My Engineering Career in Missile Defense Doris Thorn October 11, 2006

Overview Lockheed Martin news video (3:10) Describe THAAD program My role on THAAD My background What it takes to succeed in engineering Conclusion

DEM-VAL Test History 21 April 1995, THAAD successfully completed its first test flight to prove its propulsion system. There was no target in the test. 31 July 1995, THAAD failed a kill vehicle control test. The test flight was aborted. There was no target in the test. 13 October 1995, THAAD was launched to test its target-seeking system. There was no attempt to hit the target in the test. 13 December 1995, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to software errors in the missile's fuel system. 22 March 1996, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to mechanical problems with the kill vehicle's booster separation. 15 July 1996, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to a malfunction in the targeting system. Information obtained from Wikipedia

DEM-VAL Test History 6 March 1997, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to a contamination in the electrical system. 12 May 1998, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to an electrical short circuit in the booster system. At this point, the U.S. Congress reduced funding for the project due to repeated failures. 29 March 1999, THAAD failed to hit a test target due to multiple failures including guidance system. 10 June 1999, THAAD hit a test target in a simplified test scenario. 2 August 1999, THAAD hit a test target outside the atmosphere. In 30 June 2000, the THAAD program recieved a $4 Billion federal contract. Information obtained from Wikipedia

Current program status 22 November 2005, THAAD successfully completed its first Flight EMD Test, known as FLT-01. The test was missile only, with no target. It was deemed a success by LMSSC and by the customer. 11 May 2006, THAAD successfully conducted FLT-02. It was the first developmental flight test to engage the entire THAAD weapon system including interceptor, launcher, radar, and fire control system. 12 July 2006, THAAD successfully conducted FLT-03, intercepting a live target missile. 13 September 2006, THAAD attempted to conduct the FLT-04 test. The HERA target successfully launched but had to be terminated mid course due to an anomaly. The termination of the HERA target occured before the intercept launch of the FLT-04 missile. T his has officially been characterized as a "no test". Information obtained from Wikipedia

William Jennings Bryan (1860 - 1925) Conclusion “Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.” William Jennings Bryan (1860 - 1925)