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Exo-atmospheric interception

17th April, 2024

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:

https://www.livemint.com/science/news/iranisrael-crisis-air-defence-system-exo-atmospheric-interception-anti-ballistic-missile-middle-east-arrow-3-science-11713085808159.html

PRACTICE QUESTION

Which of the following statements regarding exo-atmospheric interceptors (ABMs) and their features are correct?

  1. Exo-atmospheric interceptors are designed to counter incoming ballistic missiles during the mid-course or terminal phase of their trajectory.
  2. ABMs 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.
  3. These missiles primarily travel at subsonic speeds and use simple guidance systems to intercept targets moving at moderate velocities.
  4. ABMs employ a multi-stage solid rocket booster to propel themselves out of Earth's atmosphere and have inbuilt rocket motors for precise navigation toward the target.
  5. Inertial navigation systems in ABMs are updated during flight to ensure accurate targeting, utilizing contour maps stored in computerized memory to aid navigation.

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