"FLAME ACTION The Multiple Kill Vehicle-L flies inside a cage of steel-reinforced cargo netting at the National Hover Test Facility at Edwards AFB." Missile Defense Agency
Posted on 01/28/2009 9:11:46 PM PST by BenLurkin
EDWARDS AFB - Within a darkened chamber, a small, cylindrical contraption suddenly shoots aloft on a pulsing plume of flame, hovering in the air while smaller flames shoot from the cylinder's sides and send it sideways. In seconds, the flames burn out and the device falls to a bouncy landing on the netting below.
The video clip looks as though it could be a rough cut of a science fiction film, but in reality it is a recent test of the Multiple Kill Vehicle-L, one of the latest weapons intended to defend against ballistic missile attack under development for the Missile Defense Agency.
The test took place in December at the National Hover Test Facility, a unique test site high atop the granite ridge at Edwards Air Force Base that houses the Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate.
Much more than a high-tech test site, the National Hover Test Facility is home to the rocket scientists who provide the expertise necessary for safely and effectively testing such gizmos.
Built some 20 years ago as part of the Ronald Reagan administration's Strategic Defense Initiative - popularly known as "Star Wars" - the facility has since been used for 22 static and hover tests to date.
The scientists, engineers and technicians who work there are skilled in the rocket propulsion systems, toxic propellant handling and system integration used with these kinds of rocket-powered vehicles, said Michael T. Huggins, site director of the Air Force Research Laboratory Propulsion Directorate.
The hover test facility co-exists with the rest of the AFRL staff, providing the flexibility of moving teams of engineers and scientists between the different areas as needed.
"We were able to provide (the Missile Defense Agency) an economical solution" for expert testing on an as-needed basis, Huggins said.
(Excerpt) Read more at avpress.com ...
"FLAME ACTION The Multiple Kill Vehicle-L flies inside a cage of steel-reinforced cargo netting at the National Hover Test Facility at Edwards AFB." Missile Defense Agency
ping
I just like the name “Multiple Kill Vehicle”. I’m glad it’s on our side.
Where’s my flying car?
sarc. off
Yes.
Give peace a chance........to destroy America.
Great news, now will the illegal 0bamunist regime,
a.) give this technology away to our enemies,
or
b.) just cancel it because America in their view should be weak, not strong.
I predict a + b, and then a lecture in a cardigan sweater ala Carter to chastise us for being such warmongers.
With the Russians getting frisky, the Iranians about to acquire enough fissile material for a bomb, plus their ever growing ballistic missile program, coupled with the Chinese and their ever-increasing militarization, it's been chilling to hear Obamalamadingdong come out so vehemently against missile defense, space weaponry and generally against all things military. Not that we really needed any more evidence, but one really has to wonder about the IQ of the average Obamalamadingdong voter....
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.