Article Posted on : - Sep 14, 2012

A file photo of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

DALLAS (BNS): Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 missile successfully detected, tracked and intercepted an aerodynamic tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target in a test on Thursday at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

The test included a ripple fire engagement, utilising two PAC-3 missiles against a single target. The first interceptor destroyed the target and the second PAC-3 missile self destructed as planned.

"We continue to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PAC-3 missile in tests that duplicate the kinds of operational scenarios our soldiers and our allies may face," Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 missile programmes in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business said in the company statement.

The PAC-3 missile is one of the world's most advanced, capable and reliable theater air defence missiles. It defeats advanced tactical ballistic and cruise missiles, and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

As the most technologically advanced missile for the PATRIOT air defence system, PAC-3 significantly increases the PATRIOT system's firepower, allowing 16 PAC-3 missiles to be loaded in place of just four legacy PATRIOT PAC-2 missiles on the launcher.