3 June 2002
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the US Army conducted an operational test (OT) of the PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) system at the Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific last week, with mixed results. While one of two PAC-3 launched intercepted the target, the second PAC-3 missile failed to launch. Analysis of why the second missile failed to launch is ongoing.
The test, OT-2, was designed to test tactical firing doctrine by ripple-firing two PAC-3 missiles against a single two-stage ballistic missile threat. The target was made from modified Minuteman motors with a separating re-entry vehicle. This test was planned to demonstrate the system's ability to properly classify the high-velocity, low-radar-signature target as a tactical ballistic missile (TBM), discriminate between the re-entry vehicle and debris, and to destroy the target.
This was the fourth operational flight test planned during Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOTE) for the PAC-3 system. IOTE is currently scheduled to conclude at the end of this month. A complete chronology of the PAC-3 test programme is included as a separate document.
The PAC-3 missile is a high velocity, hit-to-kill missile and is the next generation Patriot missile developed to provide increased defense capability against advanced tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hostile aircraft. Unlike earlier versions of the PATRIOT missile, that use an explosive warhead to destroy its target, the PAC-3 missile literally collides with its target in mid-air at extremely high speed, destroying the target and neutralising its payload. Other system upgrades include improved radar performance allowing enhanced target discrimination and new system software that improves determination of target launch and impact points and provides an interface with the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.
http://defence-data.com/current/page14702.htm
Также я понял, что комплекс PAC-3 может применяться по ракетам с ядерным зарядом.
Объясните, пожалуйста, мне, дилетанту, как можно добиться того, чтобы этот самый заряд не взорвался при столкновении ракет...