Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Overview
The PAC-3 is the next-generation Patriot missile, employing hit-to-kill technology to intercept and destroy tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and air breathing threats through direct body-to-body contact using a Boeing-built millimeter wave seeker.
Capabilities
- Precision guidance system, featuring an active on-board radar seeker, enables complete target destruction through the kinetic energy released upon direct impact of the target
- Absolute destruction of offensive threats and their contents rather than redirection or damaging of the target
Unique PAC-3 technology provides active guidance data to missile, allowing it to:
- Acquire the target shortly before intercept
- Select the optimal aim point
- Initiate terminal guidance to ensure target kill
Delivery Schedule
- November 2002, low-rate initial production (LRIP) phase I completed with delivery of 36 seekers
- LRIP phases II and III result in additional deliveries throughout 2003 and 2004
- March 2004, Boeing awarded another contract for additional seeker deliveries through early 2006
- February 2005, Boeing awarded another contract for additional seeker deliveries through early 2007
With 10 out of 14 successful intercepts and 100 percent seeker performance in development and operational testing, the PAC-3 has proven target kill capabilities.
For more information, read the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) (PDF) overview.
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