Preliminary data indicates the THAAD flight test successfully met all test objectives including demonstrating the successful integration of the radar, launcher, THAAD Fire Control and Communication (TFCC) and interceptor; exo-atmospheric intercept of a unitary target; and demonstrating the Interceptor's endgame capability in a highly stressing intercept scenario.

The interceptor was conditioned "hot," meaning the interceptor was heated before testing. Hot conditioning demonstrates the interceptor's ability to operate in extreme environments. The remainder of THAAD flight testing will take place at PMRF through 2009.

"The THAAD Weapon System continues to prove its ability in both endo and exo-atmospheric environments," said Tom McGrath, program manager and vice president for THAAD at Lockheed Martin. "That's what makes this system so unique. No other missile defense system in the world can destroy tactical ballistic missiles outside and inside the Earth's atmosphere. That flexibility provides greater protection for our Warfighters and our allies."

Since November 2005 the THAAD Weapon System program has conducted seven successful flight tests including four tests involving the successful intercept of threat representative targets:

November 2005 - Successful missile-only flight test
May 2006 - Successful integration of the entire THAAD Weapon System including launcher, interceptor, radar and fire control system
July 2006 - Successful seeker characterization flight test including first target intercept
September 2006 - Mission designated a 'no-test' when the HERA target malfunctioned and was destroyed by WSMR Range Safety before the interceptor was launched; excellent THAAD ground data was acquired
January 2007 - Successful high endo-atmospheric intercept of a unitary target in THAAD's first flight test at the PMRF
April 2007 - Successful intercept of a unitary target at lower altitude
June 2007 - Successful missile-only flight test in low endo-atmosphere
October 2007 - Successful intercept of a unitary target outside the atmosphere.

A production contract for the first two fire units was awarded to Lockheed Martin in late 2006. Also, the THAAD program recently announced production of the THAAD launcher and fire control and communications unit will take place at Lockheed Martin's manufacturing facility in Camden, AR. Interceptor production is conducted at Lockheed Martin's Pike County Facility in Troy, AL. Deliveries will support a First Unit Equipped in FY'09.

THAAD is designed to defend U.S. troops, allied forces, population centers and critical infrastructure against short- to intermediate range ballistic missiles. THAAD comprises a fire control and communications system, interceptors, launchers and a radar. The THAAD interceptor uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets, and THAAD is the only weapon system that engages threat ballistic missiles at both endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes.

A key element of the nation's Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), THAAD is a Missile Defense Agency program, with the program office located in Huntsville, AL. The agency is developing a BMDS to defend the United States, its deployed forces, friends and allies against ballistic missiles of all ranges and in all phases of flight.

Related Links
Learn about missile defense at SpaceWar.com
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com
All about missiles at SpaceWar.com
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com

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