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December 4, 2008
IWG Report 2007
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Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
| Country: | USA |
|---|---|
| Basing: | Land |
Details
Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) is a surface-to-air guided missile defense system that builds upon the existing Patriot air defense infrastructure (used most notably during the Persian Gulf War in 1991). The new fully operational PAC-3 provides advanced capability against enemy cruise missiles, aircraft, and unlike previous systems, tactical ballistic missiles.
PAC-3 production began in late 1999 under a $143 million contract to Lockheed Martin and subcontractors Raytheon and Boeing. The first batch of 16 missiles was delivered to the U.S. Army in September 2001. The Army was initially authorized to manufacture 72 missiles per year, but in 2003 Congress increased PAC-3 production to 96 missiles. The Army plans to build an inventory of 1,159 interceptors.
In March 2003, the Army deployed PAC-3 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the war, Patriot interceptors engaged and eliminated two Iraqi missiles using hit-to-kill technology, meaning that the interceptors collided with the Iraqi missiles (like a bullet hitting a bullet), causing complete destruction. Despite its successes, the Army is still testing PAC-3 against larger and faster ballistic missiles.
The PAC-3 system consists of four main components: a radar, a command center, a launcher, and the interceptor missiles themselves. In a typical wartime scenario, the PAC-3 radar scans the skies with its overlapping beams, paying close attention to the horizon. Once a target has been detected, the radar immediately determines the speed, altitude, heading, and origin of the threat, and communicates this information via computer to the command center.
The command center, known as the Engagement Control Station (ECS), serves as the battle management, command, control, and communications center of PAC-3. Inside the ECS, the human operators view potential targets on the display screen, calculate fire missions, and send launch instructions to the mobile launchers. The operators play another important role: determining friend from foe.
The PAC-3 interceptor itself, 17.1 feet long and 10 inches in diameter, is an upgraded version of the Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2). The main difference lies in the kill mechanism: while the PAC-2 uses an exploding warhead to eliminate its targets, the PAC-3 is a hit-to-kill system and destroys its targets by the kinetic energy released in a head-on collision. Another difference is that the PAC-3 interceptors, enhanced by the advanced radar and command center, are capable of protecting an area approximately seven times greater than the original Patriot system.
The PAC-3 interceptors are mounted on mobile launchers. Each launcher can hold up to 16 interceptors in its launch canister, which doubles as a shipping container. In a deployment scenario, the launchers are arranged to provide overlapping coverage, allowing PAC-3 to respond rapidly to attacks from all directions.
Once PAC-3 has launched, the ground radar provides detailed tracking information as the interceptor streaks toward its target. Meanwhile, the interceptor’s own active seeker searches for the enemy missile. Once the active seeker acquires the target, its computer uses the locations of both the target and the Patriot missile to calculate the proper trajectory for the interceptor.
As the interceptor closes in on the target, the active seeker recalculates the trajectory and makes adjustments to the interceptor’s speed and direction. At the point of impact, the PAC-3 achieves catastrophic destruction of the incoming warhead, including any nuclear, chemical, or biological agents. The system is capable of targeting and destroying multiple targets while evading countermeasures and decoys.
On March 4, 2004, two PAC-3 missiles tracked and destroyed a large target missile at the U.S. Army’s White Sands Missile Ranch in New Mexico. The method of using two PAC-3 missiles is known as “ripple firing.” The target missile, known as Patriot-As-A-Target (PAAT), had been modified to represent a short-range tactical ballistic missile and programmed to simulate the flight patterns of a Scud missile.
In February 2004, the Army awarded another production contract to Lockheed Martin worth $505 million for 159 PAC-3 missiles, including 22 missiles to replace those used in Iraq. Lockheed Martin will deliver the missiles by April 2006.
Sources
Army Technology.
The Boeing Company.
GlobalSecurity.org.
Liang, John. “Patriot PAC-3 Intercepts Target Missile in ‘Ripple Fire’ Test.” Inside Missile Defense, 17 March 2004.
Lockheed Martin Corporation.
“Lockheed Says Pac-3 Missile Test Successful.” Reuters News, 4 March 2004.
Missile Defense Agency, PAC-3 Description.
Missile Defense Agency, PAC-3 Press Release.
“PAC-3 Performs Intercept In White Sands Test.” Defense Daily, 5 March 2004.
Raytheon Company.
Sang-min, Joo. “U.S. To Deploy More Patriot Defense Missiles; Air Defense Brigade To Be Established To Control 8 Antimissile Batteries.” The Korea Herald, 1 May 2004.
“U.S. Army Order 100 PAC 3 Interceptors.” Forecast International Defense Intelligence Newsletters, 15 March 2004.
GCC-U.S. Joint Exercises Tackle Missile Defense
The Iranian Shahab-3 ballistic missile threat was the focus of a joint American-Arab missile defense exercise in the United Arab Emirates last month. The exercise, called Eagle Resolve-2004, was sponsored by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to demonstrate the need and utility “for low-level and high-level anti-ballistic missile batteries deployed along the coastline from Kuwait all the way down to Oman,” a senior GCC officer told Defense News.
Both sides said the exercise, which sought better coordination and interoperability in GCC-U.S. air defense efforts, was successful. The U.S. currently deploys Patriot interceptors to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, but only Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are able to intercept missiles on their own. Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are also in talks with Raytheon to acquire the more accurate and longer-range PAC-3 model.
» More stories on: Allies
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), Patriot
Egypt Also Interested in Patriot
Egypt is among the many countries anxious to procure the Patriot PAC-3 missile defense program, and will likely do so within the decade.
