During a recent test of the Ground –based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system of the Missile Defense Agency, an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) developed by Raytheon Company successfully fulfilled all the test objectives by displaying a two-stage flight on 6 June, 2010, and amassed vital information on the performance of kill vehicles, which will be used for enhancing the reliability of EKV’s simulation models.
The President of Raytheon Missile Systems, Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence stated that the test proved the quality and dependability of the EKV, and that the information gleaned will fortify the nation’s defense against threatening ballistic missiles. The testing process commenced at Pacific Daylight Time 3:25 p.m. from the Air Force Base at Vandenberg with a two-stage GBI launch, hauling a working EKV load. The GBI calculated the new two-stage device’s performance data, and also estimated how an EKV constructed for work functions in stressful border conditions.
The GBI acts as a weapon constituent in the GMD system and the EKV performs as an intercept component for the GBI. Its chief task is to employ high-speed ballistic missile warheads during the midway route of the flight, and to annihilate them by utilizing only the hit-to-kill or impact force.
The EKV includes an infrared sensor and uses it to observe and isolate the inward bound warhead from other items. It has a communications link, propulsion system, guidance and control system, computers and discrimination programs to take care of selecting targets and interception. Three radars namely the Raytheon X-band radar, the AN/TPY-2 radar and the sea-based X-band’s primary payload, took part in this test ,and helped to track, evaluate and discern the various objects.
Karen Kalil-Brown, Vice President of National and Theater Security Programs, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, affirmed that the Raytheon radars have proved their extraordinary capabilities, during the vital test organized by the U.S. Missile Defense Capability.
Raytheon Company, based in Waltham, has , vast experience of 88 years. The company recorded a sales figure of $25 billion in 2009. Raytheon delivers top-of-the-line products in sectors such as sensing effects, communications, intelligence systems, conrol, and a wide assortment of mission support solutions.
Source: http://www.raytheon.com/