BAE SYSTEMS SEEKER DETECTS SMALLER, FASTER MISSILE IN LATEST THAAD TEST
18 Mar 2009 | Ref. 053/2009
KAUAI, Hawaii — A BAE Systems seeker detected an incoming target representing a ballistic missile in the most recent test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system.
The test, conducted March 17 by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and THAAD prime contractor and systems integrator Lockheed Martin, examined how the interceptor and other THAAD system components detect and intercept a target missile.
“In this test, the THAAD program demonstrated its tactical salvo capability, launching two THAAD interceptors,” said Bruce Whaley, seeker program manager at BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire, where the THAAD seeker is developed and built.
“As the flight test program continues, the targets become more challenging to detect and hit, and the engagement scenarios more complex," Whaley said.
The BAE Systems seeker detects infrared imagery from the warhead to guide the interceptor to its target. THAAD intercept testing will continue through 2011.
THAAD is designed to defend U.S. and allied soldiers, military assets, and population centers from the threat of ballistic-missile attacks, destroying enemy warheads and missiles through direct “hit-to-kill” targeting. BAE Systems has worked on missile defense seekers since the late 1970s and achieved the first hit-to-kill intercept of a ballistic-missile target in 1984. The company recently delivered its first production seeker.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
For further information, please contact:
Karen Spiller, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 603 885 2818 Mobile: +1 603 566 2090
karen.spiller@baesystems.com
Shannon Smith, BAE Systems
Tel: +1 703 907 8257 Mobile: +1 703 967 3854
shannon.n.smith@baesystems.com
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