SPY-1D Radar Big Part Of Missile Defense Program
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 US 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.
Lockheed Martin is a world leader in systems integration and the
development of air and missile defense systems and technologies,
including the first operational hit-to-kill missile defense system.
It also has considerable experience in interceptor systems, kill
vehicles, battle management command, control and communications,
precision pointing and tracking optics, as well as radar and other
sensors that enable signal processing and data fusion. The company
makes significant contributions to nearly all major U.S. Missile
Defense Systems and participates in several global missile defense
partnerships.
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