Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 MSE Missile successfully intercepts tactical ballistic missile target during test

Tuesday, Dec 11, 2012

Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) successfully engaged, intercepted and destroyed a tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target today at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.The first interceptor destroyed the target and the second PAC-3 MSE Missile self-destructed as planned.

“Today’s flight test provided another example of how the PAC-3 MSE Missile has significantly expanded the Patriot battlespace, engaging a TBM at unprecedented range,” said Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “This test was especially satisfying as it came just a few days after the first successful Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) intercept flight test in which another PAC-3 MSE Missile intercepted a threat representative air-breathing target.”

The PAC-3 MSE Missile provides increased performance by expanding the lethal battlespace of the current PAC-3 Missile both in altitude and range employing the same proven hit-to-kill technology that the PAC-3 family of missiles uniquely brings to the Patriot system.

The MSE variant incorporates threat-driven and technology-enabled hardware and software upgrades to defeat the advancing threat set. The PAC-3 MSE Missile is packaged in a single canister that stacks to provide even more flexibility for the Patriot air defense system.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is prime contractor for the PAC-3 Missile Segment and Missile Segment Enhancement upgrades to the Patriot air defense system.  The upgrades consist of the highly agile hit-to-kill PAC-3/MSE Missiles, the PAC-3 Missile canisters (in four/one packs), the Fire Solution Computer and the Enhanced Launcher Electronics System, all of which are modularly integrated into Patriot.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Source: Lockheed Martin