USS Pinckney (DDG 91) successfully completed Flight Test Other 40 (FTX-40), also known as Stellar Banshee, using Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Combat System to detect, track and conduct an engagement against an advanced medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile (MRBM) active target using a simulated SM-6 Block IAU.
FTX-40, ed by the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin and industry partners, tested a real-world hypersonic scenario, demonstrating multiple capabilities. Stellar Banshee introduced a new target and simulated missile, marking the successful use of the latest Aegis software in a virtualized configuration for a ballistic missile defense (BMD) flight test mission.
The Hypersonic Spotlight
“Our Aegis Combat System successfully defended against a simulated hypersonic threat,” said Chandra Marshall, vice president of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin. “Aegis Baseline 9’s hypersonic defense advantage against an MRBM target brings an incredible capability that allows our warfighter to see the invisible sooner, ensuring our Sailors get in front of threats quickly.”
The successful test also highlights the Aegis Combat System’s ability to adapt to the ever-evolving defense environment. With both sea-based and land-based configurations, Aegis demonstrates the system’s flexibility and scalability, making it a key pillar of missile defense.
Lockheed Martin is driving innovation, integration and ongoing flight test with the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Navy and industry partners, shaping the future of Aegis technology. The FTX-40 simulated engagement previews future Aegis live-fire intercept missions and is the third test for the Capability Package 24/Ballistic Missile Defense 5.1.5 system, including Sea-Based Terminal Increment 3.
Last year, industry and government teams successfully flew FTX-23, also known as Stellar Sisyphus, demonstrating a two-part developmental test of sensor tracking capabilities and communications links. The crews successfully intercepted an MRBM target using the SM-6 Dual II Software Upgrade interceptor missile on the FTM-32.
Via Lockheed Martin
