Raytheon Co. has successfully flight-tested a key component of the Network Centric Airborne Defense Element (NCADE) missile-defense system with the intercept of a test ballistic missile. The test at White Sands Missile Range, NM, demonstrated the NCADE’s infrared seeker’s ability to acquire and track a ballistic missile target in the boost phase. The NCADE is an air-launched weapon system designed to engage short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in the boost and ascent phases of flight. The NCADE provides an interim or near-term solution to boost- and ascent-phase threats. “This test provides clear evidence that the NCADE seeker is a viable solution against a boosting ballistic missile threat,” said Mike Booen, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Advanced Missile Defense. “NCADE fills a critical niche in the Ballistic Missile Defense system and provides a revolutionary, low-cost approach to interceptor development and acquisition.”
A US Air National Guard F-16 test aircraft from the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center, Tucson, AZ, launched the AIM-9X airframe that carried the NCADE seeker. The NCADE interceptor leverages many proven components and technologies, including the aerodynamic design, aircraft interface and flight control system of Raytheon’s Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).
The commonality with the AMRAAM enables the NCADE to launch from a wide variety of aircraft. The NCADE’s small size enables it to be carried by and launched from smaller unmanned aerial vehicles, providing a potential operational advantage. The NCADE also leverages proven imaging-infrared seeker components from existing Raytheon production programs. This enables a potentially rapid development and fielding path. Last year, Raytheon teammate Aerojet successfully tested the NCADE second-stage axial-propulsion system, demonstrating the maturity of this new propulsion system. Future testing will improve the missile’s divert and attitude-control systems.