Two Predator B unmanned planes built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) detected and tracked a ballistic missile target during a test in the Pacific in late June, GA-ASI said Aug. 15.
The remotely piloted aircraft, equipped with Raytheon [RTN] Multi-spectral Targeting Systems-B (MTS-B) electro-optical infrared turrets, participated in the test “as part of an ongoing program” for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, GA-ASI said. MDA is exploring whether Predators could help extend the engagement zone of Standard Missile-3 interceptors.
“The test provided valuable data in our ongoing effort to develop an effective airborne missile defense capability,” said Linden Blue, chief executive officer of GA-ASI.
The event was part of Pacific Dragon, a missile defense tracking exercise held June 26-28 off the coast of the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. The U.S., Japanese and South Korean navies also took part in the exercise.