Lockheed Martin's Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile successfully intercepted and destroyed an incoming tactical ballistic missile (TBM) today during a flight test at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The battle-proven PAC-3 Missile is the world's only fielded hit-to-kill, kinetic energy air defense missile.

During the flight test, designated Task 2-2, two PAC-3 Missiles were "ripple-fired" at an incoming Patriot-As-A-Target TBM, a legacy Patriot missile modified to represent a short-range TBM. Preliminary data indicates the TBM was destroyed and all test objectives were achieved.

"Today's test demonstrated software improvements in the PAC-3 Missile Segment and associated ground systems," said Richard McDaniel, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control's director of PAC-3 programs. "We also demonstrated the system's capability to detect, track, engage and intercept a threat- representative short-range TBM. No other air defense missile fielded today can protect our Soldiers like PAC-3."

Patriot warfighters from units at Fort Bliss, TX, participated in today's mission. This test follows three successful PAC-3 Missile tests conducted in 2004. An additional PAC-3 test is scheduled for 2005.

"We continue to mature our system's capability to pace the evolving threat," said Col. John Vaughn, Lower Tier Air & Missile Defense project manager. "Today's success helped validate several key enhancements we will provide to the warfighter to more effectively defeat these threats."

Lockheed Martin is the only provider of proven hit-to-kill air defense systems capable of defeating threats potentially carrying biological, chemical and nuclear payloads. The PAC-3 Missile, Terminal High Altitude Air Defense System (THAAD) and the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS), which utilizes the PAC-3 as the primary interceptor, are elements of the terminal defense layer of the National Ballistic Missile Defense System.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is prime contractor on the PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade to the Patriot air defense system. The PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade consists of the PAC-3 Missile, a highly agile hit-to-kill interceptor, the PAC-3 Missile canisters (in four packs), a Fire Solution Computer and an Enhanced Launcher Electronics System.

The hit-to-kill PAC-3 Missile is the most advanced, capable and powerful theater air defense missile. It defeats the entire threat to the Patriot Air Defense System: TBMs carrying weapons of mass destruction, advanced cruise missiles and aircraft.

The PAC-3 Missile has been selected as the primary interceptor for the multi-national MEADS program. Managed by the NATO MEADS Management Agency (NAMEADSMA), MEADS is a model transatlantic development program focused on the next generation of air and missile defense. MEADS will focus on risk reduction, application of key technologies and validation of a system design incorporating the PAC-3 Missile as the prime interceptor.

The Patriot PAC-3 program is managed by the U.S. Army and executed by the Army Program Executive Office, Air, Space and Missile Defense and the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Project Office in Huntsville, AL.

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile defense system. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin