Raytheon conducts PAC-3 missile test launch

Raytheon has successfully conducted test firing of two patriot advanced capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico, US.

Comprising two single firings against single tactical ballistic missile (TBM) representative targets, the test firings form part of the field surveillance program (FSP).

Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems business integrated air and missile defence vice-president, Ralph Acaba, said the launch forms part of over 2,500 search track tests and 1,000 Patriot missiles that have been flight tested under real world combat and test conditions.

"Patriot's successful track record is testament to its continual testing and evolution," Acaba said.

"Our customers have confidence in the Patriot systems they depend on to protect their nations from evolving threats.''

Conducted annually, the FSP firings seek to demonstrate the viability and performance of existing fielded interceptors, which are randomly selected for independent assessment of the globally fielded interceptor lot.

An upgraded variant of the Patriot missile, the 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.

Jointly manufactured by Raytheon and Lockheed, the combat-proven Patriot missile is currently in service with 12 militaries worldwide, including the US, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.

Raytheon serves as the prime contractor for Patriot air and missile defence systems, and is also the system integrator for PAC-3 missile.

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Image: Patriot Advanced Capability 3 missile during Missile Defense Agency's integrated flight test in October 2012. Photo: courtesy of MDA.mil.