HiBEX ABM

[sferrin]

There doesn't seem to be a thread for HiBEX so I'm starting one. Will put more info in later. In the meantime I stumbled across this little nugget:

"HIBEX is one of those really neat technologies that's been sitting on a back burner ever since it was first evolved since, in our tactical and operational environment, its a solution looking for a problem. That might change if the Norks and Iranians keep playing with their toys. It's not the only technology in that class, there are a few others as well.

One of the things we looked at back in the good old days was a sea-based version of HIBEX for shooting down sea-based ballistic missiles in boost phase. A version of that was putting a HIBEX missile (two actually) on an F-14 for SLBM interception." - Stuart Slade

 

[GeorgeA]

8000 fps at T+1 sec, and 1000 sec specific impulse via external burning on the UPSTAGE upper stage experiment. Dictionary definition of "awesome".

 

[flateric]

from my tiny collection on subject

 

[hark40]

HiBEX was a very interesting research project by DARPA, that then led into PRESTAGE and UPSTAGE during the late 60s when MARVs started to be a potential threat.

When I first started researching HiBEX some years ago, there was very little information available. It has improved a little bit. A couple of works that have some info on HiBEX include:

DARPA Technical Accomplishments Volume II
Golden Legacy, Boundless Future
UpSTAGE Technology Report: Special Manufacturing and Fabrication Processes although this deals more with UpSTAGE and the manufacturing of the missiles

It does get mentioned in a variety of other locations, mostly in passing as a low altitude, last ditch defense for hardened targets as a backup or in some cases an alternative to Sprint (or LoADs as well).

One question though, and forgive my ignorance, who is Stuart Slade?

HiBEX on a F-14....... Interesting but I don't think practical. Guidance for the test missiles was done via the HAPDAR or the MSR , and I don't think an AWG-9 would have cut it. One of the problems with the Sprint was getting the guidance commands through the plasma and exhaust plume. The fact you had a great big whopping MSR helped, but they still had problems. On a ship, different story, but then the ship would have to be real close to the ballistic missile sub and other resources would be better used - ASW aircraft/helos and a couple of torpedoes.

 

[sferrin]

One question though, and forgive my ignorance, who is Stuart Slade?

Runs this forum:
http://www.tboverse.us/HPCAFORUM/phpBB3/

http://www.navweaps.com/index_tech/default2_bioSS.htm
https://www.forecastinternational.com/fistore/prodbio.cfm?productrecno=37
(bottom of the page)

 

[hark40]

Thanks.

 

[Sea Skimmer]

HiBEX on a F-14....... Interesting but I don't think practical. Guidance for the test missiles was done via the HAPDAR or the MSR , and I don't think an AWG-9 would have cut it. One of the problems with the Sprint was getting the guidance commands through the plasma and exhaust plume. The fact you had a great big whopping MSR helped, but they still had problems. On a ship, different story, but then the ship would have to be real close to the ballistic missile sub and other resources would be better used - ASW aircraft/helos and a couple of torpedoes.

I don't know on the guidance part, flying high above most of the atmosphere would help boost signal strength compared to a ground station, and you'd have had steadily better antenna technology. A torpedo wont stop SLBMs already launched. If you had S-3s and F-14s inside a Soviet boomer bastion the concept starts to make a lot of sense. Soviet sub fires, the S-3 swoops in for the kill while the F-14s kill the first missiles fired.

 

[Triton]

ARPA Project Defender HIBEX Upstage Interceptor missile model found on eBay.

URL:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LARGE-1960s-custom-made-model-ARPA-PROJECT-DEFENDER-HIBEX-UPSTAGE-INTERCEPTOR-/330730016383?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d010b8e7f

Seller's description:

For sale is an extraordinary custom-made model of the Advanced Research Projects Agency's (ARPA, later renamed DARPA), Project Defender HIBEX Upstage Interceptor missile.

