08:56 GMT, March 19, 2009 CANOGA PARK, Calif. | In the first ever "salvo" firing of a THAAD interceptor, the Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) developed by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne successfully positioned the interceptor to destroy the incoming test ballistic missile. Two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missiles were fired during a test on March 17 from the Pacific Missile Range off Kauai, Hawaii. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.

"This mission demonstrates THAAD's continued outstanding capability and its ability to help defend the nation," said Craig Larson, THAAD program manager, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "With each successful test, the protection THAAD will provide the American people, U.S. service men and women, and our friends and allies around the world, comes closer to reality."

The DACS is a high-precision, quick-reaction propulsion system that positions THAAD to intercept incoming enemy ballistic missiles. Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is under contract to produce the DACS for Lockheed Martin, the THAAD prime contractor.

THAAD will provide protection to U.S. and allied forces around the world against short to medium range ballistic missiles in the terminal or final phase of flight.

----

Related articles:

MDA: Successful Intercept in Missile Defense Flight Test
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/6230/

THAAD Radar Successful in Missile Defense Test
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/6241

THAAD Weapon System Achieves First Successful Intercept of a Separating Target
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/6239/

Aerojet Boost Motors Power THAAD Dual Interceptor Flight Test
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/6248

BAE Systems Seeker Detects Smaller, Faster Missile in Latest THAAD Test
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/6249