Feasibility of Third World Advanced Ballistic and Cruise Missile Threat. Volume 1: Long Range Ballistic Missile Threat
Abstract
"Feasibility of Third World Long Range Ballistic Missile Threat" presents the results of a United States aerospace industry study which assesses the likelihood of a Third World country developing a long range (3,000-10,000 km) ballistic missile (LRBM) system and the estimated time to field it. A 10,000-km range ballistic missile launched from North Korea, for example, can reach the western and central regions of the United States. Likewise, a 5,000-km range missile launched from Iran could reach cities throughout Western Europe. The study contains four technical sections: historical developments and technology migration, trends in Third World ballistic missile weaponry, threat development on a compressed schedule, and candidate LRBM configurations. The report is unclassified because it drew exclusively upon unclassified sources of information. The study traces the history of the LRBM threat from Germany's V-2 rockets of World War II to the present II shows how Third World countries could quickly field and launch LRBMs with technical assistance and components imported from developed nations. The Study examines five different options by which a Third World country could achieve a long range ballistic missile capability: Buy a long range ballistic missile; Buy and convert an available space launch vehicle; Cluster or stack existing tactical missiles as boosters; Design and build a booster and use existing tactical missile for upper stage; or Design and build an entire missile. The flight stability and performance characteristics of feasible Third World missile configurations are based on industry experience in the design of missile systems and verified by the use of standard engineering analysis tools and missile flight simulations. The report contains the estimated time required for a Third World nation to develop each option as measured from program start to first launch.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 24, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA377354
Entities
People
- Daniel Gadler
- James Beyar
- James Howe
- John Mciver
- Robert E. Woodside