Successful THAAD Flight Test Demonstrates Thrust Vector Actuation System

Hamilton Sundstrand, ROCKFORD: Hamilton Sundstrand's Thrust Vector Actuation (TVA) system demonstrated, on May 11, that it has the muscle and responsiveness to steer an advanced missile interceptor currently under development by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and Lockheed Martin. Hamilton Sundstrand is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. 
 
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system completed a successful missile test flight on May 11, in which the Hamilton Sundstrand TVA system provided the critical steering capability to keep the missile on its precise flight path. 
 
The test verified the TVA system design in a demanding flight scenario. The TVA system, consisting of a controller, batteries and two actuators, steered the THAAD missile during booster fly-out that enabled the missile to perform maneuvers necessary to meet the demanding requirements of the missile flight path. 
 
THAAD is a key element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) and will provide rapidly deployable ground-based missile defense components. THAAD is intended to defeat ballistic missiles in the terminal phase of flight. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the THAAD program. 
 
Hamilton Sundstrand is a leading supplier of aircraft systems and services, and space systems. It employs approximately 16,000 people worldwide. United Technologies, based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company that provides high-technology products and services to the aerospace and building industries.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 135,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products.