MIM-104 Patriot

MIM-104 Patriot
Country	USA
Role	Mobile long-range surface-to-air missile with anti-ballistic missile capability
In service	Since 1981
Built	1100+ launchers

The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the primary of its kind used by the United States Army and several allied nations. It is manufactured by the U.S. defense contractor Raytheon and derives its name from the radar component of the weapon system. The AN/MPQ-53 at the heart of the system is known as the “Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target” which is a backronym for PATRIOT. The Patriot System replaced the Nike Hercules system as the U.S. Army’s primary High to Medium Air Defense (HIMAD) system, and replaced the MIM-23 Hawk system as the U.S. Army’s medium tactical air defense system. In addition to these roles, Patriot has been given the function of the U.S. Army’s anti-ballistic missile (ABM) system, which is now Patriot’s primary mission. The system is expected to stay fielded until at least 2040

Source: MIM-104 Patriot on Wikipedia

Patriot Missile Battery Walk Around
Photographer	Dieter Krause
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	102

Patriot Missile Battery 01

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Patriot Missile Battery 09

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General Characteristics and Role

The MIM-104 Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept Of Target) is a highly capable surface-to-air missile (SAM) system used by the United States Army and many allied nations. It was originally designed to engage aircraft but was modernized to counter tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs) and cruise missiles. The Patriot system is not a single vehicle but a highly integrated mobile battery, consisting of several key components linked by fiber optics and radio, including the Engagement Control Station (ECS), a power plant, and, most critically, the MPQ-53/65 Phased-Array Radar and the M901 Launching Station. Patriot batteries are typically deployed to protect high-value military assets, population centers, and critical infrastructure from air attack.

Component	Description / Platform
System Role	Air and Missile Defense (AMD)
National Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Raytheon
Service Entry	1984
Primary Missile	PAC-2 (Patriot Advanced Capability-2) and PAC-3
Radar Unit	AN/MPQ-53/65 (Phased-Array)
Launcher Platform	M901 Launching Station (Truck-mounted)
Total Missiles (per Battery)	Varies, typically 32 (PAC-2) to 128 (PAC-3)

Missile and Performance (PAC-3 MSE Variant)

Missile Type: The PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) is the primary interceptor. It uses hit-to-kill technology (kinetic energy) rather than a blast fragmentation warhead.
Guidance: Track-Via-Missile (TVM), combining ground radar tracking with missile-borne radar updates.
Range (Approximate): Up to 150 km (93 mi) (PAC-2); 40 km (25 mi) for PAC-3 interceptors.
Altitude (Approximate): 20 km+ (12 mi+).
Launcher Capacity: An M901 station can hold 4 PAC-2 missiles OR 16 PAC-3 MSE missiles, increasing the launch power per station dramatically.
Key Capability: Can engage multiple targets simultaneously and is specifically designed to intercept highly maneuverable ballistic missiles.

Radar and Engagement Control

Radar Role: The AN/MPQ-65 radar performs search, identification, track, missile guidance, and counter-countermeasures functions.
Radar Type: Passive electronically scanned array (PESA).
Engagement Control Station (ECS): The command center where the crew monitors the air picture, identifies threats, and commands the firing units.
Mobility: The entire system is mounted on trailers and trucks, allowing it to be relocated quickly, though setup and tear-down times are measured in hours, not minutes.