23 October 2001
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 in New Mexico 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 programme manager and Raytheon Air/Missile Defense business unit.
The mission was the first PAC-3 flight test to use 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.