Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) (U)
Overview (U):
(U) The initial focus of GBI development is the exo-atmospheric kill vehicle (EKV) which is the most critical and technically challenging part of the GBI. The EKV will be designed to intercept high-speed, long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) reentry vehicles (RVs) in the midcourse of their trajectories using kinetic force.
Details (U):
Description User Impact Programmatics Images Related Initiatives Related Requirements Related Categories Road Map Placements Additional Hotlinks Lead Office POC
Description (U):
(U) The Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) is using an evolutionary acquisition strategy to develop and demonstrate the NMD interceptor capability, with an emphasis on accomplishing the NMD integrated system test in FY99. The initial focus of GBI development is the exo-atmospheric kill vehicle (EKV) which is the most critical and technically challenging part of the GBI. The EKV will be designed to intercept high-speed, long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) reentry vehicles (RVs) in the midcourse of their trajectories using kinetic force. The interceptor is being designed to distinguish between the RVs and decoys and other penetration aids.
(U) Development of an EKV booster and the associated launch control equipment will begin in FY98. Until booster development is complete, EKV flight tests will be flown on the Payload Launch Vehicle (PLV), which is a booster consisting of a Minuteman II second and third stage. EKV sensor flight tests are scheduled for FY97, and EKV interceptor flight tests are scheduled for FY98 and FY99. The two current EKV contractors (Boeing and Hughes) will be downselected to one in FY98. A successful flight test of a Boeing EKV launched from a Minuteman II occurred on 25 Jun 97. The current deployment plan calls for a force of 100 ground based interceptors.User Impact (U):
(U) To be supplied.
Programmatics (U):
(U) Programmed.
Images (U):
(U) None.
Related Initiatives (U): None.
Related Requirements (U):None.
Related Categories (U):
Name Title Ground-Based Missile Defense Ground Based Missile Defense This Table Is Unclassified. Road Map Placements (U):
Name Title SPACE CONTROL: NMD/ COUNTERSPACE SPACE CONTROL: NMD/ COUNTERSPACE This Table Is Unclassified. Requirements, Funding and Additional Hotlinks (U):
Name 1997 Force Applications MAP This Table Is Unclassified. Lead Office (U):
(U) Army.
Point of Contact (U):
(U) Maj Mike LaPointe, NSSA, Open Phone: (703) 325-6422, DSN 221-6422.
(U) National Security Space Road Map Team, NSSA, Open Phone: (703)808-6040, DSN 898-6040.Date Of Information (U):
(U) 21 November 1997
(U) Road Map Production Date: 12 July 1999
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