![]() Three other trailers-the EEU, CEU, and PPU-provide the requisite processing, refrigerated coolant, and electrical power to continue operations. The trailer-mounted system has a 9.2m^2 phased-array antenna face with over 25,000 antenna modules. Its high operating resolution allows it to more effectively cue engagements and discriminate targets from decoys and debris. The AEU is the main radiating element of the AN/TPY-2 and operates in the X-band. The AN/TPY-2 radar includes four major subsystems: the main antenna, or Antenna Equipment Unit (AEU), the Electronic Equipment Unit (EEU), the Cooling Equipment Unit (CEU), and the Prime Power Unit (PPU). 14 The AN/TPY-2 radar is deployable in two modes: a forward-based mode (FBM), where it detects missiles in the ascent phase to cue other BMDS elements, and a terminal mode (TM), where it provides tracking and engagement data for terminal THAAD engagements. The THAAD system utilizes the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance (AN/TPY-2) radar to detect and track enemy missiles at ranges of 870 to 3,000 km. A typical THAAD battery includes 6 launchers, and each launcher takes up to 30 minutes to reload. 12 There are eight interceptors per launcher. Each launcher carries up to eight interceptors, which are housed in 6.6 m long, 1,044 kg launch canisters. The THAAD launcher is based on a 4-axle heavy expanded mobility tactical truck (HEMTT). 10 Unlike other missile defense systems, THAAD can intercept targets within (endoatmospheric) and outside (exoatmospheric) the atmosphere. The THAAD system defend targets at ranges of 150 – 200 km. 9 After approaching the target with its main booster, the THAAD kill vehicle separates and uses its hydrazine-powered divert thrusters to maneuver in its final trajectory. 8 The THAAD kill vehicle is constructed from composites and uses a gimbaled infrared seeker to track targets in the terminal phase. It employs a thrust vector system for control and a deployable rear flare for stability. The missile’s booster is constructed from carbon fiber and uses a hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) propellant. 7 It consists of single-stage, solid-propellant booster and a liquid-fueled kinetic kill vehicle. The THAAD interceptor is 6.2 meters long, 0.4 meters in diameter, and weighs 662 kg at launch. Comparison of Aegis and THAAD defended area.THAAD incorporates four main components: the interceptor, launch vehicle, radar, and fire control system. List of THAAD EMD (production model) flight tests. Intercepted unitary target seeker characterization flightĢ targets (SRBM and MRBM) both intercepted ![]() November 22, 2005ĭemonstration of THAAD radar, launcher, fire control operations against simulated target 6 The production THAAD system has not failed an intercept test. 14 of these tests were successful and 4 were cancelled before launch due to target malfunctions. 5 Between 20, the Army and Missile Defense Agency conducted 18 THAAD intercept tests. This “next-generation” interceptor underwent its first flight test on Novemand its first intercept test on July 12, 2006, where it successfully intercepted a ballistic missile target. 3 The THAAD EMD missile passed critical design review in December 2003 and the first AN/TPY-2 radar was delivered in March 2004. In its EMD phase, the THAAD intereptor prototype was redesigned to feature more powerful thrust vector control and divert systems, improved computers, and simplified avionics. ![]() List of THAAD PDRR (prototype model) flight tests. Seeker failure half of focal plane array malfunctionedĭivert thrusters failed to fire due to battery connection failureīooster failure after electrical short circuit from foreign object debrisĪttitude control system nozzle torn from bracket ![]() “Premature kill vehicle fuel consumption” due to software error Kill vehicle controls test, no target launched THAAD subsequently entered Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) in June 2000. Five successive flights-taking place from 1996 to 1999-also failed, largely due to “quality control deficiencies in the manufacturing of the interceptor.” 2ĭespite two successful flights in June and August 1999, the Army elected to redesign THAAD and relax its requirement for intercepting targets at lower altitudes. ![]() On December 13, 1995, the Army attempted its first THAAD intercept test, which was unsuccessful. 1 The Army first test launched a THAAD prototype in April 1995. In response to Congressional calls for a “deployable TMD demonstration system,” the Army began developing THAAD, which entered Program Development and Risk Reduction (PDRR) in 1992. Comparison of THAAD PDRR (left) and EMD (right) interceptors. ![]()
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