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7 MISSION As part of the integrated, layered BMDS, the Terminal High Altitude AreaDefense (THAAD) element will provide rapidly deployable ground-based missile defense components that deepens, and extends, the BMDS battle- space. THAAD has the capability to engage and negate short- to medium- range ballistic missiles, both inside and just outside the atmosphere, providing regional or limited area terminal defense. THAAD also has surveillance sensor that provide data to other elements to enhance BMDS discrimination and engagement capabilities. PrOGrAM DESCrIPTION THAAD fire units consist of four principal components: truck-mounted launchers, interceptors, radar, and fire control/communications. The launcher can rapidly fire and reload the interceptors and provide storage and transportation of the interceptors. The THAAD radar supports the full range of surveillance, tracking the target and guiding the interceptor during flight. THAAD’s Fire Control and Communications component provides the terminal high Altitude Area Defense element’s battle planning, fire control, and communication backbone, linking THAAD to the BMDS and other air and missile defense networks used by the Armed Services. THAAD is transportable via airlift worldwide within hours. This rapid deployment capability enables the system to respond quickly to hostile developments around the world, providing effective missile defense coverage on short notice. Like all other system elements, THAAD will evolve through spiral development, to keep pace with rapidly maturing missile defense technologies and ballistic missile threats. CONTrIBUTIONS TO THE BMDS The THAAD element contributes to the BMDS by providing the engagement sequence identified as THAAD Interceptor Engage on AN/TPY-2 (THAAD Mode) Mod 1 (Cobra Dane, UEWR, SBX). THAAD engages a threat ballistic missile using the fire unit radar and cueing from other BMDS sensors, such as the Cobra Dane sensor, UEWRs, or the SBX. When integrated into the BMDS with the BMDS C2BMC, AEGIS BMD and PATRIOT Systems, the rapidly deployable THAAD element improves the BMDS overall effectiveness by engaging threat ballistic missiles both inside and just outside the atmosphere. 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Successfully completed component and element integration in the system integration laboratory and flight test range • Completed activation of the THAAD sites at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Kauai, HI • Completed a successful soldier tactical move of THAAD hardware to PMRF at Kauai, Hawaii • Executed two successful intercept flight tests at PMRF and conducted final flight test at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), NM in FY07 • Participated in three integrated BMDS flight tests, two major GMD Ground Tests, and four wargames and exercises • Continued soldier flight test participation with soldiers successfully operating the Battle Manager and Radar to engage a SCUD-like target • Continued component software development to improve functionality for all components • Continued to explore international interest and involvement • Received Office of the Secretary of Defense approval for the THAAD Annex to the BMDS Transition and Transfer Plan • Continued component hardware build-up including delivery of test interceptors and the second program radar (AN/TPY-2) Majority of work for thAAD is performed in the green colored states.