Arnold Defense, a St. Louis based manufacturer of 70mm/2.75-inch rocket launchers, together with Thales, has achieved formal certification to fire the new Thales FZ275 70mm/2.75-inch Laser-Guided Rocket (LGR) from the Arnold Defense LAND-LGR4 “FLETCHER” rocket launcher, during recent testing in Sweden. This new certification of the FZ275 LGR, extends the range of Thales rockets that are compatible and certified to be launched from Arnold Defense rocket launchers and in particular, the LAND-LGR 4 “FLETCHER” launcher. The combination of the “FLETCHER” ground-based launcher and the FZ275 LGR (lightest and longest range 70mm/2.75-inch LGR in its class), delivers precision-guided accuracy against fixed and mobile targets, with minimal collateral damage, to dismounted rapid reaction forces. This type of capability has typically been limited to aviation-mounted platforms.
Frank Ferrante, Vice President of Programs and Business Development at Arnold Defense said: “Arnold Defense is excited to have achieved this additional certification following a highly successful series of live firing tests. We can now add the FZ275 Thales 70mm/2.75-inch rockets to the wide range of rockets that can be fired from Arnold Defense launchers, thus increasing the flexibility of our offer to the global user.” He added, “Arnold Defense works hard to meet the future needs of our customers, and this project, in partnership with Thales, delivers a significant capability enhancement to ground troops operating remotely and unsupported, increasing the range and precision of their strike without relying on air or aviation platforms.”
Stéphane Bianchi, Director of the Airborne Armament business segment at Thales said: “This is the second test firing and certification project in partnership with Arnold Defense and extends both companies’ portfolios and offering to regular and Special Forces. Thales 70mm/2.75-inch rocket systems now provide a one-stop-shop to deliver precision-guided accuracy against fixed and mobile targets across the full spectrum of delivery platforms now including ground troops.”
Thanks to features such as lightweight design, state of art propellant grain, and reduced FOD, Thales 70mm/2.75-inch rockets are used worldwide by more than 75 armed forces across more than 50 countries. The rockets have also been officially adopted by many major platforms Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) where their performance and reliability are recognized and the ability to deliver a single rocket solution for air, vehicle, and ground-based platforms provide the ultimate battlefield utility. Arnold Defense’s launchers are versatile and allow the user to select from a range of certified rocket systems to suit their specific needs or their in-service inventory. Adding the new Thales FZ275 70mm/2.75-inch rockets to the Arnold Defense certified rocket portfolio significantly extends their global capability offering.
