Lockheed Martin has taken the next step in integrating its Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor into the Aegis Weapon System.
The company announced earlier this week that the interceptor missile successfully communicated with the AN/SPY-1 radar, which serves as the heart of the automated command-and-control system.
According to Lockheed, the successful trial indicates it is now close to delivering an integrated air and missile defense capability to help maritime customers defend against advanced, maneuverable threats.
During the test, the American defense company had to modify the radio frequency data link of the PAC-3 MSE interceptor to smoothly communicate with the SPY-1 radar.
The radar only operates on an S-band frequency, requiring the PAC-3 MSE to shift to a tri-band data link to communicate at S-band.
“This successful test is a major step forward to fully integrate PAC-3 MSE into the Aegis Weapon System,” Lockheed Vice President Tom Copeman said. “A PAC-3 MSE/Aegis integration delivers a hardened defense to maritime fleets on an affordable, rapid timeline.”
Enhancing Hit-to-Kill Capability
The Aegis Weapon System is a centralized weapons control system designed with advanced target detection and kill capabilities.
Its AN/SPY radar can perform automatic search, tracking, and missile guidance functions against more than 100 targets.
Lockheed’s PAC-3 MSE, meanwhile, incorporates a dual-pulse, solid rocket motor and thermal batteries for increased reach and performance.
When combined with the Aegis weapon system, the interceptor reportedly offers “unmatched” hit-to-kill capabilities against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and enemy aircraft.
“With proven performance and growing capacity, integrating PAC-3 MSE with Aegis can help sailors stay ahead of evolving threats,” Lockheed stated.