Lockheed Martin to supply first PAC-3 MSE missiles
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.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline]()
Armies turn to armour and self-defence as support vehicles near the frontline
Combat losses of support and logistics vehicles in recent conflicts have highlighted the need for greater protection and even self-defence capabilities. What options are available to turn a basic truck into a survivor on the battlefield?
-
![German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year]()
German Army to receive third-generation Dingo protected patrol vehicles this year
More than 1,200 Dingo 1 and Dingo 2 models have been built and deployed by some 10 countries. The latest Dingo 3 pulls through from user inputs and, like earlier versions, is also based on a UNIMOG chassis.
-
![Hungary’s Gamma Technical expands vehicle range]()
Hungary’s Gamma Technical expands vehicle range
The company’s new variants of 4×6 and 6×6 vehicles are designed to be modular for a greater variety of missions and also flexibility at a subsystem level, for example transmission and engine.
-
![US Army seeks nearly $900 million to accelerate development and acquisition of CUAS capabilities]()
US Army seeks nearly $900 million to accelerate development and acquisition of CUAS capabilities
The branch plans to speed up the building and procurement of kinetic and non-kinetic systems for fixed, semi-fixed and on-the-move operations.
-
![Large 10×10 vehicles go in search of a role]()
Large 10×10 vehicles go in search of a role
Wheeled vehicles ranging in size from 4×4 to 8×8 provide high-speed at a good level of mobility compared to tracked. However, tracked can be larger and have a higher level of mobility in marginal terrain with a smaller turning circle. What are the possibilities for a 10×10?
-
![Borsuk IFV programme marks turning point for Poland’s armoured modernisation]()
Borsuk IFV programme marks turning point for Poland’s armoured modernisation
The Borsuk vehicles are to replace the Soviet-designed BMP-1 as the Polish military’s main tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