Object measures 60 inches in length, and was acquired from the estate of V.S. Kupelian, who was the project manager for ARPA's HIBEX program. This is a display model for the missile, likely made by a model-making contractor for ARPA planners at some point, then taken home by Kupelian when the agency no longer has any use for it. It is custom made, ie., not a mass-produced model, as parts of it were carved by hand and all of it was painted by hand, while each part has a typed label telling what each part is. The object includes wood, plastic, metal, rope, paper and paint, while the object is mounted on a wood plinth. Condition is superb. While there is a little dirt/wear on the metallic body, it otherwise looks clean with no parts missing. The tip of the missile can be removed in two parts to reveal the various sections at the tip of the missile, each hand-carved, painted and labeled. Item displays brilliantly.

The HIBEX missile project was one of the great technical feats of the Cold War missile and rocket race. The Cold War precursor to the "Star Wars" defense system, the missile was originally intended to be aimed at Russian ICBMs from space stations, where, at super-rapid flying speeds, they would target ICBMs shortly after liftoff, releasing a large metallic net to disable them. When Russia's arsenal started numbering in the thousands, making the cost of launching space stations prohibitive, emphasis switched to shooting down ICBMs from ground bases, disabling the missiles before they could release their payload. They were designed to be able to intercept an object at 20,000 feet within a mere 15 seconds of being launched, the missile burning so strongly that its tip was red hot within one second of launch. Test missiles were flown successfully and it was eventually used to protect US missile sites from incoming warheads. Russia, which developed a similar missile, still uses a similar system to protectMoscow. Some project scientists have argued that putting up a HIBEX system early in the Cold War could have ended the arms race, saving trillions of dollars, while some argue that it could still be useful today against countries such as Pakistan, North Korea, Iran, with small, relatively unsophisticated arsenals. An intriguing, one-of-a-kind vintage 1960s relic from the Cold War. This is one of three very different HIBEX models from the same estate I am listing this week, so please see my other auctions. Included in the auction is a plaque from Kupelian's estate for provenance purposes.

 

[Triton]

ARPA Project Defender HIBEX Upstage Interceptor missile model found on eBay.

 

[Triton]

Boeing ARPA HIBEX missile model found on eBay.

URL:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIG-1960s-custom-made-model-ARPA-PROJECT-DEFENDER-HIBEX-MISSILE-TECHNICIAN-/230788422947?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35bc0fdd23

Seller's description:

For sale is an extraordinary, original circa early to mid-1960s custom-made model of the Advanced Research Projects Agency's (ARPA, later renamed DARPA), Project Defender HIBEX missile.

Object measures 16 inches high, with a diameter of 7 inches at the top of the well. I bought this from the estate of V.S. Kupelian, who was the project manager for ARPA's HIBEX program. This was likely made by a model-making contractor for ARPA planners at some point, then taken home by Kupelian when the agency no longer has any use for it. It is custom made, ie., not a mass-produced model, as the figure of the technician hanging down from a metal rod in a basket was hand-carved and painted. Condition is superb, with there only being a couple modest and small scratches on the plastic tube which houses the model. Item displays brilliantly, and was apparently designed to show how the missile was to sit in silo and how it could be tended to by technicians in a cage which could be lowered around it. Groovy, Jetsons-like plastic encasement and technician in Bond Villian-like technician/henchman outfit lend the piece a great Space Age aesthetic appropriate to a genuinely futuristic, 1960s secretive weapons laboratory.

The HIBEX missile project was one of the great technical feats of the Cold War missile and rocket race. The Cold War precursor to the "Star Wars" defense system, the missile was originally intended to be aimed at Russian ICBMs from space stations, where, at super-rapid flying speeds, they would target ICBMs shortly after liftoff, releasing a large metallic net to disable them. When Russia's arsenal started numbering in the thousands, making the cost of launching space stations prohibitive, emphasis switched to shooting down ICBMs from ground bases, disabling the missiles before they could release their payload. They were designed to be able to intercept an object at 20,000 feet within a mere 15 seconds of being launched, the missile burning so strongly that its tip was red hot within one second of launch. Test missiles were flown successfully and it was eventually used to protect US missile sites from incoming warheads. Russia, which developed a similar missile, still uses a similar system to protect Moscow. Some project scientists have argued that putting up a HIBEX system early in the Cold War could have ended the arms race, saving trillions of dollars, while some argue that it could still be useful today against countries such as Pakistan, North Korea, Iran, with small, relatively unsophisticated arsenals. An intriguing, one-of-a-kind vintage 1960s relic from the Cold War. This is one of three very different HIBEX models from the same estate[.]

