THAAD Development

[sferrin]

According to the wikipedia article ERIS was a precursor for both the THAAD and GBI interceptors.

It was certainly before THAAD but ERIS was an exoatmospheric KKV (it's in the name; Exoatmospheric Reentry-vehicle Interceptor Subsystem, or ERIS). It had no endoatmospheric capability. KITE and AIT fed into THAAD.

https://missilethreat.csis.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/170406_Karako_MissileDefense2020_Web.pdf

"Funded concurrently with the ERIS, the HEDI program looked to develop technology for a ground launched endoatmospheric component of a layered defense architecture.55 HEDI interceptors were to defeat missiles at the end of their midcourse and into the terminal phase of flight. While no intercepts were attempted, HEDI technology contributed to what is now known as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system."

 

[NMaude]

It was certainly before THAAD but ERIS was an exoatmospheric KKV (it's in the name; Exoatmospheric Reentry-vehicle Interceptor Subsystem, or ERIS). It had no endoatmospheric capability. KITE and AIT fed into THAAD.

I suspect that any contribution ERIS made to THAAD was its IIR sensor technology.

 

[Forest Green]

Weird that the seeker seems to be offset at a side-mounted angle.

 

[NMaude]

Weird that the seeker seems to be offset at a side-mounted angle.

Isn't that the case with the THAAD's seeker too?

 

[NASA]

I believe E³I would become GBI, and E²I would become THAAD.

 

[Forest Green]

I believe E³I would become GBI, and E²I would become THAAD.

SPBD?

 

[sferrin]

Isn't that the case with the THAAD's seeker too?

So they can have a layer of "cool" gas between the seeker window and the airstream. I read somewhere that it becomes a balancing act between going too fast and melting the window, and going too slow, running out of gas, and melting the window. On top of that you have to eject the shroud early enough so your seeker has time to acquire the target and the KKV can get in position but not so early that you run out of coolant.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwj0qp_vm6mEAxVhlu4BHZn5AnEQFnoECBcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Freport.nat.gov.tw%2FReportFront%2FPageSystem%2FreportFileDownload%2FC10000970%2F002&usg=AOvVaw1uDOM_SPu8S_FaGr0Kr84S&opi=89978449

 

[Josh_TN]

THAAD seems to get around the problem by using a shroud.

 

[Forest Green]

 

[sferrin]

And even then they keep it covered as long as possible.

 

[TomS]

SM-2 Block IVA is similar, with a cover over the IR seeker until late in flight to minimize heating (and potential debris damage during launch, presumably)

.

 

[NMaude]

Defense Updates has a video about the THAAD's recent evaluation at Guam:

The US Army has announced that Task Force Talon’s E-3 ADA THAAD Battery recently carried out a Table VIII evaluation for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system stationed in Guam from March 11 to 15, 2024.

With its state-of-the-art components, the E-3 THAAD Battery serves as a formidable shield against potential ballistic missile threats targeting Guam and its vicinity. The recent completion of the Table VIII evaluation reaffirms the unit's preparedness to effectively deter and counter emerging security challenges, particularly those originating from China, amidst the evolving regional security dynamics.

In this video, Defense Updates analyzes why THAAD's intense evaluation in Guam is crucial ?

#defenseupdates #THAAD #usvschina

Chapters:

00:11 INTRODUCTION

01:53 DISCLOSURE

03:19 CHINESE THREAT ON GUAM

05:25 THAAD

07:51 ANALYSIS