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September 10, 2010
IWG Report 2009
Independent Working Group Report: Missile Defense, the Space Relationship, and the Twenty-First Century. »»
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Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
| Country: | USA |
|---|---|
| Basing: | Land, Sea |
Details
The Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI), as currently envisioned, will provide land-based and sea-based defense against medium- and long-range ballistic missiles in all phases of flight.
KEI was originally conceived to provide boost-phase defense, or the ability to destroy enemy missiles just after they have been launched. In the boost phase, ballistic missiles are slow and vulnerable, their location is predictable, and countermeasures and decoys cannot be deployed. However, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) originally envisioned attempts to utilize KEI to destroy ballistic missiles in the midcourse and terminal phases.
The system was planned to include (1) land-based interceptors mounted on mobile launchers, transportable by aircraft, and capable of deployment along the borders of threatening nations, and eventually to expand to (2) sea-based interceptors mounted on Navy destroyers and cruisers, possibly as part of the Aegis Ship-Based BMD. Once operational, KEI would have been able to engage a medium- or long-range ballistic missile within the first five minutes of its flight.
Patriot-like mobile launchers were to be used to transport the land-based interceptors. Each launcher would carry two interceptors housed in separate canisters, and would be transportable via a C-17 transport aircraft. It takes approximately three hours to set up a KEI battery of 10 missiles and 5 mobile launchers.
A command and control battle management and communications (C2BMC) component, consisting of six humvees, would integrate the KEI with the rest of the Ballistic Missile Defense System. Since KEI does not have its own radar or sensors, C2BMC was to rely on systems deployed by other BMD programs such as the Aegis AN/SPY-1 radar system, the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS), or the Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX).
Once a threat has been detected, KEI launches its high-velocity interceptor missile (36 feet long and 36 inches wide), which will fly toward its target at two-and-a-half to three times the speed of the average tactical missile, thus making KEI the fastest of its kind. The first and second stages of the booster burn together in 60 seconds, propelling the interceptor forward at a velocity of 6 kilometers per second.
During the third phase, the interceptor adjusts its trajectory and eject its “kill vehicle,” a small weapon that will incorporate elements from two other MDA defense projects: the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), a device that is used to destroy enemy missiles outside the atmosphere; and the Standard Missile-3, a sea-based missile with a kinetic warhead. The kill vehicle will close in on its target, aim for the missile’s brilliant plume, and slam into the enemy warhead, completely destroying the threat.
Although the project was moving forward for some time, KEI became the subject of much controversy and doubt. Many strong proponents of missile defense believed that the project was too risky, might not work as planned, and diverted attention and resources from more promising programs such as Brilliant Pebbles and the Standard Missile-3 interceptor. For instance, Brilliant Pebbles was originally expected to receive $6 billion in development funding over the next five years, but will now receive only $843 million, with only $11 million for 2005. KEI, by contrast, was to cost an estimated $22 billion over the next 10 years.
Others pointed out that MDA’s decision to shift KEI from a boost-phase to an all-encompassing defense system simply defied logic, since KEI would have replaced two brand new rockets that were developed at considerable expense. Another problem that many pointed out is the fact that the 36-foot long KEI interceptor missile does not fit on the Navy’s Aegis cruisers and destroyers, thus hampering the feasibility of relatively inexpensive sea-based deployment.
In December 2003, MDA awarded an initial $4.5 billion contract to a Northrop Grumman-led team including Raytheon, Orbital Sciences, Aerojet, and ATK. Until recently, the project was in the development and testing phase. Between 2003 and 2011, the team was scheduled to produce 10 land-based interceptors and conduct 5 integrated flight tests, with deployment scheduled for sometime between 2010 and 2012.
The Kinetic Energy Interceptor has been de-funded by the Obama administration on recommendation from Secretary of Defense Gates. The cut was part of the $1.4 billion trimming of the missile-defense budget for 2009.
Sources
"U.S. Kills Northrop Grumman missile-defense program," Reuters, 11 June 2009.
Center for Security Policy.
GlobalSecurity.org.
Hackett, James T. “Missile Defense Going Astray?” The Washington Times, 29 April 2004.
“KEI Contractors Borrow From Other MDA Programs to Meet Schedule.” Inside Missile Defense, 28 April 2004.
Missile Defense Agency.
Northrop Grumman Corporation, KEI Introduction.
Northrop Grumman Corporation, KEI Fact Sheet.
Northrop Grumman Corporation, KEI Frequently Asked Questions.
“Northrop Grumman And Raytheon Bid For Kinetic Energy Interceptor.” Space Daily, 7 March 2003.
Raytheon Company.
Kennedy on Revised BMD Strategy in Europe
Claremont Institute President Brian Kennedy discusses the Obama administration's change of course on missile defense in Europe at Wall Street Journal Asia.
