My Engineering Career in Missile Defense Doris Thorn October 11, 2006

My Engineering Career in Missile Defense

• Doris Thorn

• October 11, 2006

Overview

DEM-VAL Test History

• 21 April 1995, THAAD successfully completed its first test flight to prove its propulsion system. There was no target in the test.

• 31 July 1995, THAAD failed a kill vehicle control test. The test flight was aborted. There was no target in the test.

• 13 October 1995, THAAD was launched to test its target-seeking system. There was no attempt to hit the target in the test.

• 13 December 1995, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to software errors in the missile's fuel system.

• 22 March 1996, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to mechanical problems with the kill vehicle's booster separation.

• 15 July 1996, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to a malfunction in the targeting system.

DEM-VAL Test History

• 6 March 1997, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to a contamination in the electrical system.

• 12 May 1998, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to an electrical short circuit in the booster system. At this point, the U.S. Congress reduced funding for the project due to repeated failures.

• 29 March 1999, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to multiple failures including guidance system.

• 10 June 1999, THAAD hit a test target in a simplified test scenario.

• 2 August 1999, THAAD hit a test target outside the atmosphere. In 30 June 2000, the THAAD program recieved a $4 Billion federal contract.

Current program status

• 22 November 2005, THAAD successfully completed its first Flight EMD Test, known as FLT-01. The test was missile only, with no target. It was deemed a success by LMSSC and by the customer.

• 11 May 2006, THAAD successfully conducted FLT-02. It was the first developmental flight test to engage the entire THAAD weapon system including interceptor, launcher, radar, and fire control system.

• 12 July 2006, THAAD successfully conducted FLT-03, intercepting a live target missile.

• 13 September 2006, THAAD attempted to conduct the FLT-04 test. The HERA target successfully launched but had to be terminated mid course due to an anomaly. The termination of the HERA target occured before the intercept launch of the FLT-04 missile. T his has officially been characterized as a "no test".

Conclusion

• “Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”

• William Jennings Bryan (1860 - 1925)