Multiple kill vehicle

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The Multiple Kill Vehicle ( MKV ) is a system of several kinetic warheads used to defend against ICBMs outside the Earth's atmosphere . Currently developing US -Konzerne Lockheed Martin and Raytheon own prototypes each.

description

The MKV program was initiated to prevent or at least delay the rapid saturation of the US missile defense system by MIRV warheads. A single, modern ICBM (e.g. Bulawa-30 or Peacekeeper ) can be equipped with up to 10 warheads, which makes the use of at least 10 defense missiles necessary. With more than five MIRV-equipped ICBMs, the defense system would therefore most likely be overloaded.

To solve this problem, the MKV system is essentially based on the MIRV concept: several kinetic interception warheads are to be accommodated in a single defense missile in order to neutralize the numerical superiority of the attacker. Depending on the concept, up to 20 warheads are possible here. Only minor changes need to be made to the launcher, as the form factor of the original warhead is retained.

MKV-L

The MKV-L during a test

This is the Lockheed Martin MKV concept. It provides a larger, central sensor unit around which the individual warheads (twelve pieces) are then grouped. The central unit is responsible for target acquisition, communication with the ground segment and control of the warheads. The most recent test on December 2, 2008 demonstrated the capabilities of the attitude control engines.

MKV-R

This is Raytheon's MKV concept. In contrast to the Lockheed Martin design, no central unit is provided, so only warheads of the same type are accommodated in the interceptor missile.

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