The Patriot Air Defense System And The Search For An Antitactical Ballistic Missile Defense PDF Download

PATRIOT, the centerpiece of the Army's echelon above corps and theater air defense forces, is an extremely capable high-to-medium altitude, long-range air defense missile system which provides air defense of ground combat forces and high-value assets against the air threat of the 1990s and beyond. PATRIOT is designed to cope with enemy defense suppression tactics that may include tactical ballistic missiles (TBM), cruise missiles, anti-radiation missiles, advanced aircraft employing saturation, maneuver, sophisticated electronic countermeasures (ECM), and low radar cross-section. In the Field Army, PATRIOT air defenses will be complemented by short-range, low altitude forward area defense weapons and will be integrated with other ground and air assets in the overall air defense of the theater of operations. The system can conduct multiple simultaneous engagements of high performance air breathing targets and TBMs with a high probability of target kill. The system will provide air defense protection in all weather conditions and in hostile ECM environments. At the battery level or Fire Unit (FU) level, the PATRIOT missile system consists of an Engagement Control Station (ECS), one Radar Set (RS), an Electric Power Plant (EPP), eight Launching Stations (LS), and associated communications equipment. At the battalion level, command and control is exercised through the Information and Coordination Central (ICC) and associated communications equipment including Communications Relay Groups (CRG). The PATRIOT RS is a multifunction phased array radar which performs a variety of surveillance, acquisition, and guidance tasks. The only manned element of the FU during air battle, the ECS, provides the human interface for control of automated operations.