Multiple Kill Vehicle
The Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) was a planned U.S. missile defense program whose goal is to design, develop, and deploy small multiple kinetic energy-based warheads that can intercept and destroy multiple ballistic missiles, including possible decoy targets (penetration aids).
The MKV concept allows more than one kill vehicle to be launched from a single booster. The system includes a carrier vehicle with on-board sensors and a number of kill vehicles, each equipped with its own navigation thrusters and weighing around 10 pounds. With multiple kill vehicles on a single target the probability for a hit is enhanced. Also being tested is the capability of the system to intercept multiple independent targets.
The MKV mission is to destroy medium through intercontinental-range ballistic missiles equipped with multiple warheads or countermeasures by using a single interceptor missile. During an actual hostile ballistic missile attack, the carrier vehicle with its cargo of small kill vehicles will maneuver into the path of an enemy missile. Using tracking data from the Ballistic Missile Defense System and its own seeker, the carrier vehicle will dispense and guide the kill vehicles to destroy any warheads or countermeasures.
After successful development, MKV are planned to be deployed on board GBI missiles, KEI and SM-3 Block IIA as well.
The MKV technology is being developed on a dual-path basis by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, designated MKV-L, and the Raytheon Company (MKV-R).
Missile Defense Agency announced that a test of the MKV-L was conducted 2 December 2008, at the National Hover Test Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
Preliminary indications are that planned test objectives were achieved. Objectives of the test included having the MKV-L hover under its own power and prove its capability to recognize and track a surrogate target in a flight environment. During the test, the MKV-L's propulsion system demonstrated maneuverability while tracking a target. The MKV-L transmitted video and flight telemetry to the ground.
On April 6, 2009, United States Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced that the Pentagon's budget would be reshaped. Under this proposal the MKV program would be terminated.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_Kill_Vehicle
Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV-L): Concept & Hover Test