Kennedy argues that the abandonment of a 'third site' for ground-based long-range ballistic missile defense in central Europe involves strategic considerations that reach far beyond current revised estimates about Iranian short- and medium-range missile capabilities.
» More stories on: European Missile Defenses
» Missile system details for: Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
Final Report on America's Strategic Posture
The Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States has released its final report to Congress. It offers some encouraging news and recommendations about the continued development and viability of missile defense in theater, but also leaves much to be desired in its discussion of missile defense deployments, the possibility of an EMP attack, and the desirability of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The "on the one hand, on the other hand" style of the report seems to reflect a division of opinion over the proper approaches to strategic policy.
The chapter on missile defense opens by noting that "Missile defenses are an integral part of the strategic posture of the United States after the Cold War." Iran and North Korea are identified as the two "missile threats of most immediate concern." The commission mentions both the deterrent effect of a missile defense system and its potential for shielding and reassuring allies.
These capabilities may contribute to deterrence by raising doubts in a potential aggressor's mind about the prospects of success in attempts to coerce or attack others. They may contribute to assurance of allies, by increasing their protection and also reducing the risks that the United States would face in protecting them against a regional aggressor.
The commission "strongly supports continued missile defense cooperation with allies" Such as Israel and Japan. This cooperation involves missile defense systems designedto combat short- and medium-range missiles, such as THAAD, PAC 3, and the sea-based Aegis system. Citing current plans to deploy 96 THAAD and 133 sea-based SM-3 interceptors, the commission states that "these numbers should be reviewed if the threat from North Korean or Iranian missiles increases." The gradual expansion of Iranian, Chinese, and North Korean missiles would indeed seem to warrant such a review. Yet these systems may also need to be supplemented by others to form a global and layered defense.
The Commission expresses less confidence in the Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) currently deployed in California and Alaska, with ten additional interceptors slated for deployment at a third site in Poland.
This system has demonstrated some capability against unsophisticated threats and should undergo additional system testing to determine its effectiveness against more complex threats that include technologies intended to help in-coming missiles penetrate the defense (so-called penetration aids). Further development and deployment...should depend on results of these tests and on developments in the ICBM threats facing the United States and its allies.
No single system is capable of defending against all threats of course. Yet the Commission misses an opportunity to explore the significant advantages offered by a multi-layered missile defense system.
The Commission recommends that missile defense policy should balance the need for national defense with the "legitimate concerns of Russia and China about strategic stability." In other words, a vigorous pursuit of defensive capabilities might lead Russia or China to "take actions that increase the threat to the United States and its allies and friends," such as enhancing their own arsenals or proliferating missile technologies to others.
The commission ends its report with a discussion of EMP:
Lastly, the United States should take steps to reduce the vulnerability of the nation and the military to attacks with weapons designed to produce electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects. We make this recommendation although the Commission is divided over how imminent a threat this is. Some commissioners believe it to be a high priority threat, given foreign activities and terrorist intentions. Others see it as a serious potential threat, given the high level of vulnerability.
A recommendation for the hardening of America's electrical grid follows. The report leaves unmentioned the potential a multi-layered missile defense system might have in meeting the threat of EMP.
» Strategic Posture Report 2009
» More stories on: Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Weapons
» Missile system details for: Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), Aegis Ship-Based BMD, Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
Northrop Grumman Awarded New Contracts for KEI
Reuters reports that the U.S. Missile Defense Agency plans to award Northrop Grumman two contracts totaling $2.5 billion for the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI). The first contract, to be awarded this fall, will total $1.5 billion and will covers the costs of restructuring and stretching out the project. The second contract, to be awarded by September 30, 2007, will total $1 billion and will “add a capability to shoot down targets in the middle of their flight paths,” according to the Pentagon’s Program Director Carlton Brewer as quoted by Reuters. MDA plans to test the KEI’s booster capabilities in the in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 in a test that may decide whether to continue or kill the project.
» Missile system details for: Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
Test of Kinetic Energy Interceptor Program
Northrop Grumman successfully completed the first of two FY 2006 tests of the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) battle management capability, known as the KEI Fire Control and Communications (KFC/C) system. The test was intended to verify that the system could meet the timelines and accuracy requirements necessary to engage and shoot down a target missile in its boost phase.
In the first test, which occurred on March 1, the team demonstrated that the KFC/C could forward sensor data received from multiple global satellite constellations to a deployed KEI battery. The next test will attempt to integrate the KEI sensors with external radar assets.
The KEI is a mobile ground-based missile defense system that is being designed to destroy enemy missiles during their boost and early-midcourse phases.
» Missile system details for: Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
KEI Engine Test
The Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) underwent the first in a series of static test firings of its second-stage rocket, on January 17. During the tests, the rocket motor burned successfully to completion, meeting performance and integrity expectations.
