System and method for early intercept ballistic missile defense

摘要

A system and method for tracking and engaging a boosting airborne object comprises a plurality of sensors, a first vehicle, and a second vehicle. The plurality of sensors are configured to detect and track the boosting airborne object. The first vehicle is configured to launch and guide an intercept object based on data it receives from the plurality of sensors. A second vehicle is configured to receive a cue from the first vehicle to acquire track of the airborne object and then provide track data to the first vehicle even after burnout, thereby enabling the first vehicle to provide midcourse guidance to the intercept object. The first vehicle may be positioned farther from a launch point of the airborne object than the second vehicle, thereby providing the first vehicle an increased engagement time and the second vehicle a better position to acquire track of the boosting airborne object.