Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne propulsion systems maneuver THAAD missile defense interceptors, destroying ballistic missile targets

CANOGA PARK, Calif., 26 Oct. 2011. The Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) from Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company in Canoga Park, Calif., positioned Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense interceptors such that they destroyed two short-range ballistic missile targets simultaneously during a technology demonstration. The Ballistic Missile Defense System Operational Test Agency, with the support of the Missile Defense Agency, conducted the THAAD operational test at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii.

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne engineers developed the Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS)--a high-precision, quick-reaction propulsion system that positions the interceptor to defeat an incoming ballistic missile--for the THAAD interceptor. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is under contract with Lockheed Martin, prime contractor on the THAAD Weapon System, to produce the DACS.

THAAD is intended to protect deployed troops and assets against short- to medium-range ballistic missiles in the final phase of flight.