The U.S. Army collaborated with Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) on a flight test aimed to demonstrate the performance of a missile defense system against intercept air-breathing threats.
Lockheed said Monday the team deployed the Bestheda, Md.-based company’s PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative interceptor, the Northrop-built Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System and an integrated fire control network equipped with multiple sensors.
In a separate announcement, Northrop said the team used a drone as a cruise missile stand-in and leveraged IBCS operations centers, Patriot and Sentinel radars, and two PAC-3 interceptors to destroy the drone target.
Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager of missile defense and protective systems at Northrop, said the test showcased IBCS’ capacity to intercept threats close to its origin.
“We expect PAC-3 Hit-to-Kill interceptors to continue serving as an essential element in integrated, layered defense systems,†noted Scott Arnold, vice president and deputy of integrated air and missile defense at Lockheed’s missiles and fire control segment.
IBCS handled the processing of radar data in addition to detecting, tracking and engaging the low-flying threat. PAC-3 used its “hit-to-kill” features to intercept the incoming platform.
