Lockheed Martin has successfully completed the Lower Tier Project Office flight test of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, US.
During testing, two PAC-3 missiles were fired according to the current doctrine for successful detection, tracking and destruction of a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target.
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The TBM target was intercepted by the first interceptor, while the second missile self-destructed as planned.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control PAC-3 missile programmes vice-president Richard McDaniel said the test flight provided the company with an opportunity to demonstrate the missile’s capabilities against a challenging TBM target.
"Our preliminary data indicate that all objectives were achieved," McDaniel said.
The testing was focused at lowering risk for test flight of the PAC-3 missile segment enhancement (MSE), which is scheduled to be carried out in late 2013.
Jointly manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed, PAC-3 is an advanced, hit-to-kill air defence projectile weapon designed to defeat a broad spectrum of incoming TBMs and cruise missiles, as well as aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by direct, body-to-body impact.
The PAC-3 MSE is an upgraded version of combat proven PAC-3 air defence missile, featuring a powerful motor, larger fins and other structural modifications that provide increased manoeuvrability against faster and advanced ballistic and cruise missiles.
Upgrades include integration of Patriot system with a PAC-3 missile, PAC-3 missile canisters in four packs, a fire solution computer, as well as an enhanced launcher electronics system (ELES).
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control serves as the prime contractor for the PAC-3 MSE missile upgrade, which was selected as the primary interceptor for the Medium Extended Air Defence System (MEADS) in September 2006.
Image: US Army personnel being briefed on PAC-3 system at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait. Photo: courtesy of Sssgt Quinton T Burris, USAF.
