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US Successfully Tests Patriot PAC-3 with RTX LTAMDS Radar to Counter Russian Missiles.
On December 11, 2024, Raytheon, a subsidiary of RTX, announced a significant milestone in the development of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS). During an operational assessment at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, U.S. Army soldiers successfully utilized the LTAMDS to guide Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) interceptors in neutralizing simulated cruise and ballistic missile targets. This success marks a critical step toward deploying this advanced radar system, proving its ability to detect, track, and engage a variety of threats.
RTX Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor Radar (Picture source: RTX)
The Patriot PAC-3 interception system, combined with the advanced LTAMDS radar, provides robust defense against a wide range of Russian missiles, including ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. Tactical ballistic missiles like the Iskander-M can be intercepted at altitudes of up to 30 km with the PAC-3 MSE version, which employs hit-to-kill technology for precise destruction mid-flight. With an interception speed exceeding Mach 5, PAC-3 interceptors rapidly neutralize threats after detection. Against cruise missiles like the Kalibr, the LTAMDS offers 360-degree radar coverage, detecting and tracking low-altitude and maneuverable threats. The PAC-3, with its speed and multi-target capabilities, can engage these threats even in saturated environments, ensuring effective and responsive defense.
When facing hypersonic missiles such as the Kinzhal, the LTAMDS plays a crucial role in detecting these high-speed threats and tracking their complex trajectories, increasing the interception chances of the PAC-3. Additionally, the system is effective against other aerial threats, including armed drones and anti-ship missiles, due to its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously. By integrating advanced detection and interception technologies, the Patriot PAC-3 combined with the LTAMDS provides a reliable and versatile response to the diverse and sophisticated threats posed by Russian arsenals, enhancing the security of strategic infrastructure and civilian populations.
The LTAMDS is a next-generation air and missile defense radar developed by Raytheon for the U.S. Army. This active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar provides full 360-degree coverage, enabling simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, manned and unmanned aircraft, and hypersonic weapons. Powered by Raytheon-produced Gallium Nitride (GaN) circuits, the LTAMDS delivers enhanced power and energy efficiency, improving detection range and operational reliability. Designed for seamless integration with the U.S. Army’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS), LTAMDS replaces the AN/MPQ-53/65 radars used in the Patriot system, offering enhanced defense capabilities against modern aerial threats.
Development of the LTAMDS began to modernize and replace the Patriot system’s AN/MPQ-53/65 radars. In 2019, Raytheon was selected to design this next-generation radar, integrating advanced technologies like GaN to improve power and energy efficiency. The program advanced rapidly, with six prototypes produced for intensive testing. In August 2024, Raytheon secured a contract worth over $2 billion to deliver eight LTAMDS radars, including some destined for Poland, marking the system's first international sale. LTAMDS is designed to integrate into the U.S. Army’s IBCS, offering 360-degree radar coverage for detecting and tracking various aerial and ballistic threats.
Development of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) began in the 1990s to enhance the Patriot air defense system against emerging threats, including tactical ballistic and cruise missiles. The initial version, PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI), introduced hit-to-kill interception technology, enabling more effective target destruction. In 2015, the U.S. Army decided to produce the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), an upgraded version featuring a dual-pulse rocket motor and larger control surfaces for increased range and altitude. PAC-3 MSE achieved initial operational capability in 2016, with full production beginning in 2018. Since then, PAC-3 MSE has been adopted by several allied nations, enhancing their air and missile defense capabilities.
The Patriot PAC-3 is a cutting-edge interceptor designed to neutralize threats such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. Capable of reaching targets at a maximum range of 35 km and an altitude of 20 km, it employs hit-to-kill technology, delivering kinetic energy for precise and effective destruction. The enhanced PAC-3 MSE version incorporates a dual-pulse rocket motor, extending its range by 50% to approximately 45 km. Equipped with an active Ka-band seeker and enlarged control surfaces, the PAC-3 can simultaneously engage up to nine targets per launcher, each capable of carrying 16 PAC-3 CRI or 12 PAC-3 MSE missiles, significantly boosting operational flexibility.
The Patriot PAC-3 offers interception capabilities at various altitudes depending on the configuration and type of target. The PAC-3 CRI version can intercept targets at altitudes of up to 20 km, while the upgraded PAC-3 MSE version can reach interception altitudes of 25 to 30 km, thanks to its dual-pulse rocket motor. These capabilities enable the PAC-3 to effectively neutralize a wide range of threats, from tactical ballistic missiles typically intercepted at high altitudes to cruise missiles and aircraft, generally intercepted at lower altitudes between 10 and 20 km.
The combination of the PAC-3 and LTAMDS represents a major advancement in air and missile defense. To put it simply, the LTAMDS acts as a highly advanced watchtower capable of scanning the skies in all directions with its 360-degree coverage. It can detect and track a wide variety of threats, including ballistic missiles, drones, and aircraft, well before they reach their target. Together, these systems provide unparalleled protection against modern threats.