// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Hit-to-Kill
A hit-to-kill system is a type of missile interceptor that destroys its target by physically colliding with it at extremely high speed. It relies on the sheer force of impact, or kinetic energy, rather than an explosive warhead.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Hit-to-kill (HTK) is a missile defense technology where an interceptor vehicle, often called a kinetic kill vehicle (KKV), uses advanced guidance systems for a direct-ascent trajectory to destroy a target, such as a ballistic missile's re-entry vehicle (RV), through a direct kinetic energy impact in the exo-atmospheric or endo-atmospheric phase.
BACKGROUND
The Multiple Kill Vehicle (MKV) was a planned U.S. missile defense program whose goal was to design, develop, and deploy multiple small kinetic energy-based warheads that can intercept and destroy multiple ballistic missiles, including possible decoy targets.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- kinetic kill
- direct impact
- body-to-body intercept
- kinetic energy weapon
- direct-ascent intercept
- HTK
USAGE NOTE
This term is used to describe highly precise interceptors like those in the GMD, THAAD, and Aegis BMD systems, which require incredible accuracy to hit a fast-moving target.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Hit-to-Kill.
Prime contractor for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missile systems, both of which use kinetic energy and direct impact (hit-to-kill) to destroy incoming ballistic missiles.
Developer of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptor for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The SM-3's Kinetic Warhead is a well-known hit-to-kill vehicle. Raytheon also develops kill vehicles for the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system.
Serves as the prime contractor for the U.S. Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, which integrates command and control systems with Ground-Based Interceptors that use an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) to collide with and destroy threats.
A key contractor for the GMD system and the developer of the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), which will replace the current ground-based interceptors and employ advanced multiple-kill-vehicle hit-to-kill technology.
A research, development, and acquisition agency within the U.S. Department of Defense responsible for developing a layered defense against ballistic missiles. It oversees the development and operation of nearly all U.S. hit-to-kill systems, including GMD, Aegis BMD, and THAAD.
Manufactures critical propulsion and control systems for kill vehicles, such as the Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS), which provides the precise, rapid thruster firings needed to maneuver the interceptor into the path of a target for a direct collision.
An Israeli defense technology company that co-developed the David's Sling weapon system with Raytheon. Its 'Stunner' interceptor is a multi-stage missile that uses hit-to-kill technology to defeat a wide range of aerial threats.
A European multinational developer of missile systems. Its Aster family of missiles (e.g., Aster 30) are designed for air and missile defense and use a direct impact 'hit-to-kill' warhead combined with a small directed explosive charge to ensure target destruction.