Interceptor Concepts for the US UAV BPI Program,
Abstract
The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) is managing the US Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Boost Phase Intercept (BPI) program. The program's goal is to investigate the potential of UAV-based interceptors to provide a boost-phase defensive tier against theater ballistic missiles. A Technology Assessment and Risk Mitigation Effort is underway to determine the requirements of a UAV BPI system. The Advanced Systems Directorate, Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Material Command (AFMC/SMC/ADE) has been selected to lead the interceptor integrated product team (IPT). The interceptor IPT's efforts during its first year have been focused on surfacing attractive interceptor conceptual designs and selecting a preliminary design. This paper presents the requirements and rationale leading to the preliminary interceptor design. The history of the concept of airborne interceptors for boost-phase defense is briefly reviewed, including how a consensus emerged for the current UAV-based approach. Top-level interceptor requirements are then derived and several concepts are proposed for meeting them. The pros and cons of the alternative interceptor concepts are examined, leading to a single concept. A preliminary interceptor design is then presented for this concept.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA319965
Entities
People
- Kevin L. Zondervan
- Mark Barrera
- Ray Svorec
- Reynaldo Urbano
- Steve Brown
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation