Skunk Works Mailing List
From: betnal@ns.net
Subject: Re: THAAD
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 99 03:43:59 GMT
On 6/17/99 10:18AM, in message <000501beb8e5$5c2fa340$abf61ed1@dzn.com>, "Allen
Thomson" <thomsona@flash.net> wrote:
>
> After which they can try intercepting the RV plus decoys, jammers, chaff
> and other
> complicating objects. Since there are apparently a lot of fairly dumb SCUD
> clones around, a capability against them is worth having, but it isn't the
> whole story.
>
One of the things often overlooked is that any penetration aids put on a
missile can only be installed at the expense of range or payload. Since the
missile takes off on thrust, not lift, for every pound of decoys or
countermeasures or extra RVs (the latter not applicable to a tactical missile)
added means a pound less fuel or less warhead, which equates to making the missile
less useful or less lethal. If the missile defense is credible to the other side,
then you can drastically reduce the enemy weapon's effectiveness for a relatively
small increase in defense.
Art
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Created: Thu Jun 17 23:54:20 EDT 1999