 

[Triton]

Douglas ARPA HIBEX missile model found on eBay.

URL:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PAIR-1960s-ARPA-PROJECT-DEFENDER-HIBEX-UPSTAGE-INTERCEPTOR-desk-models-/230788432718?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35bc10034e

For sale is a pair of models of the Advanced Research Projects Agency's (ARPA, later renamed DARPA), Project Defender HIBEX missile.

Both were acquired from the estate of V.S. Kupelian, who was the project manager for ARPA's HIBEX program. One of the two, the smaller one, is simple carved wood, nine inches tall and appears to be custom made. It has no writing on it, and has a round base which allows it to stand up as is. The second is much taller (25.5 inches), and has a metal rod at the bottom, where it was originally to fit into a plinth which no longer exists. It has decals on the front which read "Upstage" and "Hibex", with a Boeing decal insignia in the middle. I believe it dates to the time of the project, ie., mid-1960s.

The HIBEX missile project was one of the great technical feats of the Cold War missile and rocket race. The Cold War precursor to the "Star Wars" defense system, the missile was originally intended to be aimed at Russian ICBMs from space stations, where, at super-rapid flying speeds, they would target ICBMs shortly after liftoff, releasing a large metallic net to disable them. When Russia's arsenal started numbering in the thousands, making the cost of launching space stations prohibitive, emphasis switched to shooting down ICBMs from ground bases, disabling the missiles before they could release their payload. They were designed to be able to intercept an object at 20,000 feet within a mere 15 seconds of being launched, the missile burning so strongly that its tip was red hot within one second of launch. Test missiles were flown successfully and it was eventually used to protect US missile sites from incoming warheads. Russia, which developed a similar missile, still uses a similar system to protect Moscow. Some project scientists have argued that putting up a HIBEX system early in the Cold War could have ended the arms race, saving trillions of dollars, while some argue that it could still be useful today against countries such as Pakistan, North Korea, Iran, with small, relatively unsophisticated arsenals. An intriguing, one-of-a-kind vintage 1960s relic from the Cold War.

 

[Triton]

Hughes HiBEX ((High-G Boost Experiment) proposal model by PacMin found on eBay.

URL:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-c-1964-PACMIN-PROTOTYPE-Hibex-Anti-Ballistic-Missile-LARGE-METAL-MODEL-/160816899129?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item25716f2439

Seller's description:

Rare original vintage (c. 1964) PACMIN prototype Hughes HiBEX Anti-Ballistic Missile large metal display model

The HiBEX program was part of the US Department of Defense - Advanced Research Projects Agency's (ARPA) Project Defender, a study of ballistic missile defense systems. This display model was acquired from the Estate of V. Kupelian of Chevy Chase, Maryland (Kupelian was ARPA's Hibex project manager)

Of particular note: ultimately, Hughes Corp. did NOT receive the contract to build the Hibex test missiles ---the ARPA HiBex contract went to Boeing instead. So this model would be classified as a Lost-Contract Prototype.

The first launch of the Boeing HiBEX occured in February 1965, so this Hughes HiBEX prototype display model most likely dates to the c. 1964 time period.

The model measures 18" long and is made in the large 1/10 scale (the original Hibex missile stood apprx. 18 feet tall). The entire outer skin is constructed of thin metal (looks to be aluminum) and the inner components (avionics/neutron warhead nose assembly & removable exhaust assembly) are made of thermoplastic resin. The model disassembles into 5 separate pieces.

Base/missile cradle measures 17.5" long. The identification plaque reads: HiBEX - HUGHES - Hughes Aircraft Company - Space Systems Division

The manufacturer's mark/plaque on the side of the base reads: Pacific Miniatures -- Alhambra, Calif.

Still in Very Good Used Condition considering that this model is nearly 50 years old. Normal surface wear, rubbing, scratches, and age-related paint oxidation.

