HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – U.S. missile-defense experts needed solve technical problems caused by component obsolescence in the nation's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. They found a solution from Lockheed Martin Corp.
Officials of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in Huntsville, Ala., announced a $12.5 million order earlier this month to the Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control segment in Grand Prairie, Texas, for the THAAD Life of Need #11 Obsolescence Mitigation project.
This order calls for Lockheed Martin to find ways to solve component obsolescence problems in the nation's THAAD interceptor fleet, and ensure continued operational integrity of the system through component updates and industrial base stability.
Obsolescence mitigation involves replacing outdated or no longer supportable components within the THAAD system to maintain system readiness and extending the life cycle of defense hardware by preventing potential failures caused by obsolete parts.
Anti-ballistic missiles
Lockheed Martin, which is the THAAD prime contractor, will handle this modernization effort. THAAD is a ballistic missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their descent or reentry stage.
THAAD uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy the target only with the kinetic energy of impact rather than an explosive warhead. THAAD interceptors are launched from truck-mounted launchers and can reach speeds of about 6,260 miles per hour with a range of 125 miles and an altitude as high as 93 miles.
The system includes the AN/TPY-2 radar for early detection and tracking, fire control units, and mobile launchers. THAAD can destroy ballistic missile inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere.
On this order, Lockheed Martin will do the work in Grand Prairie, Texas; Sunnyvale, Calif.; Troy and Huntsville, Ala.; and Camden, Ark., and should be finished by September 2026. For more information contact Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control online at www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/who-we-are/business-areas/missiles-and-fire-control.html, or the Missile Defense Agency at www.mda.mil.
