Ballistic Missile Defense Boost Defense Segment
Abstract
Program Element 0603883C, Boost Defense Segment (BDS), funds the Airborne Laser Test Bed (ALTB) element portions of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The ALTB provides a capability to destroy ballistic missiles in the boost phase of their trajectory, the segment from post launch through propellant burnout. The boost phase typically includes the first 60-300 seconds of flight and concludes at altitudes between 20-450 kilometers. The ALTB program is designing, building, and testing airborne laser systems with unique capabilities to provide boost-phase defense against ballistic missile threats by acquiring, tracking, and destroying ballistic missiles and to support the multi-tiered BMDS concept. ALTB integrates three major subsystems (High Energy Laser [HEL]; Beam Control/Fire Control [BC/FC]; and Battle Management, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence [BMC4I]) into a modified commercial 747 aircraft. ALTB also includes ALTB-specific ground support equipment. In FY 2010, the primary mission of ALTB is to significantly increase the overall defensive capability of the BMDS by destroying threat ballistic missiles in their boost phase, by reducing the number of targets faced by successive defenders, and by addressing certain threats that are difficult for other elements to counter. ALTB is the primary boost-phase defense element being developed for the BMDS, uniquely adding the capability to destroy ballistic missiles from short to Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) range during the boost phase. By destroying the missile during the boost phase, ALTB negates the threat prior to its ability to deploy multiple reentry vehicles, submunitions, or countermeasures. Following successful engagement by ALTB, warheads and engagement debris do not reach the intended target areas, with a reasonable probability that the threat missile debris will fall within the hostile country`s own territory, reducing the possible effect of debris on protected areas and assets and perhaps serving as a deterrent. Secondary missions for an operational ALTB will be to provide additional threat protection through early ballistic missile launch warning, launch site estimation, cueing to BMDS, and impact point prediction. Detecting and tracking a missile during its boost phase significantly improves accurate estimation of the launch point and therefore enhances the probability of a successful counterstrike against an aggressor`s missile launchers. ALTB`s sensor capabilities further increase the robustness of the BMDS by enhancing the performance of other elements. In addition, ALTB`s mobility and speed-of-light engagement capability present adversaries with additional complexities when trying to develop or employ countermeasures. As an airborne platform with aerial refueling capability, ALTB adds unique flexibility to deploy quickly to areas of interest and to adapt more readily to evolving situations that may threaten the US or its allies. The Airborne Laser Test Bed (ALTB) prototype has demonstrated the technology to destroy a boosting missile in flight. The initial lethal demonstration of a boosting ballistic missile occurred in February, 2010. After the initial shoot down demonstration, ALTB tested against missiles in flight at greater ranges and on the ground against countermeasures to fully characterize the ALTB.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 0603883C_4_0400_PB_2012
- Change Summary Explanation
- Service Agency Name
- Missile Defense Agency
Entities
Organizations
- Missile Defense Agency
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