Lockheed Martin has debuted its new interceptor that will add a defensive capability against hypersonic and advanced missile threats.
"Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 Edge interceptor leverages the combat-proven PAC-3 MSE, delivering even greater maneuverability, power and velocity to ensure the Army's layered defensive architecture remains the most advanced in the world," Lockheed Martin, Missiles and Fire Control president, Tim Cahill, said.
The new interceptor, called PAC-3 Edge, uses combat-proven PAC-3 MSE technology. Lockheed Martin's new interceptor is part of the US Army's Future Interceptor program currently in competition.
Lockheed Martin will advance development and begin testing PAC-3 Edge in 2027 to prepare for rapid deployment by 2031.
PAC-3 Edge has a Lockheed Martin-built seeker designed by Lockheed Martin's Strigo Product Center. It also features a multi-pulse solid rocket motor designed by Northrop Grumman, implementing advanced enhancements to deliver precision thrust throughout the interceptor's flight, the company claims.
Lockheed Martin also implemented control system upgrades to deliver increased PAC-3 Edge performance at range and altitude.
The new interceptor is designed to counter a wide range of air, missile and hypersonic threats at higher altitudes and longer ranges.
PAC-3 Edge builds on the heritage of the PAC-3 family of missiles, which includes the lower cost PAC-3 ACE, legacy PAC-3 CRI and prestigious PAC-3 MSE, offering the most advanced interceptor capabilities to date.
Lockheed Martin invested US $250 million (approx. A $359 million) into the Strigo Product Center to fuel new seeker technology that enables increased precision and manoeuvrability against evolving threats.
PAC-3 Edge is designed to be integrated with existing and future Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) capabilities including the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS), the M903 launcher, containerised launchers and HIMARS Flex.