The KEI is the planned ground-based boost-phase interceptor component of the U.S. layered ballistic missile defense system. The significance of these engine tests are to determine if it is possible to develop an interceptor capable of extraordinarily fast acceleration, necessary to “catch up” with an enemy missile from a position on the ground.
» More stories on: Testing - American
» Missile system details for: Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
KEI Missile Undergoes Wind-Tunnel Tests in Missouri
The Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) recently underwent a series of high-speed wind-tunnel tests in St. Louis, Missouri, reports Jane’s Missiles & Rockets. The tests were intended to acquire data on the interceptor’s aerodynamics, high-frequency pressure, and acoustics, which will be used to select the proper nose shape for the KEI.
The KEI is the planned boost-phase interceptor component of the U.S. layered ballistic missile defense system.
» More stories on: Technology, Testing - American
» Missile system details for: Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
Hackett: MDA Needs to Keep Eye on Goal
James T. Hackett of The Washington Times reports that U.S. senators have urged the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to keep its eye on the goal: near-term deployment. In recent statements, Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), and Jon Kyl (R-AZ) have emphasized that the MDA should spend its limited funds on deploying ground-based midcourse interceptors and ship-based missile defenses, rather than on duplicative or long-term projects such as the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI). Many proponents of missile defense believe that the KEI project diverts attention and resources from more promising programs. The MDA has earmarked $5 billion for the KEI over the next four years.
Members of Congress are correct to urge the MDA to remain focused on the primary goal of deploying missile defenses in the near term.
» More stories on: Analysis, Policy
» Missile system details for: Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
Dinerman on Need to Divert KEI Funds to Space-Based Interceptors
Taylor Dinerman writes a fine piece for The Space Review on the need for missile defense budget cuts, if they are indeed to come, to be properly managed. If, as reported, the Missile Defense Agency must cut five billion dollars over the next six years, choices have to be made. Dinerman notes that “press reports indicate they have three choices: cut a little here and a little there, hoping to save all of their ongoing programs; cut the Airborne Laser (ABL); or cut the Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI). Sitting outside MDA, the answer is obvious, to wit, kill KEI.”
Dinerman goes on to recount the difficulties of the KEI design. While boost phase intercept is desirable, doing so with land-based interceptors is quite problematic, since they are very vulnerable to the problem of being in just the right place at just the right time. Dinerman then goes on to support perseverance with the promising sea-based Aegis defenses, as well as the Airborne Laser, but most importantly points to a more fundamental solution yet:
What is needed is to renew work on space-based boost-phase interceptors. The political obstacles are formidable indeed, but the case for Brilliant Pebbles or similar systems is as valid now as it was when the system was canceled by the late Les Aspin with the notorious quip, “I’m going to take the stars out of Star Wars.” Orbiting BPI weapons will not only give the US the capability to shoot down long-range missiles aimed at us but, and more importantly, it could allow the US to smother regional ballistic missile exchanges. Pick your own favorite nuclear missile nightmare scenario, and imagine how it would be changed if both sides found that their rockets were being knocked out of the sky. In a world full of nuclear proliferation, space-based BPI would be the ultimate diplomatic tool.
» More stories on: Space-Based Systems
» Missile system details for: Brilliant Pebbles, Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
Garwin on Missile Defense
Richard Garwin writes in the November edition of the Scientific American on the need for missile defense efforts to be properly directed. He makes a number of good points about the ballistic missile threat, but his opposition to the means by which to meet that threat leaves questions unanswered. First, a summary of his main points:
» Archive of Garwin writings at FAS
» More stories on: Analysis, Policy, Space-Based Systems
» Missile system details for: Brilliant Pebbles, Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD), Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
KEI as a Multipurpose Weapon
Richard C. Barnard, editor of Sea Power, discusses in the most recent issue of the publication the future of the Kinetic Energy Interceptor as a “multipurpose” missile defense weapon—for use in not only the boost or ascent phase, but the midcourse phase as well. While the KEI was initially sold as a boost phase interceptor, it is now considering midcourse interception. Whereas boost phase interception would require extremely high speeds to “catch up” with a missile in a very short span of time, an interception in midcourse gives a longer span of time, allowing the same missile to proceed at a slower pace, thus also extending its range.
As a midcourse phase interceptor, the KEI could possibly be based aboard submarines or Aegis cruisers, though such possibilities would probably not be feasible until several years after the 2010 scheduled feasibility for the land based version. Barnard cites Terry Little, the KEI program director, as saying that a single battery of ten KEI interceptors stationed in Italy could, as a midcourse interceptor, protect all of Western Europe, and that another battery based in Norfolk Virginia could defend the entire East Coast from a ship-launched missile, launched between 300 and 1,500 kilometers offshore. Little admitted, however, that the land-based version would be incapable of destroying a missile from a larger country—such as Russia or China—in its boost phase, and that to do so would require a space based laser.
» Missile system details for: Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI)
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