Aerospace Group:

Missile Defense

MDA Says SM-3 IIA Test Failure Caused By Third Stage Ignition Part

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018

SHARE:

MDA Says SM-3 IIA Test Failure Caused By Third Stage Ignition Part

An SM-3 Block IIA missile interceptor is launched from the USS John Paul Jones in a Feb. 2017 test called SFTM-1. (Photo: Missile Defense Agency)

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said it found the likely reason why a Raytheon [RTN] Standard Missile-3 Block IIA missile failed to intercept a target in a January test (FTM-29): a device did not ignite the third stage rocket motor (TSRM).MDA and U.S. Navy sailors manning the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex in Hawaii attempted to conduct a live-fire missile intercept flight test using an SM-3 IIA, but the missile missed the test warhead. The test target was launched…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]