Swift Orbital Correction Can Be Made The thruster flight control system can correct orbit by injecting combustion gas from approximately 100 injection openings called "side thrusters" located on the side of the missile. Extremely complicated movements can be made by making intermittent injections of varying strength from each side thruster through computer control. The thruster flight control makes possible instant sideways movements, and sharp angle turns, and veering, while conventional method controls rely on lift generated by moving the steering wing. Its control capability does not diminish even high altitudes with low air density. Nissan has developed this thruster control technology in the process of developing solid fuel propulsion equipment for the large "H2" rocket which was developed by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA). Having noticed the "keen responsiveness which cannot be expected using steering wing controls," (Guided Weapons Office, Bureau of Equipment), JDA decided to apply the hypersonic speed missile to development of a missile which can intercept targets up front. JDA contracted with Nissan and KHI for research prototypes of a thruster drive section for 140 million yen and for airframe movement controls for 272.7 million yen respectively.
The end of the East-West Cold War brings inevitably with it a reduction in the number of Self Defense Force personnel allotted. While cutting back the number of personnel required for operation, it is crucial to strengthen and improve performance of guided missiles as the main combat weapon capable of maintaining and strengthening defense power. Also the TMD initiative in which the United States has asked Europe and Japan to participate to suppress and defend against regional ballistic missile threats requires the use of interception missiles that use the side thruster. Based on such situations, JDA decided to develop the technology domestically using both Nissan and KHI.