Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The Missile Defense Agency plans to develop and test several new technologies designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during the ascent phase of flight, providing increased flexibility and targeting opportunities. A robust advanced missile defense technology development program is part of our strategy to hedge against future threat uncertainties.
By leveraging Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and space assets for pervasive over-the-horizon sensor netting, the engagement zone of current Standard Missile-3 interceptors can be extended to the pre-apogee portion of a missile’s trajectory.
The mobility/transportability of early intercept capability, the flexibility of UAV and space-based sensor support, and lower Operation and Sustainment costs make early intercepts more appealing than midcourse systems. Forward-basing AN/TPY-2 radars comes with diplomatic challenges and significant Operation & Sustainment costs, making the use of current Overhead Persistent Infrared Ground Architecture and less expensive operations of Predator UAVs an appealing nearterm option.
The typical MQ-9 system consists of multiple aircraft, ground control station, communications equipment and links, maintenance spares, and military (or contractor) personnel. The crew consists of a pilot and a sensor operator.