U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) recently conducted a rapid test of the GRIZZLY vertical launcher for use with the AGM-179 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM).
The test follows on previous institutional knowledge testing the launcher’s use with the Hellfire missile.
“The primary objective was to support a controlled demonstration of a counter-UAS concept using JAGM and the GRIZZLY launcher to engage and disable a UAS,” said Eugene Walters, YPG test officer.
Housed in an ordinary looking 10-foot shipping container, the GRIZZLY and JAGM combination was evaluated as a containerized launch concept for Counter-UAS applications. The test at YPG was conducted in support of an industry customer and demonstrated YPG’s ability to support defense technology testing rapidly, safely, and objectively.
“We’ve tested JAGM and Hellfire extensively and have worked with a similar launcher over the past year,” said Justin Croutch, Aviation Systems & Electronic Test Division Chief. “Based on that resident institutional knowledge we’ve built over time we were able to react quickly and safely.”
YPG has nearly 2,000 square miles of restricted airspace, a vast holding used to test manned and unmanned aircraft and devices to defeat them in all stages of the development cycle. Multiple tests can be conducted concurrently and without having to compete for airspace as at many other installations.
“As industry is asked to demonstrate capabilities that will solve gaps for the military, we’re going to see industry partners and contactors that want to come out and get opportunities to test their systems in restricted airspace,” said Ross Gwynn, YPG Technical Director.
The clear, stable air and extremely dry climate where inclement weather is a rarity, as well as YPG’s isolation from urban encroachment, makes it highly coveted for this type of testing, as does the ability to control a large swath of the radio frequency spectrum. Evaluators also appreciate YPG’s vast ranges and variety of realistic targets that enable them to put their item through its paces in a variety of scenarios in a natural environment.
“The subject matter experts and culture that YPG has will make sure that we can enable them to go faster in whatever they need to get after this counter-UAS fight,” said Omar Silva, YPG Chief of Staff.
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