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October 7, 2008
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Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
| Country: | USA |
|---|---|
| Warhead: | impact weapon |
| Range: | 250 km |
| Basing: | Land |
| In Service: | Exp. 2008 |
Details
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a mobile, land-based weapons program designed to destroy short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phases, just seconds before they explode over U.S. cities and military assets. One of the last lines of defense against weapons of mass destruction, THAAD will play a critical role in the Missile Defense Agency’s Ballistic Missile Defense System.
Upon completion, THAAD will be able to intercept incoming missiles both inside and just outside of the Earth’s atmosphere at a range of 200 kilometers. At such an altitude, it will be difficult for enemy missiles to launch decoys and countermeasures to fool the THAAD interceptor. In addition, THAAD will ensure the safe diffusion of any nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons, thus minimizing the risk of missile debris raining down on civilian or military populations.
The THAAD project, originally known as the Theater High Altitude Area Defense system, began in 1992 when the Missile Defense Agency awarded a $689 million development contract to Lockheed Martin and subcontractors Raytheon, Datatape, and EBCO. Initial successes were encouraging. In the late 1990s, however, THAAD missed six out of eight of its attempted intercepts, and many dismissed the project as an expensive failure. MDA decided to backtrack. Between 2000 and 2003, THAAD engineers reworked the entire system and fixed many of its inherent problems and redundancies.
THAAD is now ready to emerge from hiatus. Its engineers are preparing a series of high-profile tests to prove that the new system can successfully intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. In March 2004, the “T” in THAAD was changed from “theater” to “terminal,” to better describe the system’s primary function: the destruction of ballistic missiles in their final descent phase. This new THAAD will consist of four principal components: an X-band radar; a Command & Control and Battle Management Communications (C2BMC) unit; mobile launchers; and the THAAD interceptor missiles themselves.
In a typical combat scenario, THAAD’s X-band, phased array, solid-state radar will scan the horizon for hostile missiles. It will be capable of detecting threats at a range of 1,000 kilometers. Once an incoming missile has been detected, the X-band radar will relay this information to the C2BMC unit, a mobile command center installed on Humvees that manages and integrates all THAAD components. C2BMC units are capable of linking THAAD with other missile defense layers to strengthen the overall Ballistic Missile Defense System. C2BMC is also responsible for determining friend from foe.
A typical THAAD battery will include nine M1075 truck-mounted launchers to transport and fire the interceptors. Each launcher is 12 meters long, 3.25 meters wide, and carries 10 missiles. The Army will be able to transport the launchers by C-130 aircraft for rapid deployment. After firing, the launcher will take approximately 30 minutes to reload. The interceptor missile itself is 6.17 meters long, 0.34 meters in diameter, and weighs 900 kilograms. It is powered by a single stage solid fuel rocket motor with thrust vectoring. Although the interceptor is not designed to track long-range ballistic missiles, MDA has not yet ruled out the possibility of upgrading the system to accommodate greater range and velocity.
Following the launch, the interceptor will receive targeting information from the ground-based X-band radar. After its burnout stage, the interceptor’s kill vehicle (KV) will separate from the booster. The KV is equipped with a liquid Divert and Attitude Control System (DAVS) which will maneuver the KV toward the target interception point. An infrared seeker in the KV’s nose will home in on the target. At the point of impact, the KV will collide with the incoming missile (like a bullet hitting a bullet), causing complete destruction of the warhead including any nuclear, chemical, or biological agents.
THAAD is currently moving forward in two-year development “blocks.” Its current phase, Block 2004, will culminate in three flight tests and two intercept attempts. The flight tests will assess the performance of the interceptor both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. The intercept attempts, scheduled for 2005 and 2006, will take place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and the Pacific Missile Range in Hawaii, and will determine whether or not the new THAAD system is ready for deployment. In the Block 2006 period, MDA will conduct five more intercept attempts, one of which will include a “salvo shot” of two simultaneously-fired THAAD missiles. Block 2008 will involve another six tests of increased difficulty.
The Army intends to build between 80 to 99 launchers, 18 ground based radars, and 1,422 interceptor missiles. Initial deployment is scheduled for 2008.
Sources
Army Technology.
The Boeing Company.
Breen, Tom. “Missile Defense Agency; Countdown To Historic Deployment.” Armed Forces Journal, 1 April 2004.
Federation of American Scientists.
Feiler, Jeremy. “Officials: Recent Setback To Have Little Impact On THAAD Schedule.” Inside the Pentagon, 20 November 2003.
GlobalSecurity.org.
Hsu, Emily. “Missile Defense Agency Renames THAAD Missile Defense System.” Inside Missile Defense, 3 March 2004.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company.
Missile Defense Agency.
Raytheon Company.
Selinger, Marc. “MDA Studying Terminal-phase System For Long-range Missiles.” Aerospace Daily, 20 November 2003.
