|
| Kinetic Energy Interceptor | |
|---|---|
| 300px KEI Launcher | |
| Type | Mobile Ballistic Missile Defense System |
| Place of origin |  United States |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Missile Systems, Orbital, ATK |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 466 in (11.8 m) |
| Diameter | 40 in (1.0 m) |
The Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) is a planned U.S. missile defense program whose goal is to design, develop, and deploy kinetic energy-based, mobile, ground and sea-launched missiles that can intercept and destroy enemy ballistic missiles during their boost, ascent and midcourse phases of flight.[1] A KEI element consists of the Interceptor Component (kinetic projectile), the Mobile Launcher Component, and the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) component.
First Stage Rocket Motor Tests
editThere are five first stage rocket motor tests to be carried out by Alliant Techsystems (ATK) in Promontory, Utah.[2]
The second test firing of a KEI first stage rocket motor was conducted on June 14, 2007. The static firing included a full duration burn and a demonstration of the thrust vector control nozzle.[3][4]
The fourth test firing of the first stage rocket motor was completed on November 13, 2008. The test demonstrated a successful operation of the first stage rocket motor in it's final flight configuration that will be used during a 2009 flight test.
References
edit- ^ "Kinetic Energy Interceptor Program" (PDF). Northrop Grumman.
- ^ "KEI Team verify flight configuration of First Stage Rocket Motor Components". Globe Newswire.
- ^ "MDA Conducts Successful Test of Rocket Motor for Next Generation Interceptor Missile" (PDF). MDA.
- ^ "Program Images Library". MDA.
See also
editExternal links
edit- http://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/kei.htm
- http://www.northropgrumman.com/missiledefense/ProgramInfo/KEI.html