Lockheed Martin works on missile defence
Lockheed Martin has started working on defining the concept of a Multi-Object Kill Vehicle missile defence system for the US Missile Defense Agency, the company announced on 13 August.
Under a $9.7 million contract, Lockheed Martin will develop a system concept that can be used by the Ground-based Midcourse Defense element of the US ballistic missile defence system. The company will also identify methods for reducing technical risks, and consider advanced sensor, communication and divert-and-attitude control technologies and approaches.
A kill vehicle destroys an incoming missile before it hits its target. It is part of an interceptor that strikes the warhead and eliminates the threat using force of impact alone. Currently, all major US missile defence systems use this hit-to-kill force-of-impact technology. The concept system being developed could stop a single missile that releases multiple objects, including the warhead and decoys.
Doug Graham, vice president of missile systems and advanced programs, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, said: ‘We will devise and explore the most effective solutions for destroying more than one warhead with a single interceptor, an important step in changing the cost curve for missile defence engagement.
‘Our talented engineers will use out-of-the-box Silicon Valley thinking to create an ultra-high-performance system that will operate outside of the atmosphere while traveling thousands of miles per hour.’
More from Land Warfare
-
How the US Marine Corps “increased” Marines’ shooting accuracy by 99%
The new small arms training approach includes the use of data and simulation capabilities, as well as more realistic environments.
-
Lockheed nets $4.9 billion US Army contract to build more precision strike missiles
The PrSM missiles, known as Increment 1 weapon systems, will eventually replace the US Army’s Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
-
US Army to field first human-machine platoon in two years
The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office plans to deploy armoured and infantry platoon configurations around FY2027.
-
Avalon 2025: Hanwha signs engine deal with Penske for Redback IFVs
Penske Australia will also carry out local assembly and testing of Allison X1100 series cross-drive transmission under licence using kits supplied by South Korea's SNT Dynamics.
-
Ovzon trials UGV comms in Arctic conditions
Swedish company showcases Arctic UGV test as it eyes NATO defence market expansion.
-
US Army Project Convergence to evaluate CJADC2 in the Indo-Pacific theatre
As part of its experimentation campaign, the service will assess CJADC2 concepts and capabilities in challenging environments.