Article Posted on : - May 22, 2014

The Aegis Ashore Weapon System launched an SM-3 Block IB guided missile from the land-based Vertical Launch System during a Missile Defense Agency and U S Navy test from Kauai, Hawaii. Photo: US MDA.

WASHINGTON (BNS): The Missile Defence Agency and the US Navy have successfully conducted the first flight test involving components of the Aegis Ashore system, which is designed to protect U S deployed and NATO forces in Europe from ballistic missile attack.

During the test conducted at the Aegis Ashore Missile Defence Test Complex and Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), a simulated ballistic missile target was acquired, tracked, and engaged by the Aegis Weapon System, the MDA said in a statement.

At approximately 7:35 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, on May 20 (1:35 a.m. EDT, May 21), the Aegis Weapon System fired a Standard Missile (SM)-3 Block IB guided missile from the Vertical Launch System.

Several fire control and engagement functions were exercised during the test. A live target missile launch was not planned for this flight test, it said.

The primary purpose of the test, designated Aegis Ashore Controlled Test Vehicle (AA CTV)-01, was to confirm the functionality of Aegis Ashore by launching a land-based SM-3, it added.

The Aegis Ashore system uses a nearly identical configuration of the Vertical Launch System, fire control system, and SPY-1 radar currently in use aboard Aegis cruisers and destroyers deployed around the world.

This flight test supports development of the Aegis Ashore capability of Phase 2 of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, planned to begin operations in Romania in 2015.