Lockheed Martin Conducts Successful PAC-3 Missile Flight Test at White Sands Missile Range

Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 Missile successfully detected, tracked and intercepted an aerodynamic tactical ballistic missile (TBM) target in a test today at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. 

The test included a ripple fire engagement, utilizing 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," said Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 Missile programs in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "We are constantly improving the PAC-3 Missile, increasing its capabilities and expanding the missile's ability to handle the growing number of potential threats." 

The PAC-3 Missile is one of the world's most advanced, capable and reliable theater air defense 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 defense 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. 

Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the development of air and missile defense systems and technologies, including the first operational hit-to-kill missile. It also has considerable experience in missile design and production, infrared seekers, command and control/battle management, and communications, precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and signal processing. The company makes significant contributions to all major U.S. missile defense systems and participates in several global missile defense partnerships.