RIG-360 Team Completes Numerous Program Milestones in Record Time
The Lockheed Martin Remote Intercept Guidance 360 (RIG-360) program has completed numerous program milestones in just a few months – including a critical-design review, captive-carry tests and a development-flight test. Rapidly achieving these milestones exemplifies Lockheed Martin’s commitment to moving with the speed our customers' need.
RIG-360 is a missile-communications device that enables 360-degree, in-flight communications for the Patriot Advanced Capability – 3 (PAC-3) missile family. This removes blind spots and allows the U.S. Army to pair missiles with the best available radar on the battlefield.
“Our RIG-360 program is critical for PAC-3 operation and in-flight success,” said Jason Reynolds, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Integrated Air and Missile Defense. “Our team has been diligent in ensuring we are delivering for our customer with this crucial program that pairs weapons and sensor systems in today’s modern warfare. RIG-360 is a game changer for PAC-3 moving forward, and we’re moving with urgency to deliver ahead of schedule.”
Supporting the U.S. Army
These tests ensure Lockheed Martin is providing the U.S. Army with the most accurate integrated architecture for their most important missions. Completing these milestones ensures the RIG-360 program is ahead of schedule for important deliveries and fielding dates for the U.S. Army.
The team carried out three captive carry tests before the first developmental flight test, ensuring RIG-360 provides evidence of 360-degree communications with the PAC-3 radio, in addition to demonstrating the maximum-range requirement.
A First for the Program
This was the first major live-fire-flight test for RIG-360, using a PAC-3 missile, in which the systems could communicate with each other. Completing this just a few weeks after a captive carry test shows the system is ready for fielding.
In the course of just a few months, the RIG-360 team achieved these three major program events, which all come just a year after the first phase of engineering, manufacturing and development funding. This proves Lockheed Martin’s commitment to staying on and ahead of schedule for our customers.