The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization and the U.S. Army conducted thesecond test flight of a new theater missile defense interceptor missile atWhite Sands Missile Range, NM, yesterday.
Initial data reviews indicate the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)missile achieved a significant portion of the flight test objectives.
Theflight tested the missile guidance and control system to verify missileresponse to radar provided target updates.
The missile launched, executed theplanned energy management steering maneuver, separated the kill vehicle fromthe expended booster, and the kill vehicle continued with mid-course guidancebased on internal navigation update information sent from the surrogateradar.
The kill vehicle determined its relationship to the simulated target trajectoryand maintained its trajectory.
When the kill vehicle velocity was determinedto exceed range parameters, the flight was terminated and debris fell on theGovernment missile range.
Analysis of flight data is continuing.
Today's test was another in a series of THAAD Demonstration/Validation(Dem/Val) flights.
Dem/Val flights are intended to verify the THAAD prototypeconcept, design and performance and to gather data to support a DefenseDepartment decision on whether THAAD is ready to enter final design andmanufacturing development.
THAAD uses technologies developed in earlier BMDO programs.
It is the firstweapon system designed specifically to defend against theater ballisticmissiles.
The program is managed by BMDO and executed by the Army ProgramExecutive Officer, Missile Defense and the Army THAAD Project Manager inHuntsville, Ala.
Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Sunnyvale, Calif., isthe prime development contractor.
For further information on the THAAD program, call the Public Affairs Office,Army PEO Missile Defense (205) 876-4161.
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