Aegis BMD System Upgrade Successfully Tracks Sophisticated Missile Targets in Exercise Series

Defense Professionals ^ | 12/17/2009 | Defense Professionals

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The second generation of Lockheed Martin’s [NYSE: LMT] Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, BMD 4.0.1, successfully detected, tracked and conducted simulated engagements against a variety of different ballistic missile targets during a series of tracking exercises in the Pacific.

The key feature of the new system is a new integrated signal processor designed to improve the system’s discrimination capability to defeat sophisticated ballistic missiles and their countermeasures.

During a series of four tests, the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie – upgraded with the BMD 4.0.1 Weapon System – successfully detected, tracked and guided simulated Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IBs to intercept ballistic missile targets launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai. The targets ranged from simple separating medium-range missiles to sophisticated, separating short-range missiles designed to confuse missile-defense systems.

During the tests, USS Lake Erie transmitted data via a tactical data link to other ships and shore command facilities.

Over the next year, USS Lake Erie will complete additional tests, leading up to full operational certification of the Aegis BMD 4.0.1 system in early 2011.

“We were thrilled to see the significant performance improvements with the Aegis BMD 4.0.1 Weapon System and the preliminary data shows the system’s performance matched our predictions,” said Lisa Callahan, Lockheed Martin’s vice president, Maritime BMD Programs. “These exercises allowed us to get an early look at the system. We’re eager to learn from these events, focus on the remaining development and enable the improved capability to reach the fleet.”

[PIF]

Watch for China to begin upgrading their stolen Ageis systemed destroyers soon with these US upgrades.