Lockheed Martin has introduced a new family of inexpensive, modular air-launched cruise missiles known as the Common Multi-Mission Truck (CMMT), the company announced in a press release.

The missile was developed as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Rapid Dragon program.

The program aims to create cruise missiles that can be deployed from military transport aircraft by releasing a missile unit from a ramp.

The program began in 2021, and Lockheed Martin conducted the first prototype tests—later evolving into the CMMT—just 10 months later.

CMMT missile unit dropped from a military transport aircraft. Source: Lockheed Martin

Key components, including the warhead, engine, and hardware, can be easily swapped, offering flexibility in adapting the missile for different missions.

Lockheed Martin has developed two versions: a full-size for deployment from transport aircraft, bombers, and fighters; and a smaller version designed for use on helicopters.

By incorporating off-the-shelf components, the company accelerated development and reduced production costs.

Lockheed Martin also emphasized that CMMT’s high degree of modularity allows for production to be established in multiple locations worldwide.

Lockheed Martin’s Recent Activities

Militarnyi recently reported that Lockheed Martin completed successful flight tests of the F-35B fighter carrying the AGM-158C LRASM anti-ship missile.

The tests were conducted as part of the F-35 Block 4 modernization program, which involves expanding the aircraft’s arsenal with AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

The tests are part of the F-35 Block 4 modernization program, which aims to expand the aircraft’s weapons suite to include AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

Due to its size, the LRASM cannot be housed in the aircraft’s internal weapons bay and will instead be mounted externally.

Following these flight tests, further technical evaluations are planned.