PAC-3: The Evolution of a System from Concept to Deployment
Abstract
As we mark the 20th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm, it is fitting to focus upon the theater and one of USASMDC/ARSTRAT's contributions to the fight. As the nation prepared for war in 1990, no systems specifically designed for TMD were available. The nearest solution was the Patriot anti-tactical ballistic missile capability 2, designed by the U.S. Army Missile Command. Developed to counter the growing threat of tactical ballistic missiles, however, the Patriot Advanced Capability 2, or PAC-2, was not yet scheduled to begin production, In the fall of 1990, the PAC-2 was rushed into production. Deployed to provide air defense for ports, airfields, logistical bases, and C2 centers, 3000+ Patriot missiles (Patriot, PAC-1 and PAC-2) were transferred to the battlefield. During the war, 158 PAC-2s were launched against Scud targets. Following the Persian Gulf War, there was an increased interest in the R&D and T&E of TMD systems. The Extended Range Interceptor, or ERINT, a follow-on to the FLAGE, incorporated such component upgrades as miniaturized components, aerodynamic fins, and attitude control motors which extended its range. Following a 1989 final design review, officials concluded that this high velocity hit-to-kill missile would be used primarily against maneuvering tactical missiles and secondly against air-breathing aircraft and cruise missiles. Elevated to project status in 1992, the ERINT successfully completed intercepts of theater ballistic missile targets and an air-breathing drone in 1994. At this point the ERINT was pitted against a proposed upgraded Patriot/PAC-2. The Acquisition Review Council subsequently concluded in favor of the ERINT as the new PAC-3 interceptor. The Army ultimately pursued a three-phased deployment for the PAC-3. The PAC-3 Configuration 3 was deployed in March 2000. The Pentagon declared the PAC-3 combat ready in August 2002, and it was first used 5 years later against Iraqi short-range SSMs during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA560833
Entities
People
- Sharon W. Lang