Lockheed Martin [LMT] recently said its PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) successfully engaged, intercepted and destroyed a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.
The first interceptor destroyed the target and the second PAC-3 MSE Missile self-destructed as planned.
The PAC-3 MSE Missile provides increased performance by expanding the lethal battlespace of the current PAC-3 missile both in altitude and range employing the same proven hit-to-kill technology that the PAC-3 family of missiles uniquely brings to the Patriot system.
In July, the company received a $68.9 million contract from the Army to prepare the PAC-3 missile production line for the introduction of the MSE version of the combat-proven PAC-3 missile. The contract provides funds for PAC-3 MSE-specific tooling and test equipment at the company’s Camden, Ark., facility, as well as other sites and subcontractors in anticipation of an Army production decision in 2013, with the missile cut into the production line likely in 2014. PAC-3 MSE production will be done at the Camden site.
The MSE variant incorporates threat-driven and technology-enabled hardware and software upgrades to defeat the advancing threat set. The PAC-3 MSE Missile is packaged in a single canister that stacks to provide even more flexibility for the Patriot air defense system.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is prime contractor for the PAC-3 Missile Segment and Missile Segment Enhancement upgrades to the Patriot air defense system. Raytheon [RTN] is the prime for the Patriot Weapon. The PAC-3 MSE upgrades consist of the highly agile hit-to-kill PAC-3/MSE 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.