02-05-2007, 23:04 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Defense Professional
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Sources worth a read:
AEI - Events
US Navy To Double Aegis Missile Defenese Fleet
finally this gem of the 12/11/2006 test that did not succeed, but gives a good idea how the 3.6 software works. Remember, the 3.0 is either BMD OR regular AEGIS, and only 6-8 ships currently have v3.6
Quote:
'Incorrect System Setting' Dooms Aegis Missile Test
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report
12/11/2006 09:35:04 AM
An "incorrect system setting" aboard the Aegis-class cruiser USS Lake Erie is behind a failed Dec. 7 test of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system, U.S. Missile Defense Agency officials said Dec. 7.
The planned test, which had been delayed already, entailed the launch of a Raytheon-built Standard Missile-3 against a ballistic missile target and a Standard Missile-2 against a surrogate aircraft target. The ballistic missile target was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii and the aircraft target was launched from a U.S. Navy aircraft. Both targets fell into the ocean as planned.
The incorrect configuration prevented the fire control system aboard Lake Erie from launching the first of the two interceptor missiles. Since a primary test objective was a near-simultaneous launch of two missiles against two different targets, the second interceptor missile was intentionally not launched, the MDA said.
The MDA and the Navy will determine a new test date "after a thorough review." However, Riki Ellison of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance said the test "is now deferred to spring 2007 as operational factors have caused this delay."
With seven successes, the latest test failure is the second of nine trials to fall short, but the first that would have tested dual interceptions (DAILY, June 26). The MDA said the Lake Erie, the USS Hopper and the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate Tromp were nonetheless all successful in detecting and tracking their respective targets.
The Navy and MDA have certified the latest version of the Lockheed Martin Corp.-developed Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Weapon System for tactical deployment (DAILY, Sept. 12). The newly certified version, 3.6, and the SM-3 Block IA missile completed a series of evaluations and demonstrations leading up to certification, the company said in September.
The Aegis Weapon System is deployed on at least 80 ships around the globe with more than 25 additional ships planned or under contract. Aegis is the maritime weapon system of choice for the United States and allies Japan, South Korea, Norway, Spain and Australia. Japan will begin installation of Aegis BMD in its Kongo class Aegis destroyers next year.
Meanwhile, the Naval Sea Systems Command awarded Raytheon Missile Systems a $20.6 million order for development and procurement of additional tooling and test equipment for SM-3 Block IA missiles, the Defense Department said late Dec. 7. The contract modification meets U.S. and Foreign Military Sales requirements under the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system.
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