The PAC-3 is a hit-to-kill missile designed to defeat tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. Credit: © 2022 Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Lockheed Martin and the US Army have successfully conducted the first live target engagement using its Remote Interceptor Guidance-360 (RIG-360) capability.

The prototype missile communication device demonstrated its ability to serve as the uplink to an in-flight PATRIOT Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) missile to intercept a cruise missile target.

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The US Army Integrated Flight Test-2 was conducted at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico.

The communication technology, RIG-360, has been designed to leverage target data from several sensors and offer a 360° engagement capability to an interceptor.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Integrated Air and Missile Defense vice-president Scott Arnold said: “This successful test confirms our RIG-360 prototype as one of the many ways we continue to deliver technology to ensure our customers stay ahead of the full spectrum of 21st century threats.”

During the test, Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) used the RIG-360 prototype as a data link to the Patriot interceptor to engage the target.

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It proved IBCS’s ability to combine with the new weapons data link. The test also removed the existing dependency of the Patriot radar in IBCS’ architecture to provide the communication link.

Northrop Grumman combat systems and mission readiness vice-president and general manager Christine Harbison said: “IBCS’ ability to integrate with any available networked sensor and effector provides the warfighter flexibility, time, and dominance in the battlespace.

“With every unique system test, the IBCS architecture has proven that the system is defining the possibilities of providing command and control across domains.”

Last week, Switzerland requested the sale of 72 PAC 3 Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE) missiles from the US.

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