Video footage described below will be available today at 5:30 p.m. EST for a period of 10 minutes from IA-6, transponder K-13, downlink frequency 11957.00 vertical; 6.2-6.8 audio sub-carrier; analog.

The Army conducted a flight test of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile system at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. today at approximately 7:25 a.m. Mountain Standard Time. Preliminary test data indicates both targets were successfully intercepted and mission objectives were achieved.

Test objectives of this mission included demonstrating the performance of a PAC-3 missile with hardware changes that improve producibility and reduce missile cost. The test was also intended to demonstrate the system's capability to detect, track, engage and intercept two simultaneously-arriving ballistic missile targets. The targets for the mission were a Patriot-as-a- Target (PAAT), a Patriot legacy missile modified to represent a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM); and STORM maneuvering tactical target vehicle.

Soldiers of the 2-43 and 3-2 Air Defense Artillery, Fort Bliss, Texas, participated in today's test.

   The mission video depicts the following:
   -- Launch of STORM maneuvering tactical target vehicle (MTTV)
   -- Launch of Modified Patriot as a Target (MPAAT)
   -- Two ripple launches of Patriot PAC-3 missiles
   -- Another view of the PAC-3 ripple launches with intercepts (two small
      puffs of smoke)

The PAC-3 system successfully completed operational testing and began fielding in 2002. It was first used in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

The PAC-3 missile is a high velocity, hit-to-kill missile and is the newest addition to the Patriot family of missiles. It provides increased capability against advanced tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and other air-breathing threats.

The Patriot PAC-3 program is managed by the U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Air, Space and Missile Defense and executed by the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Project Office in Huntsville, Ala. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Dallas, Texas, is the prime contractor responsible for the PAC-3 missile segment. Raytheon Systems Company, the Patriot system prime contractor, is the system integrator for the PAC-3 missile segment.

CONTACT: Pam Rogers of U.S. Army, +1-256-509-4966.

PRNewswire -- Nov. 18

SOURCE: U.S. Army