Lockheed Martin [LMT] on Monday said it worked with the Defense Department to test fire a Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor that destroyed a target using a virtualized Aegis Weapon System for the first time.
The test occurred at the White Sands Missile Range, N.M., earlier this year, but the company was unable to clarify when it occurred.
Working with multiple DoD services and components, Lockheed Martin said the PAC-3 MSE launched from an MK-70 containerized launch platform to defeat a cruise missile target in flight. The company underscored this was the first time a PAC-3 MSE was launched in this configuration with the Virtualized Aegis Weapon System (AWS) while intercepting a target.
According to the company’s product fact sheet, the Lockheed Martin MK 70 payload delivery system uses a 40-foot container with four VLS strike-length missile cells, adapting the MK 41 Vertical Launch System currently used by the Navy’s Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. This allows those naval missiles to be launched in a ground variant.
“This successful test showcases Lockheed Martin’s commitment to developing mission-focused, integrated technology to keep those who serve ahead of evolving threats. These systems could deliver a proven, Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capability with growing capacity to the U.S. to help defend against advanced, maneuverable threats,” Tom Copeman, vice president of strategy and naval programs at Lockheed Martin, said in a statement.
The company bills the PAC-3 as having capabilities to target aircraft, cruise missiles, tactical ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles.
According to another company fact sheet on integrating the PAC-3 MSE with AWS, Lockheed Martin said this effort seeks to deliver maritime fleets another hit-to-kill interceptor that can defend against advanced threats.
The PAC-3 MSE is usually fired from U.S. Army Patriot air and missile defense systems.
The company said it has over 1,750 PAC-3 MSEs under contract and aims to increase annual production to 550 missiles by this year.