Exoatmospheric interceptor history

[500]

1st generation. Radio command guidance with nuclear warhead.

First long range SAM in the world was US two stage MIM-14 Nike Hercules which entered service in 1958. Computer modulation showed that with nuclear warhead it could be used against ballistic missiles as well. In 1960 happened first successful interception test (of tactical ballistic missile).

On Nike Hercules base were developed two special anti ballistic missiles: 2 stage Nike Zeus A and much larger 3 stage Nike Zeus B with space interception capability. In 1962 Nike Zeus B carried first successful interception of ICBM. However Nike Zeus did not enter service.

On Nike Zeus B base was developed 3 stage LIM-49A Spartan, which entered service in 1975.

In USSR

In 1961 there was first interception of theatre ballistic missile with two stage V-1000 test missile.

In 1972 entered service A-35 anti ballistic system with A-350Zh two stage missile.

In 1996 entered service A-135 anti ballistic system with 51T6 two stage missile.

Nike Zeus B, Spartan, A-350Zh, 51T6 all had space interception capability (200-400 km altitude), but due to radio command guidance they all needed nuclear warhead for successful interception.

 

[500]

2nd generation. Kill vehicles with IR seeker.

The first interceptor of new generation was US ASM-135 ASAT missile. It was 2 stage antisatellite missile launched from jet fighter. For the first time ever it was equipped with special kill vehicle with IR seeker and was intended for kinetic hit without warhead. In 1985 in successfully intercepted a satellite but missile did not enter the service.

The Israeli two stage Arrow-2 missile. It entered service in 2000. It was designed for both atmospheric and exoatmospheric interceptions. That's why it is equipped with both active radar (for atmospheric) and IR homing (for exatmospheric) seekers and has HE-fragmentation warhead.

US Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) missile. It is large 2-3 stage missile with kinetic kill vehicle. The first missile of this kind which entered the service in 2005-2006 (Arrow 2 was not fully space and kinetic kill optimized).

THAAD (2008). Relatively light weight (900 kg) 1 stage missile with kinetic kill vehicle.

RIM SM-3 (2014). Ship based 3 stage missile + kinetic vehicle. Successfully intercepted a satellited during 2008 test.

Israeli Arrow-3 (2017). Similar to THAAD size missile, but with powered kinetic vehicle (which should improve performance).

Chinese SC-19. Very little known about it (no even photo). Probably two stage, based on HQ-9 SAM with DF-21 ballistic missile booster and kinetic kill vehicle. Successfully intercepted a satellite in 2007 test.

Indian Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) missile. Two stage with 80 km altitude and warhead. Somewhat similar in concept to Arrow-2 missile, but lacks IR seeker. It has only active radar seeker (BTW its only missile in this lacks IR seeker). Also only liquid powered missile in this list. Entered service around 2010.

Indian Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) Mk1 and Mk2. They share same kinetic IR seeker kill vehicle, but have 2 and 3 solid stages respectfully. PDV Mk2 successfully intercepted a satellite in 2019 test.

 

[YourTurkishMaster]

@Vergennes , @500

its always the same candidates that present "nuclear warheads". But in fact nuclear chain reaction is against natural law of physics. All Nuclear arsenals are just duds.

 

[Cabatli_TR]

Under the light of these informations, The states with exoatmospheric engagement capability are the US, Israel and India. I don’t know the success rates of Indian missiles btw. As far as I know, Japan has great tech infrastructure in this field as well. Turkey is also coming with LRLA program.

 

[Hexciter]

Under the light of these informations, The states with exoatmospheric engagement capability are the US, Israel and India. I don’t know the success rates of Indian missiles btw. As far as I know, Japan has great tech infrastructure in this field as well. Turkey is also coming with LRLA program.

Bro, any further info about LRLA programme?

 

[Cabatli_TR]

Bro, any further info about LRLA programme?

I dont have much info. I posted the last statements of Ismail Demir about this program bro. Check air defence program thread please.

 

[500]

So Russia finally tested its kinetic ASAT. Does it mean Russia caught up US, China, India? Not really.

Russia intercepted satellite using chasing method. This is very similar to space docking which is practiced since 1960-es:

US, China, India intercepted satellite with front hit:

Chinese ASAT test:

Indian ASAT test:

Front it is needed to intercept ballistic missiles and is much harder than chasing method.