Lockheed Martin’s [LMT] PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) missile successfully intercepted and destroyed two different threat representative targets during a flight test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
The first target engagement involved two PAC-3 MSE missiles ripple fired against an advanced Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) target. The first MSE Missile successfully engaged a TBM target, while the second missile self-destructed as planned.
A third PAC-3 MSE Missile engaged a BQM-74 cruise missile target.
Preliminary data indicates that all test objectives were achieved.
“Today’s test provides the final flight test data required to demonstrate the design maturity of the PAC-3 MSE configuration and its readiness to enter into production,” said Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Additionally, we demonstrated for the first time a multi-target engagement with MSE interceptors.”
The MSE interceptor is the missile used with the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) proof of concept and was successful in its first, over the shoulder intercept shot against a target with the system in November 2012. An intercept test again is expected this fall.
As the most technologically advanced missiles for the Patriot air and missile defense system, PAC-3 and MSE missiles significantly increase the system’s firepower, allowing 16 PAC-3 or 12 MSE missiles to be loaded in place of just four legacy Patriot PAC-2 missiles on the launcher. The PAC-3 MSE missile is packaged in a single canister that stacks to provide even more loadout flexibility for the operational warfighter.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is the prime contractor for the PAC-3 Missile Segment and MSE upgrades to the Patriot air defense system. The upgrades consist of the missiles, the PAC-3 missile canisters (in four/one packs), the Fire Solution Computer and the Enhanced Launcher Electronics System, all of which are modularly integrated into Patriot. Raytheon [RTN] is the prime contract for the Patriot system.