Article Posted on : - Sep 14, 2011

Medium Extended Air Defense System MEADS). Photo:Lockheed Martin

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (BNS): The Medium Extended Air Defense System’s (MEADS) Integrated Launcher Electronics System (ILES) has recently executed a simulated missile launch.

The successful ILES test moves the MEADS program closer to its first major test event in November at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

MEADS is a next-generation, ground-mobile air and missile defence system that incorporates the hit-to-kill Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) Missile, 360-degree radars, netted and distributed battle management and high-firepower launchers.

The system combines superior battlefield protection with new flexibility to protect forces and critical assets against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft.

Less than four months after arriving at Lockheed Martin laboratory, the ILES and missile performed the complete pre-launch sequence for the first time. Then, after receiving a command launch message, the ILES powered up a MEADS missile, ignited the batteries, and gave the motor ignition command, enabling the missile to execute a simulated launch.

MEADS improves capability to defend troops and critical assets through improvements in range, interoperability, mobility and full 360-degree defense capability against the evolving threat. MEADS defends up to eight times the coverage area with far fewer system assets and significantly reduces demand for deployed personnel and equipment, which reduces demand for airlift, a Lockheed Martin release said.