THAAD Development

[NMaude]

While it does only have 1 shot, 1 kill in combat, it's simulated and live fire flight tests are extremely rigorous and provide exceptional performance data.

While true there's nothing like actual combat to properly stress-test the design and reveal anything unexpected.

 

[missile_man]

While true there's nothing actual combat to properly stress-test the design and reveal anything unexpected.

It's been in actual combat. And while it has only fired off single bird in the UAE for a single intercept, it's been detecting and tracking hundreds of threats. Don't buy into the media mindset that it's "untested". It's every bit as capable as the Patriot

 

[Forest Green]

Why is the US sending THAAD when they already have Arrow 2 & 3?

Beef up numbers, field testing opportunity.

 

[missile_man]

Beef up numbers, field testing opportunity.

This. Increased capacity. Same as the USN using Aegis to intercept threats from the Red Sea.

 

[DWG]

Beef up numbers, field testing opportunity.

Deterrence too. If you increase Israel's ABM magazine depth by introducing THAAD, then it becomes more difficult for Tehran to envisage an attack that successfully runs the magazines dry.

 

[Firefinder]

It's been in actual combat. And while it has only fired off single bird in the UAE for a single intercept, it's been detecting and tracking hundreds of threats. Don't buy into the media mindset that it's "untested". It's every bit as capable as the Patriot

So was the Patriot, but everyone was making hmm haaa sounds bout the capability of that thing before Ukraine. Same with the Aegis and SM3 before the first Iranian Missile attack.

Yes it been tested heavily and been tracking hundreds of threats.

But its nothing like a multi vecter interception with live ordance doing the dance of Vampires.

Which the US rarely gets to test due to budget constraints. Like that a once decade deal, and the thraad hasn't had a chance to do so.

It that way it is very much untested in the military eyes, its 85 percent confidence it can do it with no issue. BUT they will perfer a hard fact base We did this on X engage to go to 95 percent confidence which will also allow them to STUFF IT DOWN CONGRESS THROAT.

So having a chance to have the thraad search track and engage multiple targets at at the same time is not a chance the military will let side.

 

[missile_man]

I hear you.

People are gonna believe what they want. Even when reality is hitting them in the face.

The public watches declassified YouTube videos and make uninformed opinions. I sit in a closed room and watch live feeds of classified flight tests that never make to the public.

 

[Forest Green]

First operational engagement.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1872653299461267761

View: https://x.com/John_A_Ridge/status/1872653299461267761

U.S. Army's First Combat Use Of THAAD Missile Defense System Just Occurred In Israel

An official confirmed that the interceptor was fired at a Houthi ballistic missile Thursday night over Israel.

www.twz.com

 

[missile_man]

Seems to be legit.

 

[Forest Green]

THAAD-IBCS FY-25 integration effort spiked; lawmakers unpersuaded by 'critical' case | InsideDefense.com

The Army is spiking plans to integrate the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system into the Integrated Battle Command System architecture in fiscal year 2025 -- a capability deemed "critical" for countering advanced missile threats -- after failing to persuade lawmakers the project was justified.

insidedefense.com

 

[TeourdBeourglaer]

Beef up numbers, field testing opportunity.

Yes, but I think it's actually something much more significant than that actually.
I could be totally wrong, but I think Arrow has a problem intercepting maneuverable threats OUTSIDE OF THE ATMOSPHERE at extreme or higher Mach speeds...
Hence seeing multiple penetrations, immediately followed by the first ever combat use of THAAD..!
No, Arrow does not use a DACS/TDACS to maneuver, it uses a gimbled rocket sticking out the back end.
At extreme Mach speeds that these IRBM's are coming in at, you need something like thrusters near the nose so that you can rapidly turn the front of the interceptor immediately.
Arrow steers from the back so the front is going to be too slow to turn on a super high Mach incoming missile's..!

 

[sferrin]

Yes, but I think it's actually something much more significant than that actually.
I could be totally wrong, but I think Arrow has a problem intercepting maneuverable threats OUTSIDE OF THE ATMOSPHERE at extreme or higher Mach speeds...
Hence seeing multiple penetrations, immediately followed by the first ever combat use of THAAD..!
No, Arrow does not use a DACS/TDACS to maneuver, it uses a gimbled rocket sticking out the back end.
At extreme Mach speeds that these IRBM's are coming in at, you need something like thrusters near the nose so that you can rapidly turn the front of the interceptor immediately.
Arrow steers from the back so the front is going to be too slow to turn on a super high Mach incoming missile's..!

That's not how THAAD maneuvers. Arrow 3 turns. THAAD strafes.

 

[TeourdBeourglaer]

That's not how THAAD maneuvers. Arrow 3 turns. THAAD strafes.

THAAD KV doesn't utilize DACS?

 

[Scott Kenny]

THAAD KV doesn't utilize DACS?

The DACS is on the center of gravity, so it pushes the entire missile sideways.

 

[dumpster4]

THAAD 6.0: US plans hypersonic-killing, AI-driven, laser-armed missile defense system

"Another noteworthy aspect of THAAD 6.0 could be the potential incorporation of directed energy weapons, including high-energy lasers and microwave-based interceptors.

These technologies could enable the system to neutralize threats earlier in its trajectory, enhancing overall defensive effectiveness.

Moreover, THAAD 6.0 may focus on expanded range and multi-layered defense strategies. This includes capabilities for intercepting threats during the boost phase and increasing interceptor speed through advanced propulsion systems, thereby improving the system’s overall responsiveness."

See:

THAAD 6.0: US new missile killer that could zap hypersonic threats with lasers

The US is enhancing missile defense with THAAD 6.0, which could feature hypersonic interceptors, AI threat detection, and high-energy lasers.

interestingengineering.com

 

[Forest Green]

MDA awards Lockheed $2.8B to extend THAAD improvements; upgrade 6.0 due in 2027 | InsideDefense.com

The Defense Department has awarded Lockheed Martin a potential $2.8 billion, 10-year-long contract to continue adding advanced capabilities to the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, including development of the next iteration of improvements -- THAAD System Build 6.0 -- slated for...

insidedefense.com