Skunk Works Mailing List
RE: skunk-works-digest V8 #66 (THAAD Test)
Date: Mon, 21 Jun 1999 07:38:22 -0700
From: patrick
Subject: RE: skunk-works-digest V8 #66 (THAAD Test)
At 04:22 AM 6/21/99 GMT, I wrote:
>>
>> If they wanted to keep the missile within a box (the airspace over WSMR)
>> and they knew the fuel to be superfluous why not load it with a "test" load
>> rather than the full amount and the TEMS system to burn it off after
>> ignition?
>>
>Art chipped in:
>
> Because then the missile would not perform as a "regular" missile
would. It
>would be non-representative in performance. It would be like using the
>performance of the 1970s Streak Eagle as a basis for planning regular F-15
>tactics.
>
> Having the target coming in on a known course is not an invalid
measure. For
>BMD to work, it is assumed that there is a good track on the incoming
prior to
>interceptor launch. To stage a full-blown, no holds barred test of the
system
>would require doing it out of CONUS. It would be hideously expensive, would
>require systems that have not yet been finalized and at this stage of the
game
>would be premature. I would agree, though, that such a test should be
conducted
>before full-scale production would be authorized.
>
=-=-==-=-=-=-=--=-
My point is this was an attenuated flight test. I believe THAAD is
required to protect from a missile with a range of 800 miles. This was a
test of an interecept done at far less than that, under 100 miles. Since
this is nowhere near real time then to not test on a full scale range seems
foolish. Despite the costs involved.
It seems we should be able to place the THAAD on Kawajelin Island and fire
the HERA from a ship or submarine modified for this purpose. On the other
hand the test team "needed" this kill to keep their spirits and momentum up!
patrick
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Created: Mon Jun 21 10:50:13 EDT 1999