Patriot Advanced Affordable Capability-4 (PAAC-4)

In August 2013, Raytheon and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems began to seek funding for a fourth-generation Patriot intercepting system, called the Patriot Advanced Affordable Capability-4 (PAAC-4). The system aims to integrate the Stunner interceptor from the jointly-funded David's Sling program with Patriot PAC-3 radars, launchers, and engagement control stations. The two-stage, multimode seeking Stunner would replace single-stage, radar-guided PAC-3 missiles produced by Lockheed Martin. Government and industry sources claim the Stunner-based PAAC-4 interceptors will offer improved operational performance at 20 percent of the $2 million unit cost of the Lockheed-built PAC-3 missiles. The companies are seeking $20 million in U.S. government funding to demonstrate cost and performance claims through a prototype PAAC-4 system. Israeli program officials have said that a previous teaming agreement between Raytheon and Rafael would allow the U.S. company to assume prime contractor status, and produce at least 60 percent of the Stunner missile in the United States. The Missile Defense Agency has said that the U.S. Army is considering use of the Stunner as a potential solution to future U.S. military requirements.

Future

Patriot upgrades continue, with the most recent being new software known as PDB-7.x (PDB standing for "Post Deployment Build"). This software will allow Configuration 3 units to discriminate targets of all types, to include anti-radiation missile carriers, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles.

The PAC-3 missile is currently being upgraded through the Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE). The MSE upgrade includes a new fin design and a more powerful rocket engine.

Lockheed Martin has proposed an air-launched variant of the PAC-3 missile for use on the F-15C Eagle. Other aircraft, such as the F-22 Raptor and the P-8A Poseidon, have also been proposed.

In the long term, it is expected that existing Patriot batteries will be gradually upgraded with MEADS technology. Because of economic conditions, the U.S. chose to upgrade its Patriot missiles instead of buying the MEADS system. The Royal Netherlands Air Force decided to upgrade its existing systems to the latest standard extending operational use until 2040.

Raytheon has developed the Patriot guidance enhanced missile (GEM-T), an upgrade to the PAC-2 missile. The upgrade involves a new fuse and the insertion of a new low noise oscillator which increases the seeker's sensitivity to low radar cross-section targets. In April 2013, Raytheon received U.S. Army approval for a second recertification, extending the operational life of the worldwide inventory of Patriot missiles from 30 to 45 years.

4. Watch the video: PAC-3 Missile: How the System Works. Answer the questions below:

1) What units does the Patriot system consist of?

2) Give specifications of the PAC-3 missile.

3) What are the attitude control motors used for?

4) What does the radar do when the targets are detected?

5) Why does the operator always maintain override capability?

6) What helps the PAC-3 missile to achieve hit-to-kill intercept?

7) What happens with the remaining PAC-3 missiles when the target has been defeated?

 

Work in pairs. Open your book on page 90 (Infographic 4). Ask and answer questions about Patriot Missile Defense System.

Write down a short description of how the PAC 3 works.

 

UNIT 7

Round-table discussion:

Divide into groups. Choose the topic in Unit 6 and Unit 7

• Prepare short presentations paying attention to the specific features
• Present your group’s ideas to the rest of the class

INFOGRAPHIC 2

 

 

INFOGRAPHIC 3