Lockheed Martin has unveiled PAC-3 Edge, a new interceptor competing in the US Army’s Future Interceptor programme.
Further development and testing of the system are set to commence in 2027, with deployment planned to follow by 2031.
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According to Lockheed Martin, PAC-3 Edge is based on the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), an interceptor used within the Patriot air and missile defence system.
The new design is intended to address air, missile and hypersonic threats at greater altitude and range, the company stated.
The interceptor includes a new seeker developed by Lockheed Martin’s Strigo Product Centre. The company said it had invested $250m in the centre to develop seeker technology for the system.
A multi-pulse solid rocket motor designed by Northrop Grumman is also being incorporated. Unlike a conventional motor that provides thrust in a single burn, a multi-pulse design can deliver propulsion at separate points during flight, although the company did not provide further technical details.
Lockheed Martin said it had also upgraded the interceptor’s control system to improve performance at range and altitude.
The new interceptor is intended to operate alongside the Army’s current Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) systems, providing an additional layer to its defensive capabilities.
The company said PAC-3 Edge is designed for integration with both existing and future IAMD components, including the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), the M903 launcher, containerised launchers, and HIMARS Flex.
Lockheed Martin, Missiles and Fire Control president Tim Cahill said: “Lockheed Martin’s PAC-3 Edge interceptor leverages the combat-proven PAC-3 MSE, delivering even greater manoeuvrability, power and velocity to ensure the Army’s layered defensive architecture remains the most advanced in the world.”
The PAC-3 family of mobile interceptors was developed for the MIM-104 Patriot system. Other variants include PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI), PAC-3 Affordable Cost Extension (ACE) and PAC-3 MSE.
In July this year, Lockheed Martin said it would triple production capacity for its PAC-3 MSE interceptors by 2030, following the US government’s award of a seven-year modification worth up to $53.86bn.
