GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Prototype US Ground-based Midcourse Defence Segment almost a year behind schedule
Boeing has conducted the delayed first launch of its prototype interceptor for the US Ground-based Midcourse Defence Segment (GMDS) anti-ballistic missile programme. The three-stage booster was launched from Vandenberg AFB, California, on 31 August, almost a year behind schedule
The booster vehicle is assembled using commercially available rocket motors. The first stage is an Alliant Techsystems GEM-40VN, a strap-on booster used on the Delta II launch vehicle. The second and third stages are Orbus-1A motors produced by United Technologies' Chemical Systems division.
Because of delays in integrating the vehicle, the interceptor will not be used for GMDS (formerly National Missile Defence) test flights until 2003. Until then, the US Department of Defense's (DoD) Ballistic Missile Defense Organization will continue using the Lockheed Martin-supplied Payload Launch Vehicle (PLV) for test flights. The PLV uses the second and third stages of a Minuteman II ballistic missile. The next GMDS test is set for October.
In August, GMDS prime contractor Boeing awarded Lockheed Martin and Orbital Sciences contracts to study and propose alternative boost vehicles. Lockheed Martin plans to offer a three-stage derivative of its PLV, while Orbital's concept will be based on its Pegasus, Minotaur and Taurus commercial launch vehicles.
Under the GMDS programme, the USA wants to deploy 100 ground-based interceptors, beginning with a five-silo testbed which the DoD plans to establish at Fort Greely, Alaska, by 2004-5.
This site would provide an initial operational capability if the USA is able to renegotiate, or decides to abrogate, the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty with Russia.
Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) has modified the Arrow anti-tactical ballistic missile system to counter the evolving threats in the region. Details of the Arrow upgrades are not available, but Israel is closely following Iranian efforts to develop long range ballistic missiles, the Shihab-3 and -4. Such weapons are expected to be developed with multiple warheads which will require sensor and processing upgrades to the Arrow system.Meanwhile, an Arrow 2 missile has intercepted a surrogate ballistic missile. The target, a Rafael Black Sparrow, was launched by an Israeli air force Boeing F-15 Eagle. As the missile started re-entry, the Arrow 2 was launched. Five minutes later the Arrow intercepted and destroyed the target more than 100km from the launch site.
Dr Dan Peretz, IAI head of the Arrow programme, says there are indications that the Arrow hit the target, although a kinetic kill is not required as the missile is equipped with a proximity fuze activated fragmentation warhead.
Additional reporting Arie Egozi
Source: Flight International
