For the first time, the U.S. Army used a newly developed Lockheed Martin communication technology to help a PAC-3 missile intercept a cruise missile target. During the U.S. Army Integrated Flight Test-2, the protoytpe missile communication device known as Remote Interceptor Guidance – 360 (RIG-360) successfully communicated with an in-flight PAC-3 missile to test its data link capabilities. RIG-360 enables a 360-degree PAC-3 engagement capability utilizing target data from various sensors. Building on the combat-proven PAC-3 CRI, the PAC-3 MSE expands the lethal battlespace with a two-pulse solid rocket motor, providing increased performance in altitude and range.
This successful test confirms our RIG-360 prototype as one of the many ways we continue to deliver technology to ensure our customers stay ahead of the full spectrum of 21st century threats,” said Scott Arnold, vice president,Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
The PAC-3 family of missiles are combat-proven Hit-to-Kill interceptors that defend against incoming threats – including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft – using direct body-to-body contact that delivers exponentially more kinetic energy on the target than can be achieved with blast fragmentation mechanisms. Featuring a revolutionary two-pulse solid rocket motor, the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) provides increased performance in both altitude and range while employing the same proven Hit-to-Kill technology that the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) missile uniquely brings to the air and missile defense mission set.
The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile(SAM) system, the primary of its kind used by the United States Army and several allied states. It is manufactured by the U.S. defense contractor Raytheon and derives its name from the radar component of the weapon system. The AN/MPQ-53 at the heart of the system is known as the “Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target” which is a backronym for PATRIOT. In addition to these roles, Patriot has been given the function of the U.S. Army’s anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system, which is now Patriot’s primary mission. The system is expected to stay fielded until at least 2040
