(U) Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI)

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U) The initial focus of GBI development is the exo-atmospheric kill vehicle (EKV) which is the most critical and technically challenging part of the GBI.  The EKV will be designed to intercept high-speed, long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) reentry vehicles (RVs) in the midcourse of their trajectories using kinetic force.

Description: (U)
(U) The Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) is using an evolutionary acquisition strategy to develop and demonstrate the NMD interceptor capability, with an emphasis on accomplishing the NMD integrated system test in FY99. The initial focus of GBI development is the exo-atmospheric kill vehicle (EKV) which is the most critical and technically challenging part of the GBI.  The EKV will be designed to intercept high-speed, long-range intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) reentry vehicles (RVs) in the midcourse of their trajectories using kinetic force.  The interceptor is being designed to distinguish between the RVs and decoys and other penetration aids.  

(U) Development of an EKV booster and the associated launch control equipment will begin in FY98. Until booster development is complete, EKV flight tests will be flown on the Payload Launch Vehicle (PLV), which is a booster consisting of a Minuteman II second and third stage. EKV sensor flight tests are scheduled for FY97, and EKV interceptor flight tests are scheduled for FY98 and FY99. The two current EKV contractors (Boeing and Hughes) will be downselected to one in FY98.  A successful flight test of a Boeing EKV launched from a Minuteman II occurred on 25 Jun 97.  The current deployment plan calls for a force of 100 ground based interceptors.  

User Impact: (U)
(U) To be supplied.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Programmed.
	(U) Decision Point: 11/1999 (1QFY2000).
		(U)  In late 1999, the USG will downselect between Hughes and Boeing to determine which company's GBI/EKV will be used in integrated flight tests.
	(U) IOC: 10/2003 (1QFY2004).
		(U)  This IOC is based on the current NMD program which specifies that three years will be spent developing and testing the NMD elements.  At the end of these three years, a decision will be made based on the the existing or projected threat to deploy an ABM Treaty-compliant NMD system.  Deployment is then expected to take an additional three years.  This is known as the "three+three" option.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) None.

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) Ground-Based Missile Defense

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) SPACE CONTROL: NMD/ COUNTERSPACE.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Army.

Date of Information: (U)
21 November 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)