The Navy LEAP flight test program has demonstrated all of the critical elements for a Navy Theater-Wide Tactical
Ballistic Missile Defense (TBMD):
Navy LEAP, managed by the Navy and sponsored by BMDO, utilized a majority of existing assets including Leahy- class cruisers, the Standard Missile-2 Block III-ER, the LEAP KKV, and the ASAS kick stage motor. The major developmental items were in the guided third stage, including a new guidance computer, GPS-aided inertial navigation system, axial propulsion and attitude control system. This use of existing assets and operational personnel provided a comprehensive test program for a minimum cost. Four flight tests were conducted as part of the Navy LEAP Advanced Technology Demonstration Program: FTV 1: The first flight test successfully demonstrated high altitude guidance and control of a Standard Missile. FTV 2: The second flight test successfully demonstrated nose cone and KKV ejection at exoatmospheric altitudes. FTV 3: The third flight test was the first to attempt an intercept of a SCUD-like ballistic missile. In this test, a problem resulting from a range-safety software modification miscued the Standard Missile second stage, placing the third stage outside the required intercept basket. Third stage guid |
ance and control, utilizing the new GPS-aided navigation system, hybrid warm/cold gas attitude control system, and
Advanced Solid Axial Stage (ASAS) kick motor, performed flawlessly in attempting to achieve an intercept
trajectory. All the KKV initialization procedures were successfully performed, including seeker calibration, inertial
alignment, and target/missile state handover. After ejecting and performing a stepstare maneuver, the KKV acquired
the target at a range of 136 km. The LEAP seeker tracked the target for over 15 seconds.
FTV 4: The fourth flight test was a repeat of FTV-3, except with a Rockwell LEAP KKV, and corrective changes to the Second Stage guidance software. During this test, the first and second stages flew the desired trajectory. The third stage operated exceptionally well in delivering the KKV to within 170 meters of the target (versus a requirement of 1400 meters), and with sufficient pointing accuracy for acquisition. While the KKV was still attached to the third stage, the target was visible in the seeker's field of view. Unfortunately, the Rockwell LEAP failed to transition to internal power, and was not able to complete the intercept. Overall, the Navy LEAP test program was a clear success: 42 of the 43 objectives were achieved. It clearly demonstrated all of the critical elements, and the feasibility of a Sea-based Theater-wide Ballistic Missile Defense. The next step is to transition the Navy LEAP technology into the Standard Missile-2 Block IV and the Aegis Weapon System. All of the components used in the Navy LEAP program and all of the experience will be directly applicable to the Aegis LEAP program. |