Lockheed Martin announced Friday that it has completed initial testing of the kill vehicle divert thruster for the Missile Defense Agency’s Multiple Kill Vehicle Payload System. The testing of the thruster and valves on the component took place on July 16, showing that the system will allow the kill vehicle to more accurately maneuver to intercept targets. In the event of a launch a single interceptor equipped with the MKV will destroy the reentry vehicle along with countermeasures, Lockheed Martin officials contend.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.