Re: MIL: Warfare Basics

Michael S. Lorrey (mike@lorrey.com)
Thu, 25 Mar 1999 08:55:19 -0500

EvMick@aol.com wrote:

> mark@unicorn.com
> >
> > The problem with ABM systems is that so far no-one has ever been able to
> > build one that works worth a damn.
> >
> I beleive you might just be wrong about that...
>
> The Patriot comes to mind...as well as the Ageis systems...not to mention
> (admittedly still unbuilt) the new laser anti missle systems..

Patriot is a system for terminal defense from tactical ballistic missiles, not strategic missiles, which reenter much faster. Aegis is an anti-aircraft/anti-cruise missile missile. Its not built for ballistic targets. The Phalanx gun, however, has been customized in a test program as a terminal defense system against strategic ballistic warheads and worked pretty well.

The THAAD is for exo-atmospheric work, the mid phase of a ballistic trajectory.

Mike Lorrey