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
- March 2006, Boeing awarded a contract for 124 seekers and miscellaneous hardware
- 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
For more information, read the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) (PDF) overview.
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