News Categories

Next:ARMOR: Merkava Muddles and Miracles in Lebanon

Strategic Weapons: Air Launched Anti-Missile Missiles

Archives

January
16, 2007: The U.S. has configured Patriot PAC 3 anti-missile missiles to be
launched from F-15 fighters. This would enable missiles to be in position, over
a wider area, to intercept incoming ballistic missiles. The PAC 3 version of
the Patriot is lighter (700 pounds, versus 2000) than the anti-aircraft
version. PAC 3 also has a shorter range (20 kilometers versus 70). An F-15 can
move around a lot faster than the towed launchers that normally carry PAC 3
missiles. The PAC 3 fired from the air can also hit cruise missiles, or
ballistic missiles that were just launched, and are still climbing. Work is now
underway to adapt the 17 foot long PAC 3 to be launched from the F-16, F-22 and
F-35 aircraft as well.

X

ad

Help Keep StrategyPage Open

First came Facebook, then came Twitter, and finally, AI has arrived. They have all caused a decline in our business, but AI may be the deadliest innovation. We are currently in survival mode. Our writers and staff receive no payment in some months, and even when they do, it is below the minimum wage for their efforts. You can support us with your donations or subscriptions. Please help us keep our doors open.

Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on X.

Subscribe   Donate   Close