Exo-atmospheric interception
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Context:
- Israel claims success in defending against an extensive attack by Iran, which included hundreds of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles. They assert that their air-defense system, including exo-atmospheric interceptors, destroyed 99% of the missiles fired by Iran.
Details of the attack and defense
- Magnitude of Attack: Iran reportedly launched 170 drones, over 30 cruise missiles, and more than 120 ballistic missiles against Israel.
- Interception Evidence: The interception by Israel likely involved Israel's "Arrow 3" Hypersonic Surface-to-Air Missile System or a U.S. Navy ship utilizing an SM-3 missile.
Exo-Atmospheric Interceptors:
- Exo-atmospheric interceptors, also known as anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs), are surface-to-air missiles designed to counter incoming ballistic missiles during the mid-course or terminal phase of their trajectory.
- They operate beyond the Earth's atmosphere and are equipped with advanced technology such as infrared sensors and radar systems to detect and track incoming missiles.
Features of of ABMs:
- These missiles travel at hypersonic speeds and use sophisticated guidance systems to accurately intercept targets moving at high velocities.
- They employ a three-stage solid rocket booster to propel themselves out of Earth's atmosphere and have inbuilt rocket motors for precise navigation towards the target.
- ABMs use inertial navigation systems updated during flight to ensure accurate targeting. Additionally, they utilize contour maps stored in computerized memory to aid navigation.
"Arrow 3" Hypersonic Surface-to-Air Missile System. It is a surface-to-air missile system designed for intercepting ballistic missiles, particularly those with long-range capabilities. Features: ●Hypersonic Speed: The missile travels at hypersonic speeds, meaning it moves at velocities greater than five times the speed of sound. ●Target Range: The system is capable of intercepting targets at long ranges, including those beyond the Earth's atmosphere. ●Interception Altitude: It is designed to intercept threats both within and outside the Earth's atmosphere, including exo-atmospheric intercepts. ●Purpose: The primary purpose of the "Arrow 3" system is to provide advanced defense capabilities against incoming ballistic missile threats, particularly from adversaries with long-range missile capabilities. ●Detection and Tracking: The system is equipped with advanced detection and tracking technology, including infrared sensors and radar systems, to detect and track incoming ballistic missiles. ●Guidance System: It employs sophisticated guidance systems to accurately maneuver and intercept targets traveling at very high speeds. ●Inertial Navigation: The missile uses an inertial navigation system that is continuously updated during flight to ensure precise targeting. ●Contour Maps: Additionally, it utilizes contour maps stored in its computerized memory to aid navigation and improve targeting accuracy. ●Solid Rocket Booster: The missile utilizes a three-stage solid rocket booster to propel itself out of Earth's atmosphere at near-hypersonic speeds. ●Interception Mechanism: Upon reaching space, the missile activates its sensors to identify and track the incoming target before engaging it with precision. ●Deployment: The "Arrow 3" system is deployed and operated by the Israeli military to defend against potential ballistic missile threats to the country and its interests. |
Source:
PRACTICE QUESTION Which of the following statements regarding exo-atmospheric interceptors (ABMs) and their features are correct?
Select the correct options from the following: a) 1, 2, 4, and 5 b) 2, 3, and 4 c) 1, 2, and 5 d) 2, 4, and 5 Correct answer: a) 1, 2, 4, and 5 |