Ground-Based Missile Defense
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In 2003, National Missile Defense (NMD) was changed to Ground-Based Missile Defense (GMD), to differentiate it from other missile defense programs, such as space-based, sea-based, or high-altitude intercept programs.
Raytheon develops a Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) which includes a booster missile and a kinetic Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV).
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is the Lead System Integrator of the program, tasked to oversee and integrate systems from other major defense sub-contractors. The key systems of the GMD system are:
- Ground Based Interceptor (GBI)
- Battle Management Command, Control and Communications (BMC3)
- Ground Based Radars (GBR)
- Upgraded Early Warning Radars (UEWR)
- Forward Based X-Band Radars (FBXB)
Flight Test Results
GMD Flight Test results have been good, but not excellent.
- Integrated Flight Test 13C
- GMD IFT-13C suffered a flight test failure on Dec. 15, 2004. This test involved an interceptor using the new Orbital Sciences booster flying out of Kwajalein and an attempt to hit a target coming out of Kodiak, Alaska. While the target flew as planned, the booster failed to leave the ground.
External links
- http://www.fas.org/spp/military/program/nssrm/categories/bmdgbmd.htm
- Failed test Dec 2004 (http://www.dailystar.com/dailystar/dailystar/52795.php)