SEA BASED X-BAND RADAR (SBX)

Abstract

Given the unique characteristics of short range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), medium range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), intermediate range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), no one missile defense interceptor or sensor system can effectively counter all ballistic missile threats. War fighters are not only faced with the challenge of intercepting relatively small objects at great distances and very high velocities, but they may have to counter large raid sizes involving combinations of SRBMs, MRBMs, IRBMs, and ICBMs and, in the future, countermeasures associated with structured ballistic missile attacks. Stand-alone missile defense systems must be integrated into a layered BMDS to achieve cost- and operational-efficiencies, while improving protection performance with increased defended area and minimizing force structure costs. The most operationally effective missile defense architecture is a layering of endoatmospheric and exoatmospheric missile interceptor systems with ground and space sensors connected and managed by a robust Command and Control, Battle Management and Communication (C2BMC) infrastructure. The FY 2011 program is balanced to develop, rigorously test, and field an integrated BMDS architecture to counter existing regional threats, continue developing our limited ICBM defense, prove our Missile Defense System works, and develop new technologies to address future threats. The current program has four focus areas: 1. Enhance missile defense to defend deployed forces, allies, and friends against theater threats 2. Continue a viable homeland defense against rogue threats beyond 2030 3. Prove missile defense works 4. Develop technologies to hedge against future missile threat growth. THE KEY ENABLER FOR THESE FOCUS AREAS IS A PERVASIVE SENSOR NET. BMDS effectiveness depends upon quality of services (that is, data of sufficient accuracy and low enough latency) rendered by the interdependent BMDS programs to each other. The BMD Sensors program provides essential data for the command and control of BMDS weapon systems, such as Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD). These sensors, connected to the BMDS through C2BMC, enable detection and tracking of targets, and provide fire-control quality ballistic missile position, velocity, and discrimination data to BMDS weapon systems. As threats expand and mature, the need for continuously available sensors supports investment in the operations, sustainment, and enhancement of existing radars, as well as the development of new sensors, such as the Precision Tracking Space System (PTSS). The Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) development approach allows sensor technologies and capabilities to be incorporated as they mature and evolve into a layered network of sensors. Overlapping sensor coverage with a diversity of sensor types will improve detection, track, discrimination and kill assessments. The extended sensor coverage and accuracy provided by a network of layered sensors makes the BMDS more efficient, reduces the number of target engagements needed, conserving interceptor inventory and ensuring a high probability of successful engagement. The Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX) is a major contributor to a viable homeland defense. The largest X-Band radar in the world, it serves as the primary midcourse sensor in the BMDS layered network of radars. Self-propelled and semi-submersible, the SBX operates in various locations in the Pacific Ocean. It enables Combatant Commanders to engage ballistic missile threats in all phases of flight. The SBX provides high resolution cued search, acquisition, tracking, target discrimination, and debris assessments. GMD relies on SBX radar data for fire control solutions. Operations and sustainment of satellite communications to the BMDS are provided by C2BMC, and enable sensor tasking/control by the Ground-Based Midcourse fire control (GFC). The major goals of this system element are to: Operate and sustain the SBX and its subsystems to support BMDS flight testing and operations as required Deliver advanced X-Band Radar (XBR) algorithms to address evolving threats Continue to enhance SBX capabilities and integrate into the BMDS Participate in BMDS ground and flight tests and Targets of Opportunity testing (funding for testing is carried under PE 0603884C (Test and Evaluation line)) Achieve American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certification Support the transfer of SBX to the U.S. Navy Enhance XBR data provided to GMD high fidelity digital simulation efforts

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 0603907C_4_0400_PB_2011
• Change Summary Explanation: No FY 2011 data provided in PB10.
• Service Agency Name: Missile Defense Agency

Entities

Organizations

• Missile Defense Agency

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Ground and Sea Platforms
• Sensors
• Space
• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Air Force
• Artificial Satellites
• Ballistic Missiles
• Battle Management
• Cost Analysis
• Defense Systems
• Detectors
• Engineering
• Force Protection
• Ground Based
• Homeland Defense
• Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles
• Intermediate Range Ballistic Missiles
• Maintenance
• Sea Based
• Space Systems
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Space Objects