» More stories on: Allies
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Congressman Crowley Urges Sale of PAC-3 to India
New York Congressman Joseph Crowley has urged Secretary of State Colin Powell support India’s request to buy the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile defense system.
In his letter, Crowley, a Democrat, stresses the need for the United States to help India “deploy a capability to defend itself against a ballistic missile strike from an adversary or a rogue nation, or from an accidental launch from a friendly neighbour.”
The logic of Crowley’s argument about India and the desirability of systems “purely defensive in nature” is applicable to other nations as well, and most especially to the United States. Other Democrats would be wise to also support ballistic missile defense.
» More stories on: India
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Patriot Friendly Fire Accident Ruled “Perceived Self-Defense”
The downing of a British Tornado jet on March 22, 2003 during the Iraq War was an act of “perceived self-defense,” after the Patriot missile defense system misidentified the jet as an enemy missile, according to a U.S. Central Command’s investigation. The “immediate cause” was said to be an electronics failure of the plane’s “Interrogation Friend or Foe” transponder.
» More stories on: Land-Based Systems
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Patriot Batteries To Go To South Korea
The United States will be adding to its Patriot interceptors in South Korea, with two additional batteries of Patriot Advanced Capability 2 and 3, according to a press release by the US and South Korean Combined Forces Command in Seoul. The batteries will be added at Gwangju Air Base, with the U.S. Eighth Army’s 35th Air Defense Brigade.
Six Patriot batteries were stationed in South Korea’s major bases since 1994. A battery is composed of eight launchers of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles, each having 4 and 16 interceptors, respectively.
In 1998, North Korea fired a Taepo-Dong I missile over Japan.
» May 4: EastAsia Intel report on Patriot xfer
» More stories on: Land-Based Systems, North Korea
» Missile details: Taep'o-dong 1
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-2 (PAC-2), Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Patriot (PAC-3) Missile Intercept Test a Success
A Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) missile interceptor successfully destroyed a mock tactical ballistic missile, known as a “Patriot-As-A-Target” (PAAT), during a test at the White Sands Missile Range. Two PAC-3 interceptors were “ripple fired”—that is, fired one after another, a few seconds apart, both independently tracking the incoming target and homing in on it. The first interceptor destroyed the target, in this case likely a modified PAC-2, which had been made to simulate a SCUD short range missile. The second missile subsequently self-destructed.
The highly successful PAC-3 interceptor has performed in the recent Iraq war, and will now also be used for the MEADS defense system.
» MDA press release on PAC-3 intercept
» More stories on: Land-Based Systems, Testing - American
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Taiwan to Purchase and Deploy Six Patriot Batteries by 2019—But Are They Enough?
Previous reports indicated that Taiwan would proceed with the purchase of three batteries of PAC-3 Patriot missile interceptors, but a news item by the Taiwan News now suggests that that number will increase, to six batteries, consisting of four launchers, which in turn each have 16 interceptor missiles. The plan is said to involve the deployment of the said batteries within 15 years, that is, by 2019.
The larger purchase would not, however, represent a complete defense of Taiwan against the considerable and growing Chinese threat. Even the larger purchase would mean only an additional 240 interceptors. Such a defense pales in comparison to the over 500 short range ballistic missiles China already has deployed near the coast of Taiwan, a number which increases at a rate of 75 to 100 per year. Currently, Taiwan is believed to have some 32 of the less advanced PAC-2 interceptors, spread between two batteries. Supposing China’s rate of increase was to hold steady at 75 per year, then by the time the six new batteries of PAC-3 are deployed by 2019, China could have 1,625 SRBMs with which to threaten their island neighbor. Against these, Taiwan could have only 416.
Although the 2019 deadline is somewhat late, a defense which consists of Aegis sea-based defenses as well, with additional interceptors there, would help narrow the gap.
» Feb. 19, 2004: Despite Chinese bullying, Taiwan to proceed with Patriot BMD
» Jul. 24, 2003: Taiwan requests 3 batteries of PAC-3
» Mar. 3, 2004: Sale of Aegis to Taiwan approved
» More stories on: China, Policy, Taiwan
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Army Issues $505 Million in Contracts for New PAC-3 Missiles, Equipment
Lockheed Martin has been given $505 million in contracts by the Army for the production of 159 Patriot Advanced Capability-3 hit-to-kill missiles along with performance enhancements for the Patriot air and missile defense system, according to Inside Missile Defense. Lockheed noted that 22 of the 159 missiles will replace those PAC-3s used up during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Army is looking to provide these PAC-3 missile enhancements so they can be fully integrated into the Patriot system.
A key upgrade is the incorporation of a stronger motor and larger fins that could boost the range of the missile by 50 percent and improve maneuverability against ballistic and cruise missiles, respectively.
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Army Orders 159 PAC-3 Interceptors
Lockheed Martin has received contracts to produce 159 PAC-3 interceptors and their related equipment for the Army. 22 Patriot missiles are said to replace those used during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The interceptors are expected to be delivered by 2006. Additional contracts include enhancements to the Patriot to make it more maneuverable.
» Video of PAC-3 launch, interception
» More stories on: Land-Based Systems, Policy
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
Iskander Upgrades Designed to Outpace Patriot
One of Russia’s export ballistic missiles, the Iskander-E, which it has marketed to countries such as Syria and Iran, will soon be undergoing upgrades, although still in development. These upgrades are meant to permit the missile to overcome the US PAC-3 Patriot defensive system. The Iskander, also known as the SS-26, carries a single warhead of 480 to 700kg, and has a range of 280km.
» More stories on: Proliferation, Russia
» Missile details: Taep'o-dong 2
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3)
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