Selinger, Marc. “Raytheon Finishes First Production Radar For THAAD.” Aerospace Daily, 15 March 2004.
Wall, Robert. “THAAD Revival; Lessons From Previous Test Series Drive Emphasis On Reliability.” Aviation Week & Space Technology, 1 September 2003.
Weinberger, Sharon. “THAAD Passes Critical Design Review, Moves To Flight Testing.” Defense Daily, 23 December 2003.
Andrew on Chinese Missile and Defensive Buildup
Martin Andrew of the Jamestown Foundation argues that ballistic missile defense in Asia is reducing China’s strategic deterrence. As China deploys its theater-range missiles, other military powers in the region are investing in BMD systems, such as sea-based Aegis systems and ground-based THAAD systems. These new systems will be able to intercept Chinese missiles over Chinese airspace, thus putting China in what Andrew terms a “strategic quandary.” An excerpt:
BMD systems are being deployed in Northeast Asia because of the build-up in Chinese and North Korean ballistic missiles. Yet if it were to negotiate the removal of its ballistic missiles facing Taiwan it loses its key leverage over Taiwan—with Japan and South Korea still keeping their BMD systems in the face of North Korea’s arsenal. Yet by sustaining—and adding to—missile forces in Fujian, Beijing runs the risk of negating its strategic deterrence. If the Chinese leadership follows its doctrine of active defense and believed its nuclear deterrence was becoming neutralized or under threat, it could conceivably launch strikes against Taiwan and Japanese and U.S. ballistic defense missile forces, certainly leading to retaliatory economic and military action. With the acceleration of Chinese ballistic missile forces opposite Taiwan, this is becoming a matter of concern on both sides of the Asia-Pacific.
» More stories on: Analysis, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan
» Missile system details for: Aegis Ship-Based BMD, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
THAAD Interceptor Undergoes Flight Test
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system today underwent a successful developmental flight test, reports Lockheed Martin, which produced the missile. The test, which took place at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, is the first for several years, since the THAAD program was restarted after being suspended for several years.
No intercept was attempted in the test, but the goals included such things as: evaluating how the missile exited the canister, booster and kill vehicle separation, kill vehicle control, and operation of the divert and attitude control system.
The next flight test will launch a missile with all elements of the integrated weapon system engaged and operating; the next four THAAD tests will also be conducted at White Sands, after which the tests will move to the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii where additional space allows the THAAD interceptors to fly increasingly longer and more complex missions.
» More stories on: Testing - American
» Missile system details for: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), White Sands Missile Range
Test of THAAD Radar
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system recently underwent a test of its radars, designed to determine their ability to track and detect objects. The radar successfully acquired, tracked, and classified two Orion missile targets. In the first attempt, the radar acquired and tracked both the inbound expended booster and the separated re-entry vehicle. The command, control, battle management and communications system then launched a simulated interceptor and provided acquisition and intercept support plan data to the radar. During the second target launch, the THAAD radar acquired, tracked and classified an inbound unitary missile.
The MDA press release describes the THAAD radar “as the largest, most powerful mobile radar in the world” that is “capable of search, self-queuing, threat detection and object classification at extremely long ranges. It communicates with the THAAD interceptor missile to provide in-flight target updates.”
The test took place at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on June 17, 2005. It was the eighth test of the radar tracking a ballistic missile target, and all test objectives were met.
» Missile system details for: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
Possible Role for Fighters in Missile Defense
The Missile Defense Agency and the Navy are studying means of defending ships against short range ballistic missiles, which includes a number a new basing options for previously ground-based interceptors such as THAAD and Patriot, reports the May 10 edition of Inside Missile Defense. A working group’s report, “Sea-Based Terminal Ballistic Missile Defense Assessment,” is said to be due in June.
The plan for a “sea-based terminal defense” considers the possibilities for development and fielding around 2010. Besides arming fighter aircraft with modified PAC-3 or even the longer range THAAD interceptors, “marinized” versions of both could plausibly also be placed on ships, according to various sources cited. The Aegis ship-based defenses would also likely be incorporated into any sea-based defense for ships.
The aircraft-launched versions would be of use for defense against ballistic or cruise missile attacks against our coast, provided of course the fighters were in the right place at the right time, within range of the missile: “In theory,” a source quoted said, “you could put two THAADs on an F-15.”
The reports are similar in concept to the jet fighter-based Anti-Satellite Weapons or Boost Phase Interceptors (BPI) discussed in previous years.
» More stories on: Air, Sea-Based Systems
» Missile system details for: Boost Phase Interceptor (BPI), Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
THAAD Program to Receive Boost
Today’s edition of Inside Missile Defense reports on changes that the Missile Defense Agency anticipates for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program, stemming from Congressional budget cuts and problems in the program schedule from 2003. The MDA plans, however, to “ramp up” THAAD by requesting nearly $1 billion in FY-06 for THAAD Blocks 2006 and 2008. A recent Government Accounting Office (GAO) report noted that “Overall, the [THAAD] prime contractor is under budget and ahead of schedule.”
