The system comprises fire control and communications, interceptors, launchers and radar. The THAAD interceptor uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets, and it is the only weapon system that engages threat ballistic missiles at both endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes.

Part of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System, THAAD is a Missile Defense Agency program, with the program office located in Huntsville, Ala. The agency is developing the system defend against ballistic missiles of all ranges and in all phases of flight.

The test, conducted at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, was the third successful THAAD developmental flight test conducted since flight testing resumed for the program in November 2005. A successful controlled flight test was conducted last year, followed by a successful integrated test of the entire THAAD system last May.

Specific test objectives included demonstrating the integration of the radar, launcher, fire control and communications and interceptor operations; demonstrating kill vehicle control in response to in-flight uplinks; and target acquisition and tracking by the interceptor's seeker.

"The entire THAAD team has been focused on proving THAAD's ability to detect, track and engage a live target," said Tom McGrath, the program's manager and vice president at Lockheed Martin. "We are very pleased to have achieved this objective today and are eager to move forward with more testing that continues to prove the effectiveness of this weapon system."

Two more test flights are scheduled to occur at White Sands before THAAD testing moves to Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kaua`i, in Hawai`i.

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