BEDFORD, Mass., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Patriot Air and Missile
Defense PAC-3 system achieved a major system success Oct. 19 by intercepting a
surrogate cruise missile target and a sub-scale MQM 107 drone. These flight
tests, conducted at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., were the latest successes
in the testing of the PAC-3 system.
"This mission validates the total Patriot weapon system's capability to
counter a very sophisticated threat," said Walter Putis, vice president and
Patriot program manager and Raytheon Air/Missile Defense business unit.
The mission was the first PAC-3 flight test to utilize the newest Patriot
software update (Post Deployment Build 5+ software) in the simultaneous
engagement of a surrogate cruise missile target and sub-scale MQM 107 drone.
After radar acquisition and target classification of both targets by the
Engagement Control Station, a PAC-2 missile was launched at the MQM 107 drone
while nearly simultaneously, a PAC-3 missile was fired at the inbound cruise
missile target.
The PAC-3 missile launched at the cruise missile target achieved missile
radar lock and destroyed its target. The MQM 107-target drone was similarly
intercepted and destroyed by the PAC-2 missile. "Today's success continues to
demonstrate the operational capability of our soldiers with the latest Patriot
equipment", said Col. Tommie Newberry, project manager, Lower Tier Project
Office. "This challenging mission is another step in the validation of the
PAC-3 missile and its interface to the fielded PAC-3 ground equipment."
Raytheon Company is the prime contractor for the Patriot Air and Missile
Defense system, and the system integrator for the PAC-3 Program. Raytheon's
work on the PAC-3 system includes Configuration 3 ground equipment hardware
and software upgrades and remote launch modifications. Lockheed Martin is
responsible for the PAC-3 missile development and the enhanced Patriot
launcher electronics.
With headquarters in Lexington, Mass., Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is a
global technology leader in defense, government and commercial electronics,
and business and special mission aircraft.
Contact:
Steve Brecken
781.999.2222
SOURCE Raytheon Company
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Related links:
http://www.raytheon.com
CONTACT:
Steve Brecken of Raytheon Company,
+1-781-999-2222
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