A THAAD interceptor is launched from the Reagan Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during Flight Test THAAD-23. (Credit: Missile Defense Agency)
L3Harris is the industry leader in Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) technology—delivering the precision, agility, and reliability missile interceptors need to defend against advanced threats across both exo- and endo-atmospheric environments. From liquid-fueled to solid-propellant systems, our DACS solutions guide interceptors with unmatched maneuverability, enabling hit-to-kill accuracy at the edge of space.
DACS enable interceptors and spacecraft to change orientation or trajectory mid-flight. In missile defense, DACS equips the kill vehicle agility to fine-tune its course and collide with targets—a necessity for successful hit-to-kill intercepts against high-speed or maneuvering threats. As threats evolve, like hypersonic glide vehicles and advanced cruise missiles, DACS technology becomes more vital, delivering the maneuverability needed to counter unpredictability and achieve lethal intercepts.
In addition to its solid rocket motor, L3Harris supplies the Liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (LDACS) for THAAD. LDACS is a high-precision, quick-reaction propulsion system that positions the interceptor to successfully defeat an incoming ballistic missile. The unique DACS provides two kinds of propulsion: one for attitude control and another for kill-vehicle maneuvering. The DACS uses six thrusters to provide roll, pitch and yaw control for the interceptor. These thrusters work together to precisely stabilize the interceptor-seeker field of view for proper target visibility. The seeker's target data are then converted into maneuvering or divert commands that actuate the other four DACS thrusters as required. The four divert thrusters provide short, forceful pulses to quickly and accurately position the THAAD kill vehicle for target intercept. The DACS performs over a demanding range of temperatures, shock and vibration-flight environments.
L3Harris' Throttling Divert and Attitude Control System (TDACS) helps maneuver the kinetic warhead of the SM-3 into the target for the final hit-to-kill impact. L3Harris incorporates throttling solid rocket technology advancements into the TDACS design to provide increased mission flexibility to the warfighter while maintaining the safety features of solid propellant.
Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B guided missile is launched from the USS Lake Erie and successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, during a Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy test. Photo Credit: DoD.
A Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block 1B guided missile is launched from the USS Lake Erie, and successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii during a Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy test. Photo Credit: DoD.
A THAAD interceptor is launched from the Reagan Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during Flight Test THAAD-23. Photo Credit: DoD.
Editorial | 08. 29. 2025
L3Harris Technologies has concentrated decades of expertise across the entire enterprise to develop affordable and reliable best-of-breed solutions to rapidly combat the growing threat of unmanned systems across the globe.
