Lockheed Martin [LMT] recently said its PAC-3 missile successfully destroyed a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., in an Operational Test conducted by Army Test and Evaluation Command.
The test involved three incoming targets; two Patriot-As-A-Target TBMs and one MQM-107 drone. A ripple launch of two PAC-3 Missiles successfully engaged the second TBM.
Preliminary data indicate all test objectives were achieved.
Three more PAC-3 tests are scheduled for the second half of 2012, including flight tests that will demonstrate the Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) capability in both the Patriot and MEADS systems.
“The PAC-3 Missile continues to perform as expected under very stressing conditions,” said Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 Missile programs in Lockheed Martin’s Missiles and Fire Control business. “This was our third consecutive successful PAC-3 Missile flight test this year. With each successful test, the PAC-3 Missile adds to its legacy of proven performance.”
Lockheed Martin’s Dallas, Texas facility is the prime contractor on the PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade to the Patriot air defense system.
The PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade consists of the agile, combat-proven PAC-3 Missile, the PAC-3 Missile canisters, the Fire Solution Computers and the Enhanced Launcher Electronics System.
Raytheon [RTN] is the prime contractor on the Patriot Air and Missile Defense System.