megimoo
06-20-2009, 03:04 AM
What's known about missile shield in Hawaii
"This is the system that Obama wants to cancel !"
" SBX Radar :The active electronically scanned array radar is derived from the radar used in the Aegis combat system, and is a part of the layered ballistic missile defense (BMDS) program of the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA). One important difference from Aegis is the use of X band in the SBX. Aegis uses S band, and Patriot uses the higher-frequency C band. The X band frequency is higher still, so its shorter wavelength enables finer resolution of tracked objects. The radar is designed and built by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems for Boeing, the prime contractor on the project for MDA."
The SBX radar is described by Lt. Gen Trey Obering (director of MDA) as being able to track an object the size of a baseball over San Francisco in California from the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, approximately 2,900 miles (4,700 km). The radar will guide land-based missiles from Alaska and California, as well as in-theatre assets.
The missile defense system deployed in Kauai in response to North Korea worries has been tested successfully several times, but never in combat.
Washington - A missile defense system yet to be tested in battle could be thrust to the forefront to protect US soil amid concerns that North Korea may be preparing a missile strike that could hit Hawaii.
An unconfirmed Japanese media report said recently that Pyongyang was considering a test-fire of its Taepodong-2 ballistic missile in early July that could be within range of the Hawaiian islands. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the Pentagon is watching the situation "very closely" and is confident of being able to shoot down anything lobbed toward the US.
As a precaution, Mr. Gates has ordered a portable missile defense system called the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, or THAAD, to be redeployed on Hawaii. A sea-based sensor system known as SBX, which is designed to alert defense systems to an airstrike within seconds, is also part of the deployment.
The THAAD system is now positioned at what's called the Pacific Missile Range on Kauai, say military officials with US Pacific Command, which is headquartered in Hawaii.
"[W]ithout telegraphing what we will do, I would just say ... we are in a good position should it become necessary to protect American territory," Gates said Thursday.
The THAAD antimissile system has evolved in fits and starts over the years but it is probably up to the task, says John Pike, an expert on missile defense and director of Globalsecurity.org, a policy organization based in Washington.
"It seems to work," he says. "[I]f it were called on to intercept a North Korean warhead, it would successfully do so."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0620/p02s07-usmi.html
"This is the system that Obama wants to cancel !"
" SBX Radar :The active electronically scanned array radar is derived from the radar used in the Aegis combat system, and is a part of the layered ballistic missile defense (BMDS) program of the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA). One important difference from Aegis is the use of X band in the SBX. Aegis uses S band, and Patriot uses the higher-frequency C band. The X band frequency is higher still, so its shorter wavelength enables finer resolution of tracked objects. The radar is designed and built by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems for Boeing, the prime contractor on the project for MDA."
The SBX radar is described by Lt. Gen Trey Obering (director of MDA) as being able to track an object the size of a baseball over San Francisco in California from the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia, approximately 2,900 miles (4,700 km). The radar will guide land-based missiles from Alaska and California, as well as in-theatre assets.
The missile defense system deployed in Kauai in response to North Korea worries has been tested successfully several times, but never in combat.
Washington - A missile defense system yet to be tested in battle could be thrust to the forefront to protect US soil amid concerns that North Korea may be preparing a missile strike that could hit Hawaii.
An unconfirmed Japanese media report said recently that Pyongyang was considering a test-fire of its Taepodong-2 ballistic missile in early July that could be within range of the Hawaiian islands. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says the Pentagon is watching the situation "very closely" and is confident of being able to shoot down anything lobbed toward the US.
As a precaution, Mr. Gates has ordered a portable missile defense system called the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, or THAAD, to be redeployed on Hawaii. A sea-based sensor system known as SBX, which is designed to alert defense systems to an airstrike within seconds, is also part of the deployment.
The THAAD system is now positioned at what's called the Pacific Missile Range on Kauai, say military officials with US Pacific Command, which is headquartered in Hawaii.
"[W]ithout telegraphing what we will do, I would just say ... we are in a good position should it become necessary to protect American territory," Gates said Thursday.
The THAAD antimissile system has evolved in fits and starts over the years but it is probably up to the task, says John Pike, an expert on missile defense and director of Globalsecurity.org, a policy organization based in Washington.
"It seems to work," he says. "[I]f it were called on to intercept a North Korean warhead, it would successfully do so."
http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0620/p02s07-usmi.html