Lockheed Martin successfully integrated the LTAMDS radar into the MIM-104 Patriot missile defence system with PAC-3 interceptors for the first time

LTAMDS (Lower Tier Air and Missile Defence Sensor) radar worked for the first time with the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missile interceptor. This was reported by the company Lockheed Martin.

Here's What We Know

LTAMDS is a development of the US company RTX. The new radar is a key component of the US Army's modernised missile and air defence strategy.

In a recent test, the PAC-3 missile interceptor successfully received data from LTAMDS to eliminate the aerodynamic threat. The test confirmed that the PAC-3 can maintain its capabilities when integrated with the new radar. It can shoot down aeroplanes, helicopters, drones, and cruise and ballistic missiles.

The anti-missile works on a hit-to-kill basis, eliminating the target through kinetic energy. However, the PAC-3 has a so-called "lethality enhancer" (lethality enhancer). This is a kind of small warhead that, when detonated, forms a cloud of metal fragments to increase the probability of hitting the target.

The first samples contained 24 tungsten cycloids weighing 95g each, while the main explosive charge weighed 330g. The most modern version of the PAC-3 is called Missile Segment Enhanced (MSE). The only thing known about its "lethality enhancer" is that titanium is used instead of tungsten.

Source: Lockheed Martin