The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) on Thursday successfully evaluated performance of alternate divert thrusters for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system’s exoatmospheric kill vehicle (EKV), according to an agency statement.
The mission was part of a non-intercept flight test called CTV-02 in which a long-range ground-based interceptor was launched from Vandenberg AFB, Calif. During the test, a target representing an intermediate-range ballistic missile was air-launched from a C-17 aircraft over the broad ocean area west of Hawaii. An Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model 2 (AN/TPY-2) radar in forward based mode, located at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii, detected the target and relayed target track information to the command, control, battle management and communication system.
Photo: Missile Defense Agency.
The sea-based X-band radar, positioned in the broad ocean area northeast of Hawaii, also acquired and tracked the target. The GMD system received track data and developed a fire control solution to engage the target. The test also included a demonstration of technology to discriminate countermeasures carried by the target.
A three-stage ground-based interceptor was launched from Vandenberg, performed fly-out and released a capability enhancement-II EKV. The kill vehicle performed scripted maneuvers to demonstrate performance of alternate divert thrusters. Upon entering terminal phase, the kill vehicle initiated a planned burn sequence to evaluate the alternate divert thrusters until fuel was exhausted, intentionally precluding an intercept.
Program officials will evaluate system performance based on telemetry and other data obtained during the test. Engineering data from this test will be used to increase forma confidence for future GMD intercept missions (Defense Daily, Jan. 29).