Ground Based Interceptor (GBI)

Lockheed have made big claims as how the $1+billion LRDR S band radar with its dual polarization tech enabling 3D imaging would enable it to distinguish the (North Korean) ICBM's nuclear warhead from numerous decoys and the other debris, nosecones etc all travelling in a small field in the vacuum of space so as to pick it out and target it with the limited number of GDI/NGI.

LRDR was due to be proved by MDA test firing a ICBM which was aborted, now it appears MDA will have to accept the LRDR without proof that LRDR works as claimed.

https://insidedefense.com/daily-new...new-homeland-defense-radar-verifying-it-works
 
 
Regarding the test today.

Missile Defense Agency, Boeing-Led Industry Team Conduct Early Release Intercept Test

- Early release configuration provides more time, space, and flexibility to intercept ballistic missile threats to U.S.
- Test demonstrates GMD system's enhanced capability to defend the nation

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Dec. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and a Boeing [NYSE:BA]-led industry team successfully intercepted an intermediate-range ballistic missile in space during the latest test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense, or GMD, system. The test validated GMD's Capability Increment 6B configuration, which gives the Missile Defense Operators more time, space, and flexibility to intercept ballistic missile threats to the U.S. homeland.

During the test, a GMD interceptor released a kinetic-force Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, or EKV, during the rocket booster's second stage of its normally three-stage sequence of flight. The threat-representative target was air launched from the Broad Ocean Area and the interceptor was deployed from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

"This successful test is important because it opens up the window of opportunity to intercept threats to our homeland," said Debbie Barnett, vice president of Strategic Missile & Defense Systems. "We're committed to continuously enhancing the GMD system's capability to meet rapidly evolving missile defense needs for the nation."

Boeing has supported the GMD program as lead system integrator since its inception in 1998 through development, test, operations and sustainment. The system has now been on alert for nearly two decades and is an integral part of America's layered ballistic missile defense architecture.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

Contact
Josh Roth
Boeing Communications
+1 (256) 631-8140
joshua.d.roth@boeing.com

Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

SOURCE Boeing[/quote]

 
A long-range ground-based interceptor is launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, on Sept. 12, 2021. This was the first flight test of a three-stage booster operating in two-stage mode meaning the third stage was not ignited, allowing earlier release of the kill vehicle providing increased battlespace for the warfighter.
 
Is the advantage of skipping the 3rd stage presumably to lower the minimum range to allow for another engagement cycle?
 
I like this better than having separate 2-stage and 3-stage variants.
 
"MDA, according to the notice, will focus on "transportable" capability, not "mobile" capability, seeking ideas for a GBI that could reposition, emplace and be ready to launch "within days" as opposed to be able to do the same "within minutes."

Why not just do it right? ::)

"A 'mobile' capability also tends to drive complex operations concepts, special security requirements, mobile command, control, communications, and a level of launcher sophistication that pushes costs to unsustainable levels," MDA notes.

Funny, Russia, China, India, and even North Korea manage to make mobile missiles doable. What is it about the North American continent that makes it unpossible?
Not being about to just shoot people who get in the way of your TEL?
 
Tangential
the first link led to a different article. at least the title is completely different
 
Not being about to just shoot people who get in the way of your TEL?
Ehhhh.... ICBM defense is definitely more important than a couple of unruly travellers. But off-terrain is also good.
Months ago I sketched out this idea of a Stryker portee lugging around a Typhon MRC but loaded with SM-3 that got thrown to the trash bin. A madman can try this with GBI.
 
So they could be apprehended, questioned - what are they doing in secure area? - and either arrested (if they actually are spies) or thrown away (if they are just unlucky idiots). The whole point of moving TEL's through unpopulated area is, that spies would not be able to claim that "they just live there" or "just visited there". Their mere presense in area would already be suspicious.
 
I
So they could be apprehended, questioned - what are they doing in secure area? - and either arrested (if they actually are spies) or thrown away (if they are just unlucky idiots). The whole point of moving TEL's through unpopulated area is, that spies would not be able to claim that "they just live there" or "just visited there". Their mere presense in area would already be suspicious.

Unless it was federally owned land, there is nothing to charge them with. I suppose there might be parks and grazing land that could annexed for the purpose but politically it would be a non starter.
 
So they could be apprehended, questioned - what are they doing in secure area? - and either arrested (if they actually are spies) or thrown away (if they are just unlucky idiots). The whole point of moving TEL's through unpopulated area is, that spies would not be able to claim that "they just live there" or "just visited there". Their mere presense in area would already be suspicious.
Almost all government-owned land in the US is actually open to the public. Only the bases are secure areas. I can actually drive out into the Orchard Training Area and find fun things like training land mines, fired 25mm and 30mm AP, maybe even some 120mm training HEAT rounds.

They announce training schedules a month or more in advance and sweep through the place looking for idiots before they start shooting.
 
Almost all government-owned land in the US is actually open to the public. Only the bases are secure areas. I can actually drive out into the Orchard Training Area and find fun things like training land mines, fired 25mm and 30mm AP, maybe even some 120mm training HEAT rounds.

They announce training schedules a month or more in advance and sweep through the place looking for idiots before they start shooting.
They find you?

I’m kidding I’m kidding (sorry couldn’t resist);)
 

 

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