The US tests a new system to destroy ballistic missiles (video)
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has conducted a large-scale test of a Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) missile system with a selectable stage that destroyed the target of an air-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile.
Supported by contractors Northrop Grumman, Boeing and Raytheon, FTG-12 was a comprehensive test of MDA’s Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system and the ability of the fire control system to coordinate a wide range of sensors and command and control centers to counter an increasing variety of targets.
The U.S. GMB system consists of 44 interceptor missiles, with another 20 deployed in Alaska and California, and a sophisticated sensor network designed to protect against unauthorized missile launches and deter large-scale attacks.
One of the challenges facing such a defense system is that while previous systems were designed to deal only with intercontinental ballistic missiles traveling at the edge of space, a modern counterpart must also deal with intercontinental ballistic missiles that have gentler trajectories and lower altitudes. However, the current interceptors are three-stage missiles that develop such high acceleration that they fly past the target.
To prevent this, MDA has developed a second/third stage interceptor that can act as two separate stages or as a second stage, so the extra-atmospheric combat vehicle (EKV) can turn around before the third stage is triggered to intercept. In addition, the new GMD Capability Increment 6B configuration provides the system with more time, distance and flexibility in response.
“These tests using the ground-based 2-/3-stage interceptor with 2-stage selectable mode provide the fighter with an increased combat space that supports additional firing capabilities to destroy the incoming missile,” said MDA Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins.