I'm assuming that these early Pacmin missile prototype metal missile models are quite scarce and were made in very small numbers.

Additional photos gladly provided upon request.

This is a 3-DAY Auction.

 

[Triton]

Hughes HiBEX proposal model by PacMin found on eBay.

 

[WarrenWolff]

One would think at this late date, a video of one of the launches would be available. I have not been able to find one. Don't blink! The intended weapon was an Arrow 2 + 2 neutron enhanced yield device.

 

[Forest Green]

8000 fps at T+1 sec, and 1000 sec specific impulse via external burning on the UPSTAGE upper stage experiment. Dictionary definition of "awesome".

How did they get 1000s specific impulse even with external burning? What chemical burning can achieve 1000s specific impulse? Surely they would use it as a fuel if it could?

 

[Forest Green]

US5440993A - High velocity impulse rocket - Google Patents

An improved high energy impulse rocket includes a motor case containing propellant composed of individual, free flowing granules of a predetermined shape and unbonded to said motor case. The propellant has a high burning rate of 100 milliseconds or less and generates chamber pressures of up to...

patents.google.com

HIBEX LIQUID TVC SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND TEST,

The HiBEX program had the purpose of investigating high acceleration, boost, and maneuver problems. The HiBEX requirements dictated advancement in the state of the art of high pressure liquid injection TVC systems having large flow rate and high response. Although some performance capabilities...

apps.dtic.mil

 

[GeorgeA]

8000 fps at T+1 sec, and 1000 sec specific impulse via external burning on the UPSTAGE upper stage experiment. Dictionary definition of "awesome".

How did they get 1000s specific impulse even with external burning? What chemical burning can achieve 1000s specific impulse? Surely they would use it as a fuel if it could?

Reference is here:

Defense Technical Information Center

apps.dtic.mil

The HIBEX missile achieved nearly 400 g peak axiai and over 60 g
lateral acceleration, reaching a velocity of nearly Ma = 8, in a little over 1-sec burn time,
with pitch over from a vertical ejection from a silo to a trajectory of 15 deg elevation. In 2
more years, UPSTAGE, a maneuvering HIBEX second stage, demonstrated over 300 g
0 lateral acceleration and a side-force specific impulse Isp > 1000 sec using external burning,
jet flow control techniques and a laser gyro for guidance.

 

[sferrin]

8000 fps at T+1 sec, and 1000 sec specific impulse via external burning on the UPSTAGE upper stage experiment. Dictionary definition of "awesome".

How did they get 1000s specific impulse even with external burning? What chemical burning can achieve 1000s specific impulse? Surely they would use it as a fuel if it could?

External burning means it's air-breathing to a degree.

 

[Forest Green]

Reference is here:

Defense Technical Information Center

apps.dtic.mil

The HIBEX missile achieved nearly 400 g peak axiai and over 60 g
lateral acceleration, reaching a velocity of nearly Ma = 8, in a little over 1-sec burn time,
with pitch over from a vertical ejection from a silo to a trajectory of 15 deg elevation. In 2
more years, UPSTAGE, a maneuvering HIBEX second stage, demonstrated over 300 g
0 lateral acceleration and a side-force specific impulse Isp > 1000 sec using external burning,
jet flow control techniques and a laser gyro for guidance.

This suggests lateral of 300g.

Boeing HIBEX

 

[Forest Green]

High velocity impulse rocket​

US5440993A - High velocity impulse rocket - Google Patents

An improved high energy impulse rocket includes a motor case containing propellant composed of individual, free flowing granules of a predetermined shape and unbonded to said motor case. The propellant has a high burning rate of 100 milliseconds or less and generates chamber pressures of up to...

patents.google.com

Abstract​

An improved high energy impulse rocket includes a motor case containing propellant composed of individual, free flowing granules of a predetermined shape and unbonded to said motor case. The propellant has a high burning rate of 100 milliseconds or less and generates chamber pressures of up to about 50,000 psi. The rocket motor includes a reentry nozzle open at one end and connected to an exit nozzle, the reentry nozzle forming an annulus to contain the propellant and also forming a barrier to prevent ejection of the propellant during burning. Acceleration of the rocket assists in maintaining the propellant within the motor case, which acceleration may be as high as 20,000 g generating a velocity as high as 10,000 fps. Such a rocket offers unique advantages, especially as a device to punch an opening in a wall structure, the details of which are described as well as other details of the improved and relatively inexpensive impulse rocket.

