Raytheon’s Components Played Role In Missile Shoot-Down
On Tuesday, we blogged about the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully shooting down a missile during a simulated attack. The missile was tracked and intercepted by a kill vehicle 25 minutes after launch. This was the eighth success of the ground-based system in 13 tests since 1999.
SPX reports that defense contractor Raytheon’s components had “key roles in the destruction of a ballistic missile target” during the simulation. Raytheon built the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, which intercepted the missile.
Raytheon Missile Systems president Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence said, “”This highly successful test of the GMD system once again demonstrates Raytheon’s commitment to performance and reliability…We continue to prove the maturity of our kill vehicle technology and our ability to provide this critical capability to the nation.”
The inceptor, fired from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, hit its target, which was launched from Kodiak Island in Alaska.
Last March, Vandenberg dedicated a missile launch observation platform in honor of former President Ronald Reagan, who commenced the Strategic Defense Initiative. The memorial features a bronze bust of Reagan and a plaque honoring him.
In his 1983 “Star Wars” speech, Reagan emphasized the need for ground and space-based systems to intercept ballistic missiles. His initiative was the forerunner of the MDA.
Tags: Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, Raytheon, Ronald Reagan, Vandenberg Air Force Base