May 11, 2006 :: The Missile Defense Agency :: News
The Missile Defense Agency successfully completed a flight test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system today at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. All THAAD components were tested, including the mobile launcher, radar, fire control and communications element, and the interceptor missile. The test did not involve a target missile, but utilized “virtual target” software. According to MDA, the test successfully demonstrated the performance of the interceptor missile, which successfully maneuvered into the path of the virtual target. The THAAD radar also participated in the test by acquiring and tracking the virtual target and providing in-flight updates.
THAAD is designed to intercept short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles during the “terminal” phase of a ballistic missile’s flight, the final minute or so before it strikes its target. MDA plans to conduct a live target intercept later this year.
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