The AI3 interceptor project started in March 20 12, with a project duration of 18 months and a project capital of 79.2 million US dollars. The main purpose of this project is to meet the needs of the US Army for longer-range anti-rocket and artillery and mortar (C-RAM) weapons in combat, so as to replace the "dense array" melee weapon system currently used in Afghanistan, especially to intercept the 107mm low-ballistic rockets and explosive warheads used by insurgents.
In this flight test, the fire control radar of Ku-band RF system first detected an incoming 107mm rocket, judged whether its impact point was within the defense range, and provided command guidance for AI3 interceptor through data link. These instructions will make the missile fly along the required interception trajectory. There is no interception test in this test. Subsequent tests will verify the performance of missile-borne semi-active radar seeker for terminal guidance.
Israel's "Iron Dome" interceptor was launched.
Laser reflector
Land dense array
MHTK air defense missile (the most advanced in the United States)
The interceptor is less than 1 m in length, less than 50 mm in diameter and less than 3 kg in launch weight. It is used in conjunction with fire control radar that can provide illumination. Through kinetic energy killing, in tactical shooting range, the interceptor provides reliable RAM interception ability, greatly increasing the protection area, and the test is carried out in Baisha missile shooting range. If the purchase quantity is considerable, the unit price of interceptor will be controlled within $65,438+$600,000 (the standard in 2006).