Lockheed Martin has received the first production order of the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) from the US Army Aviation and Missile Command, for the production and delivery of PAC-3 MSE missiles and Launcher Modifications Kits (LMKs). The contract, worth $611 million, was announced on 28 April.
The PAC-3 MSE increases the altitude and range of the PAC-3 missile, with the addition of more powerful dual-pulse motor for added thrust, along with larger fins and other structural modifications for more agility. The two-pulse solid rocket motor provides increased performance while retaining the same proven hit-to-kill technology that the PAC-3 Missile brings to the Patriot system.
The PAC-3 MSE’s larger fins collapse to allow the missile to fit into the current PAC-3 launcher, and give the interceptor more manoeuvrability against faster and more sophisticated ballistic and cruise missiles. The launcher modification kits enable the Patriot Configuration 3 launcher to control and launch the hit-to-kill PAC-3 Missiles, as well as heritage Patriot missiles.
Scott Arnold, vice president of PAC-3 programs, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘These enhancements are the natural, pre-planned evolution of a system that was first demonstrated 20 years ago. Every current Patriot-using nation is a candidate to upgrade their PAC-3 systems to the PAC-3 MSE.’
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