy F/A-18 pilots from the NAWC-WD Weapons Test Squadron completed this important SLAM-ER test. Navy Lt. Keith Henry launched the SLAM-ER from an F/A-18C Hornet. SLAM-ER flew more than 80 nautical miles en route to the target area where another F/A-18C pilot, Lt. Russ McCormack took control. During the last moments of flight, Lt. McCormack identified the target and updated the SLAM-ER’s navigation commands using five Stop Motion Aimpoint Updates, which ensured precise selection of the final point of impact.

    The test demonstrated the enhanced software features that contribute to the SLAM-ER’s ability to hit the critical node of a simulated Surface-to-Air-Missile site – sites similar to those encountered in Operation Allied Force. "With this new software, we increased the missile’s accuracy at the same time we reduced the pilot’s workload," noted Paul Achille, Deputy Program Manager for the Navy’s Standoff Missile Systems Program. "This combination allowed us to hit the target within three feet of the mission-planned aim point."

    Achille also emphasized that SLAM-ER is setting the new definition of what a precision guided munition is.

    With the completion of this test, the SLAM-ER test program now shifts into another phase of OPEVAL (Operational Evaluation) consisting of captive carry testing and four free-flight tests. The final phase of testing, scheduled to begin in November 1999 with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Nine, also located at China Lake, should be completed in January.

    SLAM-ER achieved an early operational capability this summer and is currently deployed in several operating areas.

For further information contact: Ms. Cathy A. Partusch, Public Affairs Officer, PEO (CU), Pager, 888-534-6628 or Mr. Bob Holsapple Public Affairs Officer, Science Applications International Corp. Pager: 800-376-3440 Office: (703) 414-3981. For more information on PEO (CU) Programs check the Internet at http://www.peocu.js.mil.