Lockheed Martin has reached a significant milestone with the successful first flight demonstration of its innovative Joint Reduced Range Rocket (JR3), a prototype engineered to supplant the existing Low-Cost Reduced Range Practice Rocket utilized by the U.S. Army and its allied forces. This pivotal trial took place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, showcasing the JR3’s capacity to enhance realistic training scenarios while simultaneously reducing operational costs.
Following its launch, the test team efficiently reloaded another rocket into the same tube, illustrating the system’s emphasis on reusability. “With a pod capacity of more than 20 rockets, it meets the army’s demand for increased training volume and affordability without sacrificing performance,” stated Dave Griser, vice president of Precision Fires Rockets at Lockheed.
In addressing the challenges associated with military training, a Lockheed representative discussed how the U.S. Army had established an Aviation & Missile Technology Consortium agreement in July 2024. This agreement was targeted at developing a practice rocket that aligns more closely with modern training and modernization requirements, guiding the JR3’s design process. Notably, affordability emerged as a primary factor. “Design, manufacturing methods, and mature technology enable our JR3 to maintain performance while keeping costs low,” the spokesperson added, emphasizing the use of modular components to reduce both waste and production costs.
Lockheed Martin asserts that the JR3’s reusability will significantly enhance daily training routines for HIMARS and M270 crews. By minimizing downtime and allowing for more frequent live-fire practice, even in limited training environments, the rocket reshapes the way soldiers can engage in practice sessions. “With the ability to reload pods in the field, soldiers can train more efficiently and effectively,” the spokesperson highlighted.
Looking ahead, Lockheed Martin notes that the JR3’s modular architecture and advanced motor technology hold potential for integration into future programs, such as the U.S. Army’s Direct Support Fires Technology initiative. This initiative aims to develop low-cost, mass-producible rocket systems that are compatible with existing launch platforms.
The Army will determine subsequent actions as part of the ongoing contract, with Lockheed Martin indicating that further testing will proceed under the current agreement. “While future tests will be part of the OTA (Other Transaction Authority), we’re proud to have invested in the design and demonstration of this prototype — showcasing our commitment to our customers,” the spokesperson concluded.
