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In
1996 Space Vector proposed, designed, developed and tested a unique
concept to support Theatre Missile Defense (TMD) test programs.
Based upon an earlier "Airdrop" demonstration of an
ICBM from an aircraft, the SVC AltAir concept provided users with
objective was to provide targeting and re-entry flexibility.
The
AltAir program was established to demonstrate the feasibility of
using available C-130 cargo aircraft to launch target boosters on
precise ballistic trajectories. The AltAir program was conducted
by the National Air Intelligence Center (NAIC) at WPAFB.
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The
AltAir Target Demonstration Flight Test was conducted on 30 January,
1997. It met all of its objectives of: 1) Safe ejection
and chute deployment, 2) Precise initialization of the inertial
navigation system while airborne using GPS and 3)In flight position
and velocity error correction.
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The
AltAir target vehicle, mounted on a transfer cradle, was deployed
from the C-130 cargo bay using a drogue parachute. The target
vehicle separated from the cradle during descent at a predetermined
altitude. Two main parachutes were used to control the vehicle
decent to approximately 5,000 feet. The SR19 rocket motor
was ignited after main chute release. The vehicle's on
board guidance system, coupled with its Global Positioning System
(GPS), provided the required target placement accuracy and corrected
for the deployment errors through real time retargeting within the
first 10 seconds of powered boost.
Click
here for a Altair Air
Launched Target Brochure in a .pdf file
format.
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