» Missile system details for: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
Pathfinder Missile for THAAD System
The Missile Defense Agency reports an announcement by MDA head, Lieutenant General Henry “Trey” Obering, concerning the completion of a “pathfinder” missile used to verify various systems in the production of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. According to the MDA press release, “operations for assembling the first of 30 THAAD production missiles began earlier this month,” and THAAD is said to be scheduled for deployment by the Army in 2008.
» More stories on: Testing - American
» Missile system details for: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
Successful Test of Patriot, THAAD Radar
The Missile Defense Agency today completed another successful test of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 interceptor, at White Sands Missile Range. The test was described as “the most complex flight test scenario to date for PAC-3,” with some six missiles in the air at one time. Also of significance is that the test included the use of radar for the separate, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ballistic missile system. Tests of THAAD are set to resume in 2005.
» MDA press release on PAC-3 test
» Orbital description of Storm Maneuvering Tactical Target Vehicle
» More stories on: Land-Based Systems, Testing - American
» Missile system details for: Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3), Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
THAAD Test Range Opens in Hawaii
The Missile Defense Agency recently opened a new complex at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Kaua’i, Hawaii for the testing of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, which will begin in 2006. The project includes a launcher, radar foundations, block house and support facilities. THAAD has been tested at the missile range at White Sands, New Mexico, and the move to Kaua’i is because of “more robust objectives that cannot be accommodated at (White Sands) because of geographical constraints,” according to an MDA press release.
What this likely means is that the missiles which will be intercepted in their final, descending, phase, will need to be launched from a position farther away in range than the White Sands range alone will permit, without having it fly over populated areas. By testing in Hawaii, the target missile could be launched from the air, another island, or from the sea.
» Missile system details for: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
THAAD Interceptor Production Begins
Lockheed today announced that the production of the interceptors for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), has now commenced at the company’s facility in Troy, Alabama. The first THAAD interceptor to be produced will be a “pathfinder” missile, used for testing this year, after which 16 flight test missiles will be manufactured. The flight testing for THAAD will begin later in 2004, beginning at White Sands, New Mexico, and extend through 2009, with an initial operational capability in 2007. THAAD has a range far beyond that of the Patriot, and can hit-to-kill both inside and outside the atmosphere.
U.S. Representative Terry Everett of Alaska, at the THAAD ceremony, pointed out that the increased capabilities of the THAAD were previously banned under the ABM Treaty: “One critical thing President Bush did was get us out of the ABM treaty…Much of this missile is not ABM compliant—it flies too high, too fast.”
» More stories on: Land-Based Systems
» Missile system details for: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
THAAD Renamed
The Theatre High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense program has apparently been renamed, but its acronym will remain the same. The “T” in THAAD will now stand for now “Terminal,” referring to the last phase in a ballistic missile’s flight in which the interceptor destroys it. The Honolulu Advertiser cites a February 26 MDA release that the change better reflects its role in the nation’s Ballistic Missile Defense System.
A more complete explanation, however, may indicate that the change is more than bureaucratic: specifically, a belated updating of new policy language indicated by the December 16, 2002 National Security Policy Directive 23 of President Bush, which repudiated the artificial distinction between “theatre” and “national” missile defense. The reason THAAD was renamed, in other words, is because the term “theatre missile defense” is obsolete, made so by the 2002 withdrawal from the ABM Treaty.
The terms “theatre” and “national” which came into use due to constraints imposed by the ABM Treaty of 1972, and became important when accords were signed in the 1990s which permitted the development of “theatre” systems capable of intercepting short-range missiles, and “national” defenses capable of intercepting long-range ICBMs. By only permitting theatre defenses, the sacrosanct doctrine of mutually assured destruction (MAD) with the former Soviet Union was left intact.
Although the distinction between theatre (short-range) and national (long range) missile defenses is obsolete, this does not mean that reliance upon a policy of mutually assured destruction (MAD) has similarly gone by the wayside. The revised deployment will have its own revised vocabulary designed to articulate the application of MAD to changed circumstances. The “limited” ground based missile defense system to be deployed this year in Alaska is designed to intercept long range missiles, but it will have too few interceptors to intercept more than a handful. For the immediate future, the dangerous policy of MAD will apparently remain intact vis a vis those countries—currently, Russia and China—capable of producing enough ICBMs to overwhelm such “limited” defenses.
Update: The March 3 edition of Inside Missile Defense notes that the tests this year will be the first in four years, and represent a substantially improved system. This, then, could be another impetus for a name change.
» Dec. 17 White House Fact Sheet similar to NSPD-23
» Feb. 26 Memo from MDA THAAD office
» More stories on: Land-Based Systems, Policy, Testing - American
» Missile system details for: Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
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