Missile Systems | Cruise Missile | Patriot Missile | Missile Guidance

Patriot Missile

The Patriot Missile, initially designed for anti-aircraft purposes, proved to be a great asset in destroying the Iraqi Scud missiles. This type of guidance system used radio waves to track down the enemy missile. As the Scud would travel, radio waves would beam the Scud's location back to the Patriot radar stationed and relayed back to the intercepting Patriot. During the conflict, the Allies used this system to protect Israel, as Saddam was trying to draw the Jewish homeland into the war.

How it Works The Iraqi Scuds probably originated from mobile launchers in southern Iraq. Their original range of 186 miles has been improved by the Iraqis to approximately 500 miles, although the longer reach decreases the 2,167 pound payload. Accuracy is poor. Each Patriot station contains four missiles and a trailer housing radar. After launch, a radar beam illuminated the Scud. Missile antennas pick up reflection and relay data to the ground. Commands are transmitted back to the missile's guidance system. The Patriot warhead, armed with a proximity fuse, explodes into shrapnel as it nears the Scud, destroying it in midair.