The Multiple Kill Vehicle-L (MKV-L) ballistic missile interceptor system that can take out multiple enemy warheads passed a test, the Missile Defense Agency said yesterday.
Multiple warheads are a major challenge. Russia in May test-launched its new RS-24 ICBM that boasts multiple warheads, with Russian leaders claiming those MIRV assets can outwit U.S. missile defenses, a claim Americans doubt strongly.
The MKV-L test Oct. 2 was conducted at the National Hover Test Facility at Edwards AFB, Calif.
Objectives of the test, which preliminary data show were met, included having the MKV-L hover under its own power and prove its capability to recognize and track a surrogate target in a flight environment.
During the test, the MKV-L propulsion system demonstrated maneuverability while tracking a target, and the multiple-interceptor system transmitted video and flight telemetry to the ground.
The MKV-L mission is to destroy medium through intercontinental-range ballistic missiles equipped with multiple warheads or countermeasures by using a single interceptor missile.
During an actual hostile ballistic missile attack, the carrier vehicle with its cargo of small kill vehicles will maneuver into the path of an enemy missile. Using tracking data from the Ballistic Missile Defense System and its own seeker, the carrier vehicle will dispense and guide the kill vehicles to destroy any warheads or countermeasures.
The MKV-L prime contractor is Lockheed Martin [LMT]. Raytheon [RTN] is developing a separate multiple kill vehicle technology (MKV-R) on a dual-path basis.