US integerated PAC-3 missile with LTAMDS radar to counter threats from Tactical Ballistic Missile

News, US November 7, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

3 minute read

U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin successfully integrated Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) missile with Raytheon’s Raytheon’s Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar to counter threats from advanced Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM).

During the flight test, the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) and Cost Reduction Interceptor (CRI) demonstrated their capability to detect, acquire, track, and engage an advanced tactical ballistic missile target. Fired in a ripple configuration, both interceptors successfully engaged and intercepted the TBM target.

The test was conducted at White Sands Missile Range and validated the latest software updates for the PAC-3 missile that enhanced its capabilities to counter evolving threats. These updates integrate with the U.S. Army’s modernized Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) architecture, reinforcing the system’s ability to defeat a wide range of air and missile threats.

The latest improvements are designed to support the layered defense strategy of the IAMD, offering greater protection and flexibility in response to sophisticated and varied adversarial tactics.

Vice president of PAC-3 Programs, Brian Kubik said, “Integrating PAC-3 with new, advanced systems to deliver next-generation deterrence capability is a critical piece of the U.S. Army’s modernization strategy.”

He further highlighted, “This is 21st Century Security in action – by harnessing digital technologies to network platforms together, Lockheed Martin is increasing the effectiveness and deterrent value of defense solutions for our customers, ensuring they have the technology needed to stay ahead in an evolving threat environment.”

In preparation for the flight test, a series of ground and captive carry tests were conducted by Lockheed Martin in partnership with the U.S. Army. These tests build upon previously demonstrated PAC-3 capabilities with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and LTAMDS radar.

PAC-3 Missile

The Patriot Advanced Capability-3 MSE is a high-velocity interceptor that defends against incoming threats. The PAC-3 missiles can effectively counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

The PAC-3 MSE missile has a two-pulse solid rocket motor that increases the altitude and range performances. It can also be integrated with the THAAD weapon system, the U.S. Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, as well as the F-35. Lockheed Martin is also working to integrate the PAC-3 MSE with the Aegis Weapon System.

The PAC-3 system employs Hit-to-Kill technology, defending against threats through direct body-to-body contact, delivering significantly higher kinetic energy on target compared to blast-fragmentation methods. This technology makes the PAC-3 effective against a range of current and emerging threats, including aircraft, tactical ballistic missiles, advanced hypersonic threats, and cruise missiles.

LTAMDS Radar

The LTAMDS is a next-generation radar system designed to provide comprehensive 360-degree coverage of the threat environment. It is powered by Raytheon’s Gallium Nitride technology, which enables it to detect a wide array of threats including manned and unmanned aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and hypersonic missiles.

The radar system features three antenna arrays to ensure complete situational awareness, with the capability to ensure that “nothing goes unseen” by military operators.

*^{Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) is a radar designed to defeat advanced and next-generation threats, including hypersonic weapons. (Image Credit: RTX)}*

The LTAMDS radar is a key component to advance the U.S. Army’s modernized air and missile defense strategy. At present, there are six LTAMDS progressing through integration and test activities at various test sites of the U.S. government and Raytheon facilities.