Lockheed Martin's Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile successfully intercepted and destroyed an incoming Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) target yesterday during a flight test at White Sands Missile Range, NM. This was the 19th successful flight test out of 22 conducted to date.

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

Objectives of the test included demonstrating software improvements in both the PAC-3 Missile segment and software enhancements of the associated ground system. Additionally, the test demonstrated the systems' capability to detect, track, engage and intercept a threat-representative short range TBM target. This flight test repeats the November 2005 mission in order to address remaining test objectives that were not fully met during that test.

"Lockheed Martin is focused on delivering advanced technologies and systems that the U.S. government and its allies can rely on," said Richard McDaniel, director - PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "When the stakes are highest, our customers rely on proven hit-to- kill technology to assure the maximum level of protection for troops and assets."

No other theater air defense missile can match the PAC-3 Missile in its ability to defeat the entire Patriot TBM threat.

Lockheed Martin achieved the first-ever hit-to-kill intercept in 1984 with the Homing Overlay Experiment, using force of impact alone to destroy a mock warhead outside of the Earth's atmosphere. Further development and testing produced today's PAC-3 Missile which won a competition in 1993 to become the first hit-to-kill interceptor produced by the U.S. government. The PAC-3 Missile has been the technology pathfinder for today's total conversion to kinetic energy interceptors for all modern missile defense systems. Currently, the Lockheed Martin-developed Aegis Weapon System, PAC-3 Missile, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System, the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) and the Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) utilize this proven advanced technology to deliver lethality against today's most dangerous threats.

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 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, Missiles and Space, 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 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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http://www.lockheedmartin.com/

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin