NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, Patuxent River, Md. --

The Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program received the elite Laureate Award by Aviation Week and Space Technology magazine during the publication’s 60^th annual awards ceremony held March 2 in Washington, D.C.

Capt. Jaime Engdahl, Precision Strike Weapons program manager, accepted the award, which recognized the program’s significant advancements as an accelerated acquisition program.

 “The LRASM program is much more than just an urgent, rapid acquisition program fielding a much needed anti-ship capability,” said Engdahl.  “It establishes the acquisition framework for many future accelerated capabilities that our warfighters need to dominate the future battle space.”

The Lockheed Martin-built LRASM is a near-term solution for the Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare air-launch capability gap that will provide flexible, long-range, advanced, anti-surface capability against high-threat maritime targets. When operational, LRASM will play a significant role in ensuring military access to operate in the open ocean and the littorals due to its enhanced ability to discriminate and conduct tactical engagements from extended ranges.  It is set to be fielded on the B-1B Bomber in 2018 and the F/A-18 E/F in 2019.

"This award acknowledges the exceptional work of our combined government and industry team,” said Capt. Todd Huber, LRASM director. “Our mission is to accelerate the pace of both innovative technology and innovative processes to field a critical capability that meets the urgent needs of the operational community.”

Aviation Week’s Laureate Awards recognize the achievements of individuals and teams in aviation, aerospace, and defense.  The finalist’s accomplishments “embody the spirit of exploration, innovation and visions that inspire others to strive for progress, change and leadership.”