// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Glide Phase Interceptor
A Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) is a defensive missile designed to shoot down an enemy hypersonic weapon while it is gliding unpowered through the upper atmosphere. It targets the threat during the middle and longest portion of its flight, before it dives towards its target.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) is a kinetic kill vehicle and missile system developed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) for layered counter-hypersonic defense, designed to neutralize hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) and other advanced maneuvering threats during their atmospheric midcourse (glide) phase. The GPI is often integrated with naval platforms using the Aegis Weapon System to provide regional defense capabilities.
BACKGROUND
Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) is a ship-launched, hit-to-kill missile now under development for the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Japan's Ministry of Defense. It is intended to destroy hypersonic glide vehicles while they are still maneuvering through the upper atmosphere, the so-called glide phase, at ranges and altitudes beyond the Navy's current SM-6 terminal-defense capability. GPI will be fired from the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System aboard Aegis-equipped destroyers and from Aegis Ashore batteries, integrating with the fleet's existing command-and-control architecture
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- GPI
- Regional Glide Phase Weapon System
- counter-hypersonic interceptor
- midcourse interceptor
- hypersonic defense interceptor
- HGV interceptor
USAGE NOTE
GPI is a critical development effort for the US Department of Defense, intended to fill a key gap in defending against maneuvering hypersonic missile threats.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Glide Phase Interceptor.
A prime contractor selected by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency to continue developing and maturing its Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) prototype for countering hypersonic missile threats.
A prime contractor selected by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency to design a Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) prototype, leveraging its expertise in missile systems and space technology.
The U.S. government agency responsible for developing a layered defense against ballistic missiles. The MDA is funding and managing the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program to add a new layer for hypersonic threats.
A major defense contractor that was awarded an initial contract for the first phase of the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) program to develop a preliminary design.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is running the 'Glide Breaker' program, which aims to develop and demonstrate technologies for a hard-kill interceptor against hypersonic threats, complementing the MDA's GPI efforts.
Develops critical sub-components for missile defense. The company was selected to design and manufacture the infrared seeker for Lockheed Martin's initial GPI concept.
A leading developer of propulsion systems for interceptors and missiles. Their technology is a critical enabler for the high-performance required by a Glide Phase Interceptor.