HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Building on a strong legacy of powering missile defense, Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company, has now delivered its 3,000th Lethality Enhancer for the PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), which protects U.S. and allied forces against tactical ballistic missiles, advanced aircraft and cruise missiles.
“This is a significant milestone for the PAC-3, whose proven lethality against increasingly advanced airborne threats is driving high demand, both domestically and internationally,” said Ross Niebergall, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne. “As the sole provider of the Lethality Enhancer and other key PAC-3 propulsion components to the U.S. government, Aerojet Rocketdyne is committed to meeting that demand while maintaining high quality.”
The PAC-3 is deployed around the world by the U.S. Army and more than a dozen U.S. allies and partners. The Patriot system was deployed in Ukraine earlier this year, and as reported by numerous media outlets, has helped the country defend its territory from Russian attack.
The Lethality Enhancer is an explosive device that increases the ground-based PAC-3’s kill radius against air-breathing threats, including cruise missiles. The medium-range PAC-3 engages targets using hit-to-kill technology.
Tyler Evans, President of Missile Solutions, recognized the PAC-3 team at the segment’s Camden, Arkansas, site as behind the successful delivery milestone, noting “their hard work and focus ensure we are able to manufacture the critical technology needed to support our warfighters, protecting citizens and infrastructure.”
In addition to the Lethality Enhancer, Aerojet Rocketdyne makes the PAC-3’s Attitude Control Motors, which help steer the interceptor warhead toward its target. The PAC-3 Missile System Enhancement (MSE), the variant currently in production, also employs Aerojet Rocketdyne’s revolutionary two-pulse solid rocket motor propulsion system for increased performance in altitude and range.