Sol Invictus
08-09-2009, 04:58 PM
Stephen Trimble
Fight Global
April 7 2009
Lockheed Martin has proposed a $137 million plan to develop and integrate an air-launched version of the MIM-104 Patriot advanced capability-3 (PAC-3) missile on the US Air Force's Boeing F-15C fighter fleet. The plan could come to fruition within 29 to 33 months.
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) began funding an air-launched PAC-3 development in 2007 to prosecute ballistic missiles in their boost and terminal phases, although the interceptor could also be capable of shooting down cruise missiles.
The MDA is reportedly facing a nearly $2 billion budget cut next year, and boost phase programmes could be a particular target.
However, Lockheed believes another US military sponsor would step forward to complete the process of developing and integrating the new version of PAC-3. Glenn Haskins, Lockheed's programme manager for the air-launched hit-to-kill (ALHTK) programme, confirms the company is in discussions with USAF headquarters staff to obtain funding support.
Lockheed has demonstrated the missile's capability to the US Northern Command using a live, flying F-15C and a simulated missile launch and successful intercept, says Haskins, speaking on the sidelines of a missile defence forum sponsored by the Marshall Institute.
Full Article (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/04/07/324842/lockheed-proposes-funding-plan-for-air-launched-patriot.html)
Fight Global
April 7 2009
Lockheed Martin has proposed a $137 million plan to develop and integrate an air-launched version of the MIM-104 Patriot advanced capability-3 (PAC-3) missile on the US Air Force's Boeing F-15C fighter fleet. The plan could come to fruition within 29 to 33 months.
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) began funding an air-launched PAC-3 development in 2007 to prosecute ballistic missiles in their boost and terminal phases, although the interceptor could also be capable of shooting down cruise missiles.
The MDA is reportedly facing a nearly $2 billion budget cut next year, and boost phase programmes could be a particular target.
However, Lockheed believes another US military sponsor would step forward to complete the process of developing and integrating the new version of PAC-3. Glenn Haskins, Lockheed's programme manager for the air-launched hit-to-kill (ALHTK) programme, confirms the company is in discussions with USAF headquarters staff to obtain funding support.
Lockheed has demonstrated the missile's capability to the US Northern Command using a live, flying F-15C and a simulated missile launch and successful intercept, says Haskins, speaking on the sidelines of a missile defence forum sponsored by the Marshall Institute.
Full Article (http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/04/07/324842/lockheed-proposes-funding-plan-for-air-launched-patriot.html)