Air-Launched Target System Concept NMD Testing
Abstract
National Missile Defense (NMD) targets are essential for system certification. However, current targets have strategic ballistic missile heritage and require fixed land-based facilities for launch operations. In addition, the target mission profile is further constrained by range safety requirements, limited ground data acquisition resources and treaty constraints. The result is a test scenario with a target launch from a known point with a predictable flight profile. The development of a complementary mobile air-launched target system that provides increased flexibility will enhance operational testing. The Target Launch System (TLS) concept includes Target Launch Vehicle (TLV), Carrier Aircraft (CA) and Ground Support (GS). TLS concept components were evaluated against program requirements for reliability, threat representation, treaty constraints, operational flexibility, and range restrictions. The selected NMD TLS uses an air-launched, three-stage TLV operating with existing facility and range assets. The selected concept complies with key NMD test requirements while accommodating range restrictions and treaty constraints. The mobility of he air-launched target will complement ground- based systems and fully stress the NMD system architecture. This is a notional target launch system that has not yet been endorsed by the NMD Joint Program Cffice (JPO).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA355727
Entities
People
- Edward Morris
- Jeffrey Kelley
- John Pomroy
- Ken Yienger
Organizations
- Orbital Sciences Corporation