Development of a More Producible Telescope Housing

MDA currently has three different ground based mid-course interceptors, all of which utilize different configurations for the optical seeker assembly. Each of the three advanced interceptor systems, the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), Kinetic Energy Interceptor (KEI) and Miniature Kill Vehicle (MKV) encompass similar designs, yet require noncontiguous research and development. A program is proposed to develop and demonstrate a single scalable seeker design that would be applicable to any current or similar future interceptor regardless of size. Resources presently allocated to the design of interceptor specific structures and optics would be eliminated by this modular seeker approach. The scalable seeker assembly includes a telescope structure housing and optical mirrors that individually and as an integral system will be analyzed for scalablility and compatibility. SDC is currently investigating a Carbon-Carbon upgrade to the existing EKV beryllium interceptor that will serve as the baseline design. A Phase I program will demonstrate feasibility of a scalable seeker assembly through design and analysis, fabrication of test articles, and materials properties testing. A Phase II program would then develop a detailed scalable seeker and demonstrate performance for advanced interceptor full-scale structure and optical sensor components and configurations through design, fabrication, and thermal/structural tests.