Lockheed integrates three missile systems

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BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Three missile defense systems were operated together in a live-fire test and successfully showed the integrated capabilities of U.S. regional missile defense.

The testing, conducted by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency in the South Pacific, involved Lockheed Martin's Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile and the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense Weapon System.

Lockheed reported that the systems, with their sensors and weapon systems, integrated through the company's Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications system, worked together to detect, track, engage and destroy two ballistic missile targets and one cruise missile-like target.

"Today's success demonstrates the strides that have been made in missile defense technologies and the maturity and reliability of these systems," said Lockheed Martin Vice President for Army and Missile Programs Dennis Cavin. "This test demonstrates the benefits of a layered, interoperable approach that can help protect the U.S. and allies from increasing security concerns around the world."

In the demonstration, an Extended Long Range Air Launch Target missile was airdropped over the ocean. THAAD's AN/TPY-2 X-band radar on an island tracked the E-LRALT and a THAAD interceptor intercepted the missile.

Another short-range ballistic missile was launched from a mobile launch platform and soldiers operating the Patriot system tracked and destroyed it and repeated the success against a second target.

The Aegis system aboard the USS Fitzgerald also tracked a low-flying cruise missile over water and destroyed it. The launch of a Short-Range Ballistic Missile target, however, didn't produce the same result. Lockheed said the Aegis system tracked in target missile and launched an SM-3 Block 1A interceptor against it but there were no indications of a successful intercept.