Lethality Enhancement of Hit-to-Kill Interceptors

Although the "hit-to-kill" technology has shown promise in recent field tests, complete destruction/neutralization of biological submunitions cannot be guaranteed. The subject effort proposes a new concept which enhances the lethality of hit-to-kill interceptors by a synergistic combination of (a) enhanced energy due to a non-parasitic chemical component provided by reactive structural components on the interceptor, (b)enhanced penetration , (c) enlarging the area/volume of target destruction to include the aim point area, and (d) high temperature fireball rich in UV which can provide for destruction of biological agents without requiring mixing of the clouds. These effects result from highly exothermic composites which can serve as structural components of the interceptor itself. An experimental program is proposed to demonstrate the elements of lethality enhancement to be related and suggested as PAC-3 improvements as well as future hit-to-kill interceptors against cruise missiles. The proposed effort will establish the efficacy of using reactive structure components for enhancing the defeat of biological agents contained in ballistic or cruise missile submunition warheads. The proposed concept would lead to large scale sled tests prior to testing reactive structural elements in a flight experiment. Commercial applications of this technology would provide improved mining techniques.