June 5, 2006 :: UPI :: News
Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missiles (GEM) successfully destroyed two ballistic missile targets during a recent test at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Two GEMs were ripple-fired at an incoming Patriot-as-a-Target, an older Patriot missile modified to represent a short-range ballistic missile target. As the intercept occurred, the Patriot Configuration-3 radar detected, tracked, and engaged a second target. A third GEM intercepted the second Patriot-as-a-Target, thus successfully completing the test’s objectives. According to prime contractor Raytheon, this was the first of four flight tests that will use the newly developed post deployment build-6 (PDB-6) software. PDB-6 was the result of “lessons learned” from Operation Iraqi Freedom when Patriot units destroyed all nine Iraqi missiles launched at the invasion force, but also mistakenly shot down two coalition planes. The PDB-6 upgrade is intended to allow the Patriot system to better discriminate between ballistic missiles, aircraft, cruise missiles, and other battlefield targets.
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