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Lockheed
Martin will experiment with a potential air-launched derivative
of the Patriot Advanced Capability – (PAC-3), for Air
Launched Hit-To-Kill (ALHTK) application. The Lockheed Martin
initiative began as risk assessment, concluded in April 2006
identifying the concept's feasibility, and is now progressed
to a Risk Reduction/Concept Definition Phase funded Missile
defense Agency (MDA) US$ 3 million award.
"PAC-3 Missiles would provide Combat Air Patrols or scrambled
interceptor aircraft the ability to defeat cruise missiles and
intercept ballistic missiles in asymmetric defense and boost
phase applications" says Mike Trotsky, vice president -
Air and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire
Control. The initial operational concept would fit in with North
American Air Defense operational architecture, fielded at first
on F-15C fighter aircraft. Future spiral development plans may
aim to equip other aircraft with the capability.
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