The second generation of Lockheed Martin‘s [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 company said.
“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,” Lockheed Martin said.
During a series of four tests, the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70)–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, Hawaii. The targets ranged from simple separating medium-range missiles to sophisticated, separating short-range missiles designed to confuse missile-defense systems, the company said.
During the tests, Lake Erie transmitted data via a tactical data link to other ships and shore command facilities, according to Lockheed Martin.
Over the next year, Lake Erie will complete additional tests, leading up to full operational certification of the Aegis BMD 4.0.1 system in early 2011.
The guided missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-60) and the Japanese Aegis destroyer JS Myoko (DDG-175) also participated in the events, exercising their respective systems in parallel with the Lake Erie, and providing additional crew training opportunities for both ships, Lockheed Martin said.