Threat system advances require the ability to prosecute moving targets from significantly longer ranges than previously required. The combination of SLAM-ER and LSRS provides a unique solution to the prosecution of moving targets from beyond threat standoff ranges. There are no other combinations of weapons with information, security and reconnaissance platforms that can provide this capability.
The capability to attack land moving targets beyond threat engagement standoff ranges was not originally authorized for fleet employment solely because it had not completed developmental and operational testing. Certifying the SLAM-ER/LSRS kill chain through an operational test, funded by the Office of Naval Research’s Rapid Technology Transition (RTT) program, has provided the fleet with a standoff moving land targeting capability two to three years earlier than could have otherwise been obtained via Program Objectives Memorandum, or POM, action.
To achieve the required certification, SLAM-ERs were fired against simulated high-value moving land targets (e.g., mobile ballistic missile transporter erector launchers) in two tests by VX-9 and VX-31. The parameters for firing and the success criteria were part of the existing test and evaluation master plan for SLAM-ER as approved by the Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR).
As of July 2009, the SLAM-ER system with LMT capability was deemed operationally effective against LMTs when they are identified and tracked by appropriate command and control resources. COMOPTEVFOR recommended land-moving targets for fleet release on all F/A-18 aircraft using SCS-19C or H5E and higher.