When the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system released its "kill vehicle" in a successful test flight on November 22, it was a new Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) from Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne that powered the weapon on a precise path.
This flight test demonstrated THAAD interceptor performance. It verified the DACS system design in a demanding flight scenario. The DACS system provided roll control of the THAAD missile during booster flyout and maneuver of the kill vehicle using a half-dozen small, liquid-fueled thrusters that allow THAAD to alter direction and attitude in mere milliseconds.
"It was impressive to see the DACS system in action," said Bill Burns, division director, attitude control propulsion systems. "The DACS on the test bed is one thing, but as part of THAAD in a real-time mission scenario was very satisfying."
THAAD is a key element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) and will provide rapidly deployable ground-based missile defense components. These deepen and extend the BMDS to the Combatant Commander, enabling the defeat of ballistic missiles of all types and ranges, and in all phases of flight. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the THAAD program.
