June 22, 2007 :: The Missile Defense Agency :: News
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced the ninth successful test in eleven attempts of its "hit to kill" interceptor for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program, the sea-based component of the Agency's
Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). At approximately 4:40 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, the USS Decatur launched a Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) Block IA interceptor which successfully destroyed the target warhead more than 100 miles above the Pacific Ocean and 250 miles northwest of Kauai.
An Aegis cruiser (USS Port Royal, CG 73), a Spanish frigate, Méndez Núñez (F-104), and the MDA's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) mobile ground-based radar also participated in the flight test. U.S.S. Port Royal used the flight test to support development of the new Aegis BMD SPY-1B radar signal processor, collecting performance data on its increased target detection and discrimination capabilities. Méndez Núñez, stationed off Kauai, detected and tracked the ballistic missile with a minor modification made to its Aegis Weapon System. The THAAD radar, based on the island of Kauai, also tracked the target and exchanged data with the Aegis BMD cruiser. This was the first Aegis BMD test that used information from a land-based X-band radar: "The THAAD radar tracked them first. This particular case was to prove that THAAD can cue the Aegis system," said Joe Rappisi, Lockheed Martin director for Aegis ballistic missile defense.
The test was the third time the Aegis BMD system has demonstrated its target discrimination capabilities by intercepting a ballistic missile with a separating reentry vehicle. Additionally, the test marked the first time an Aegis BMD equipped destroyer was used to launch the interceptor missile instead of a cruiser. The participation of the Spanish frigate was also noteworthy, demonstrating the potential of cooperation with the system. Aegis BMD technology is being installed on 18 U.S. ships, including cruisers and destroyers. (Article)
» Navy Times description of Aegis destroyer intercept
» More stories on: Testing - American, Allies
» Missile system details for: Aegis Ship-Based BMD, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
