IAMD Successfully Intercepts Tactical Ballistic Missile With Patriot Guidance

US' Integrated Air and Missile Defense project management (IAMD) officials successfully intercepted a Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) surrogate target using a Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical missile on Thursday.

The test demonstrated a dramatic change in how current air and missile defense systems will operate in the future with a netted System-of-Systems architecture,Theredstonerocket reported Thursday. It demonstrated the ability to conduct an engagement over an Integrated Fire Control Network using the IAMD Battle Command System.

The Patriot-as-a-Target TBM surrogate flew a TBM trajectory against an asset defended by an IAMD task force comprised of a Battalion Engagement Operations Center, a non-collocated Battery EOC with a Patriot radar, and a remotely controlled IFCN Relay connected to two adapted Patriot Launchers operating on an IFCN. The two adapted Patriot launchers were equipped with GEM-T missiles to intercept the threatening TBM surrogate.

The IAMD System represents a shift from traditional system-centric weapon systems to a component-based approach. IAMD provides for the full, net-centric, plug- and-fight integration of existing and future AMD forces and systems.

IAMD supports integration at the system component level – launchers and sensors – into a SoS network, which enables the architecture to use full combat capabilities.

IAMD provides for the movement of critical information/decision aids from AMD sensors and weapons to the right decision-maker, at the right time, to support AMD mission objectives.

The Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) Engagement Operations Center (EOC) provides the common mission command capability, while the Plug- and-Fight kits, including the integrated fire control network (IFCN), provide fire-control connectivity to enable distributed operations.