Almost 25 years ago, the US Army began introducing Patriot PAC-3 anti-aircraft missile systems. This air defense system differed from previous samples of the family with a number of new components and corresponding capabilities. In the recent past, an MSE modernization program was carried out. Now work is underway on the PBD8 (Post-Deployment Build 8) upgrade project, and almost two-thirds of the combat air defense systems have already been upgraded.
Big upgrade
The most recent of the major Patriot upgrades so far was the PAC-3 project, which involved the introduction of a new rocket and a number of other components. Subsequent projects were of a smaller scale and involved the replacement of only individual components and assemblies. As part of PBD8, it is planned to update the equipment again, which will improve the operational and combat qualities of the air defense system.
The current upgrade of the PAC-3 + / PDB8 is quite complex. To update on a new project, the equipment has to be sent to the manufacturer. Raytheon and its subcontractors are involved in major overhauls and replacement of required components.
As part of various means of the Patriot air defense missile system, nodes built on the basis of technologies of the seventies and eighties are still preserved. PDB8 provides for the replacement of this equipment with modern digital systems. It is noted that such an update allows not only to improve the characteristics of individual means, but also to reveal the full potential of the previous modernization of MIM-104 missiles under the MSE project.
Alteration of equipment within the framework of PDB8 started in 2017. Since then, all vehicles of 9 anti-aircraft missile divisions out of 15 existing ones have passed the necessary procedures. Air defense systems deployed both in the United States and abroad were sent for modernization. At the same time, the removal of equipment from duty, as stated, did not have a negative impact on the air defense as a whole.
Update features
The main innovation of the PDB8 project is the improved AN / MPQ-65A multifunctional radar. It is an updated version of the standard AN / MPQ-65 from the Patriot air defense system and differs both technologically and in its characteristics.
Due to the use of modern element base, it was possible to increase the speed of the radar when solving the same problems. In addition, the maximum detection range has been increased by 30% - now this parameter reaches 230-240 km. Increased resistance to electronic warfare. In operation, the AN / MPQ-65A product is simpler and cheaper than its predecessor. At the same time, the layout is preserved. The radar is still located on the towed trailer with the antenna installed on the lifting device.
The workstations of the Patriot air defense missile system operators have so far been equipped with screens based on cathode ray tubes. As part of PDB8, they are being replaced by LCD monitors. Also under the replacement is the operator's computer for shooting control. Communication facilities are being modernized with the use of modern products. It is noted that the current update of operator seats will not be the last. In the future, it is planned to introduce new computing systems and even monitors with 3D function.
The battery command post receives new functions that increase the combat effectiveness of the air defense missile system. It is planned to introduce the Advanced Electronic Countermeasures (AECM) version of PDB8, which provides selection of various decoys. The AECM will be able to identify such objects and their paths, reducing the load on the fire control computer. The existing state identification system receives the Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NCTR) function. Thanks to this, she can request data about the target not only from herself, but also from other air defense components.
Communication between the components of the "Patriot", with the command or other complexes is now carried out using the Patriot Data Information Link system, which has undergone some updates. Combined Crypto Modernization Phase 1 allows the settlement to simultaneously work with open and encrypted channels, receiving all available data.
The current modernization of the PAC-3 + / PDB8 does not provide for major changes in the architecture of the complex, the replacement of key components or the introduction of new weapons. At the same time, the tactical and technical characteristics and combat qualities are growing due to improved components and systems.
New developments
A few days ago, plans were announced for the development of the Patriot air defense system after the completion of the PDB8 project. A new stage in the improvement of the complexes will again be associated with the replacement of communication and control equipment, as well as the introduction of a new multifunctional radar station. The development of fundamentally new missiles is not yet planned.
Now the development of a promising tactical control system Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) is underway, and this project is considered one of the main in the context of the development of air defense. While design work and various checks are underway. In the spring of next year, the first tests of the IBCS will take place in the conditions of the proving ground. By the mid-twenties, all Patriots will receive new IBCS systems, which will simplify their operation as part of a common multi-component air defense system.
The existing radar will be replaced in the future by the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) multipurpose locator. This radar will have improved technical and operational characteristics. It is made taking into account the joint operation with existing and prospective air defense systems of all types. The combination of LTAMDS and IBCS will allow the Patriot air defense system to fully operate as part of an echeloned air defense system, interacting with other samples.
The deployment of the first LTAMDS radars is planned for 2022. By 2031, it is planned to equip all 15 anti-aircraft missile divisions with Patriot PAC-3 + with such stations.
Plans for the future
The Patriot air defense system occupies a special place in the current plans of the Pentagon. This complex is considered quite successful in terms of characteristics and development potential, which is why they do not plan to replace it. The Patriots will remain in service for at least the next two decades. The replacement of such air defense systems can take place only at the end of the forties.
The command understands that during the specified period, existing threats may change or give way to new ones. In this regard, the modernization of cash air defense systems is already underway with a parallel study of new models of equipment for various purposes.
Now the main task of Raytheon and its subcontractors is to complete the modernization of the air defense system under the PDB8 project. In about two years, the vehicles of nine divisions have been updated. The machines of the remaining six will soon be sent for repair and modernization, after which they will return to service.
The result of the current program will be an increase in the main technical characteristics of the Patriot PAC-3 air defense system while maintaining all combat capabilities. The air defense system will still be able to solve the tasks of air and missile defense, but the effectiveness of such work will increase. In addition, the operation of equipment is simplified and cheaper.
Thus, the United States continues to develop its medium and long-range air and missile defense systems by improving existing systems. SAM "Patriot" confirms its modernization potential, and now we are talking about the most complex and major upgrade since the PAC-3 project. In the first half of the twenties, the introduction of new components and systems will take place, which will again provide an increase in performance. It is expected that the current program and new projects will make it possible to defend against air attack both now and in the distant future.
