35page

MISSION The KEI program will develop and field a strategically deployable, tactically mobile, land- and sea-based capability to defeat medium- to long-range ballistic missiles during the boost, ascent, and midcourse phases of flight. Land- and sea-mobile capabilities will use hit-to-kill technologies and a high acceleration, common booster. PrOGrAM DESCrIPTION MDA awarded the KEI Development and Test Phase contract to develop common, multi-use capabilities for the next-generation, high performance interceptor weapon sys-tem. This common design and performance approach is ap-plicable to multiple platforms and provides mobility across the battle space. The program will reduce risk through a series of verification tests, robust systems engineering, and integration. The KEI program builds upon existing and planned BMDS sensors, C2BMC, Communications, and kill vehicle capabilities developed in other program elements. kinetic energy interceptors CONTrIBUTIONS TO THE BMDS The KEI program provides a high confidence path to a boost phase defense layer and a flexible, forward-based midcourse capability for the BMDS. The early KEI engage-ments, in combination with later Ground Based Interceptor or Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense engagements, provide additional layers of protection and increase effectiveness against countermeasures for the BMDS. A high perfor- mance, high mission assurance, and cost effective booster will enhance the BMDS capability following the KEI boost- er flight knowledge point. 2007 ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Executed three stage-1 and stage-2 rocket motor static fires to validate booster performance • Executed three stage-separation tests to validate booster performance • Completed Modal Survey Test to validate flight configu- ration and flight algorithms • Completed wind tunnel test series to validate booster performance • Completed sea-mobile alternatives assessment to sup- port future mobile platform decisions • Completed launch site availability and range approvals in support of the program’s first booster flight Majority of work for kinetic energy interceptors is performed in the green colored states.