The U.S. Army and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control of Dallas successfully conducted Feb. 17 an intercept test with an upgraded version of the Patriot Advanced Capability (PAC)-3 missile, according to a Feb. 18 Lockheed Martin press release.
This version of the PAC-3 missile, the Missile Segment Enhancement variant, is the first upgrade to a design called the PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative missile. The new version features hardware and software enhancements, including a larger solid-rocket motor and larger aerodynamic surfaces to enable an increased performance envelope, the release said.
The PAC-3 successfully intercepted a threat-representative ballistic missile target at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., the release said.
