Date posted: 09/26/2008*

KEI Team Completes Enhanced Rocket Motor Test

The Raytheon and Northrop Grumman Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) team fired a Stage 2 rocket motor with an enhanced nozzle and upgraded ballistics. The firing, in a cold-temperature environment, occurred at the Alliant Techsystems’ test facility in Elkton, Md., Sept. 25.

“This test builds additional confidence in our booster design and demonstrates significant progress toward our first flight test in 2009,” said Chuck Ross, Raytheon Missile Systems’ vice president of KEI. “This firing paves the way for future tests in high-altitude environments.”

KEI is a land-based missile defense system featuring the Missile Defense Agency’s newest rapid-acceleration interceptor. When deployed, the mobile system will be capable of destroying medium, intermediate and intercontinental ballistic missiles in their boost, ascent and midcourse phases of flight. KEI features a compact, lightweight design that enables mobility and flexible deployment.

Northrop Grumman is leading the team charged with developing and testing KEI capability for the Missile Defense Agency. Raytheon leads the program’s interceptor development work. Alliant Techsystems is Raytheon’s principal subcontractor and is responsible for performing development work for Stage 1 and Stage 2 rocket motors.

Orbital Sciences will integrate the booster and prepare range operations for the 2009 flight. The team is now preparing for an important Stage 1 motor fire test scheduled for later this year.