Lockheed Martin Conducts Successful PAC-3 Missile Flight Test

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] conducted a successful PAC-3 Missile flight test yesterday at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., in which PAC-3 successfully detected, tracked and intercepted an aerodynamic, threat-representative tactical ballistic missile target.

The ripple fire engagement of two PAC-3 Missiles resulted in the first interceptor destroying the target.  The second PAC-3 Missile was self-destructed on command as planned.“The PAC-3 Missile continues to deliver proven, reliable performance along with unmatched lethality. The capability PAC-3 provides continues to draw significant interest from a number of international customers.” said Richard McDaniel, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Lockheed Martin recently received a $308 million contract for continued production of the PAC-3 Missile for the U.S. and Kuwait. The Fiscal Year (FY13) contract includes missile and command launch system production for the U.S. Army and a first time Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of the PAC-3 Missile to Kuwait. Kuwait becomes the sixth international customer for the PAC-3 Missile. Lockheed Martin is prime contractor on the PAC-3 Missile Segment of the PATRIOT air defense system.

The PAC-3 Missile is one of the world’s most advanced, capable and reliable theater air defense missiles. It defends against 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, as 16 PAC-3s can be loaded in place of only four legacy PATRIOT PAC-2 missiles on the PATRIOT 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.