Thu, Feb 21, 2013
Elevated System Detects, Tracks Ascent-Phase Ballistic Missiles During Recent Test
Enemy tactical ballistic missiles may soon be easier to detect and track. During a series of recent tests, a Raytheon JLENS demonstrated tactical ballistic missile defense (TBMD) capability when it detected and tracked a total of four ballistic-missile surrogates during their ascent (boost) phase.
During the test, the JLENS X-Band radar tracked two ripple-fired and two individually fired ballistic-missile surrogates. The missiles flew flight profiles similar to the profiles enemy tactical ballistic missiles might fly in high-threat regions of the globe. "Along with other systems in Raytheon's family of X-Band radars, JLENS can provide a robust early warning and tracking capability against ballistic missiles," said David Gulla, vice president of Global Integrated Sensors for Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business. "This TBMD demonstration and JLENS' other recent successes prove that the system is ready to deploy for a combatant commander operational evaluation."
JLENS demonstrated its capability against cruise missiles when it enabled Patriot and Standard Missile-6 intercepts of cruise-missile surrogates during separate tests. JLENS also completed two developmental tests and demonstrated its ability to stay aloft for long durations.
"JLENS' TBMD capability gives combatant commands another tool they can use to help protect the U.S., deployed forces, our allies and friends from the growing ballistic missile threat," said Dean Barten, the U.S. Army's JLENS program manager. "JLENS' TBMD capability, when coupled with its ability to conduct 360-degree long-range surveillance capability and simultaneously detect and engage threats like swarming boats and anti-ship cruise missiles from up to 340 miles away, gives commanders a powerful proven capability."
(Image provided by Raytheon)
More News
"Sometimes, growth makes it easy to miss the little things, and today's "little guy" is smarting more than ever just looking at the price tags of "cheap" aircraft. Poberezny, seein>[...]
Aero Linx: Space Medicine Association (SMA) The Space Medicine Association of the Aerospace Medical Association is organized exclusively for charitable, educational, and scientific>[...]
Also: Martha King Scholarship, Montaer Grows, Textron Updates Pistons, FlySto The FAA is hiring thousands of air traffic controllers, but the window to apply will only be open for >[...]
Also: B-29 Superfortress Reunion, FAA Wants Controllers, Spirit Airlines Pulls Back, Gogo Galileo Van's Aircraft posted a short video recapping the goings-on around their reorganiz>[...]
Also: Flight Club, Jet Shades, MyGoFlight’s FlightFlix Acquisition FIFTY YEARS! What a milestone for the aviation world’s master aero-education duo! John, Martha, along>[...]