Separating Kinetic Interceptors are the literary translation of the name of the warhead of the US missile defense missile. The real name is: "Multi-Object Kill Vehicle" (MOKV).
The U. S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), together with Raytheon, have completed the stage of drafting the terms of reference for MIRVs. A development agreement is expected to be signed in December.
Multi-Object Kill Vehicle (MOKV) after head fairing reset.
Each of the MOKVs must aim independently at the target and hit it. The MOKV kit will be fired by a ground-based missile similar to the GBI system. Each MOKV will be equipped with its own guidance system, flight adjustment and information exchange system for guidance to individual targets. The rocket will carry a set of six MOKVs, which will be guided by their own sensor and will correct the flight.
The interceptor kit is a further development of Raytheon's missile defense system, which already has a number of successful and proven products.
Ground Base Intercept - EKV interceptor launch vehicle
The Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) missile defense system is a solid-propellant rocket with detachable stages, carrying a single EKV interceptor capable of intercepting a ballistic missile with an indivisible warhead. GBI delivers a transatmospheric interceptor into space. There, at hypersonic speed, the EKV begins to work.
Exoatomospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV). Interceptor currently used in the GBI system
EKV searches for a target based on the thermal trail, calculates the trajectory with its own computer and corrects the flight with jet engines. It hits the target with an accuracy of several millimeters and strikes by kinetic impact ("hit to kill").
This is the third generation of interceptors manufactured by Raytheon for GBI. The first prototype appeared back in 1998. The program developed with great difficulties. Ten launches were carried out, of which only two were successful (in 2013 and 2014), which determined the need for further development. Currently, all interceptors are being upgraded to the second stage (CE-II KEV).
After the first relatively unsuccessful tests of the GBI / EKV program, it was decided to increase the number of carriers. The Americans decided to create several interceptors to counter one missile (plans to deploy up to 44 GBI / EKV by 2017).
At the moment, the development of an interceptor for the next stage of CE-II Block 1 is being completed. In it, they tried to take into account all the shortcomings of previous versions. The first flight is planned for 2016, if successful, production can begin as soon as possible. And the remaining 10 EKV will probably be produced according to a new project by 2017.
Ongoing problems with the EKV have prompted the US National Missile Defense Agency to begin developing a groundbreaking Redesigned Kill Vehicle (RKV) interceptor. Some sources call RKV EKV CE-III. Thanks to the new approach, the RKV should be more reliable and less expensive. It is planned to increase manageability and its own computing power. The most important change is the introduction of feedback between the ground control center and the interceptor. RKV should be ready by 2018, with plans to begin rolling it out on media in 2020.
Redesigned Kill Vehicle (RKV). Prospective interceptor project
The US National Missile Defense Agency planned to create a series of Multi-Kill Vehicle (MKV) interceptor interceptors, launched by a single carrier, back in 2004, but the project was suspended in 2009.due to the incredible complexity and the decision to concentrate on the development of a missile defense system based on AEGIS.
Aegis SM-3 missile
MOKV is essentially a reincarnation of the MKV project. Plans to revive the program appeared in August 2015. If successful, MOKV will be on duty by 2030. Unlike the GBI / EKV program, MOKV will be able to intercept more targets with fewer carriers.
Raytheon has also developed another type of hit-to-kill interceptor for the naval missile defense SM-3 missiles. This type is capable of intercepting medium-range ballistic missiles, and is the naval component of the US missile defense system.
Kinetic missile interceptor SM-3
Design work on the Raytheon MOKV is being carried out as part of the missile defense system product line, which is responsible for the development of the EKV, SM-3 and the development of the RKV.
