// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Kill Vehicle
A kill vehicle is the component of an interceptor missile that detaches in space to physically collide with and destroy an incoming ballistic missile. It acts like a smart, self-guided bullet, using its own sensors and thrusters to steer itself into the target at extreme speeds.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A kill vehicle (KV) is the kinetic warhead of a ballistic missile defense (BMD) interceptor, such as the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) or SM-3, designed to destroy a target reentry vehicle (RV) through direct collision (hit-to-kill). Operating exo-atmospherically, it uses onboard sensors (typically infrared) and a divert and attitude control system (DACS) for autonomous terminal guidance and homing.
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 Vehicle (KKV)
- Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV)
- hit-to-kill vehicle
- kinetic warhead
- interceptor payload
- direct impact interceptor
USAGE NOTE
The term emphasizes the non-explosive, direct-impact method of destruction, differentiating it from blast-fragmentation warheads used in other missile defense systems.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Kill Vehicle.
Developer of the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) used in the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system and the kill vehicles for the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) family of interceptors. The company is actively developing the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).
Prime contractor for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, which uses a hit-to-kill interceptor. Lockheed Martin is also one of two prime contractors developing the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) to modernize the GMD system.
Prime contractor responsible for the overall integration and management of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. Northrop Grumman is also a prime contractor developing a competing design for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI).
A U.S. Department of Defense agency responsible for developing and deploying a layered defense system against ballistic missiles. The MDA manages the programs that fund and direct the development of kill vehicles and their associated interceptors.
A key developer of the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) for the GMD system. The company was the original prime contractor for the GMD program and remains heavily involved in its sustainment, upgrades, and testing.
Now part of L3Harris Technologies, Aerojet Rocketdyne designs and manufactures the Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS), a critical propulsion technology that enables kill vehicles to perform precise maneuvers in space to intercept targets.