Lockheed Martin [LMT] said its PAC-3 missile, for the 14th time, successfully detected, tracked and intercepted an aerodynamic tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target in a test yesterday at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), N.M.
“If we combine the PAC-3 Cost-Reduction Initiative (CRI) and PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) flight tests, including MEADS last year, we have had 14 successful flight tests in a row,” Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 Missile Programs in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business, told Defense Daily in a telephone interview.
The test included a ripple fire engagement, utilizing two PAC-3 missiles against a single target. The first interceptor destroyed the target and the second PAC-3 Missile self destructed as planned.
In late August, the PAC-3 missile was successful in destroying a tactical ballistic missile target at WSMR. That was an Operational Test conducted by Army Test and Evaluation Command (Defense Daily, Sept. 4).
More tests are coming this year.
“For the calendar year, we anticipate three more PAC-3/MSE flight tests– the first is the large, integrated MDA flight test that will use PAC-3 Missiles along with the THAAD Weapon System and Aegis, followed by the MEADS flight test utilizing the PAC-3 MSE and another PAC-3 MSE flight test by year end, McDaniel said.
Lockheed Martin continues to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PAC-3 missile in tests that duplicate the types of operational scenarios troops and allies might face. McDaniel said. “We are constantly improving the PAC-3 missile, increasing its capabilities and expanding the missile’s ability to handle the growing number of potential threats.”
The PAC-3 missile defeats advanced tactical ballistic and cruise missiles, and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. As the most technologically advanced missile for the Patriot air defense system, PAC-3 significantly increases the system’s firepower, allowing 16 PAC-3 missiles to be loaded in place of just four legacy Patriot PAC-2 missiles on the launcher.