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AEGIS Weapon System Tracks Advanced, Separating Ballistic Missile Target
Kauai HI (SPX) Oct 06, 2005 The Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Weapon System with its prototype Aegis BMD Signal Processor (Aegis BSP) successfully tracked an advanced ballistic missile target. This test was the second at-sea tracking event for the Aegis BSP. Lockheed Martin develops the Aegis BMD Weapon System and serves as the Combat System Engineering Agent for Aegis BMD. The Aegis SPY-1D radar aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59), augmented by the BSP, provided real-time detection, tracking and discrimination performance against a threat-representative target with a separating re-entry vehicle and countermeasures. The test, which took place off the coast of Hawaii, was part of the Critical Measurements and Counter-Measurements Program. The program is an integral part of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA's) test process and provides participants with the ability to reduce technical risk by testing against stressing, complex target scenarios in a controlled environment. The MDA and the U.S. Navy are jointly developing Aegis BMD as part of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Ultimately 15 Aegis destroyers and three Aegis cruisers will be outfitted with the capability to conduct Long Range Surveillance and Tracking (LRS&T) and engagement of short and medium range ballistic missile threats using the Aegis BMD Weapon System and its Standard Missile-3 (SM-3). To date, eight Aegis destroyers have been upgraded with the LRS&T capability and two Aegis cruisers have been outfitted with the emergency engagement and LRS&T capability. The Aegis Weapon System is the world's premier naval surface defense system and is the foundation for Aegis BMD, the primary component of the sea-based element of the United States' BMDS. The Aegis BMD Weapon System seamlessly integrates the SPY-1 radar, the MK 41 Vertical Launching System and the SM-3 missile with its own command and control system. It is capable of simultaneously defending against multiple advanced air, surface, subsurface and ballistic missile threats. The Aegis BMD Weapon System also integrates with the BMDS, providing cueing information to other BMDS elements. Related Links SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express
BMD Focus: Space Defense Budget Mess
Washington (UPI) Oct 06, 2005Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has let chaos reign in his $22.663 billion ballistic missile and other space defense programs, and he needs to take a hands-on administering role in sorting out the mess, according to a recent GAO report. |
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