HIBEX LIQUID TVC SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND TEST

HIBEX LIQUID TVC SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT AND TEST,

The HiBEX program had the purpose of investigating high acceleration, boost, and maneuver problems. The HiBEX requirements dictated advancement in the state of the art of high pressure liquid injection TVC systems having large flow rate and high response. Although some performance capabilities...

apps.dtic.mil

Abstract:​

The HiBEX program had the purpose of investigating high acceleration, boost, and maneuver problems. The HiBEX requirements dictated advancement in the state of the art of high pressure liquid injection TVC systems having large flow rate and high response. Although some performance capabilities and parameters were available from limited experience on other programs, little directly applicable data for these requirements were available. This document describes the trade studies, laboratory tests and flight results associated with the development of the HiBEX liquid injection TVC system, including the injection valves, injectant storage tank and injectant feed system. The basic requirements were for a system to operate in a high g environment for a short duration with an overall system response of 25 cps and peak injectant flow rate of 200 lbsec. The predicted TVC effectiveness was based on data from previous program results with optimization of the various parameters done by theory. The TVC system development involved a blowdown nitrogen pressurized Freon injection system having four control valves mounted on a toroidal titanium storage tank.

 

[sferrin]

Reference is here:

Defense Technical Information Center

apps.dtic.mil

The HIBEX missile achieved nearly 400 g peak axiai and over 60 g
lateral acceleration, reaching a velocity of nearly Ma = 8, in a little over 1-sec burn time,
with pitch over from a vertical ejection from a silo to a trajectory of 15 deg elevation. In 2
more years, UPSTAGE, a maneuvering HIBEX second stage, demonstrated over 300 g
0 lateral acceleration and a side-force specific impulse Isp > 1000 sec using external burning,
jet flow control techniques and a laser gyro for guidance.

This suggests lateral of 300g.

Boeing HIBEX

Two different things. One is talking about the HiBEX missile, this:



The other was the external burning second stage added later (the basic HiBEX was single-stage):

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/upstage-abm.17791/

 

[archipeppe]

Why did the UpSTAGE reminds me of...... THIS???

 

[GeorgeA]

From "Solid Rocket Enabling Technologies and Milestones in the United States," AIAA
Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 19, No. 6, November–December 2003:

Initially HiBEX was part of DARPA’s Project Defender for terminal layer BMD, e.g., missile defense below 3 km. HiBEX was 5.2m long and 1.22 m in diameter at the base. The HiBEX experiment required acceleration in the 400-g range. Boeing was the airframe contractor and Thiokol Huntsville developed the propulsion. Observing the first HiBEX static test was surreal. From an excellent Redstone Arsenal vantage point, the action time was so fast and the exhaust fireball so intense, a motor success and an explosion appeared the same. A quick trip to the blockhouse confirmed that HiBEX operated successfully.

 

[Forest Green]

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/upstage-abm.17791/

View attachment 699919

Interesting, I had assumed it was conical until seeing that.

 

[sferrin]

https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/upstage-abm.17791/

View attachment 699919

Interesting, I had assumed it was conical until seeing that.

HiBEX was conical. The UpSTAGE vehicle was not.

 

[Maury Markowitz]

0 lateral acceleration and a side-force specific impulse Isp > 1000 sec using external burning,
jet flow control techniques

I think this is abusing the terminology.

They are saying they put out X fuel and got Y acceleration, so it's like they had an engine of >1000s. But by that measure, I could use a flap and burn no fuel at all and thus get INFINITY Isp.

The interesting bit here is the jet flow, which was something that was in vogue at the time. Basically you used hot gas up against the fuselage to effect the airflow around it and create a sort of "virtual control surface".

 

[publiusr]

Why did the UpSTAGE reminds me of...... THIS???

That should have been the nose of the Space 1999 Super Swift---not that frog nose.

 

[sferrin]

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