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To: PapaBear3625
What this is, is an ICBM with terminal guidance capability to hit moving targets.

I am decidedly NOT a rocket scientist. However:

Because the missile employs a complex guidance system, low radar signature and a maneuverability that makes its flight path unpredictable, the odds that it can evade tracking systems to reach its target are increased. It is estimated that the missile can travel at mach 10 and reach its maximum range of 2000km in less than 12 minutes.
The combination of
(a) a 12 minute flight time at speeds reaching mach 10,
and
(b) unpredictable maneuverability,
seems far-fetched.
75 posted on 03/31/2009 10:30:49 AM PDT by Petronski (For the next few years, Gethsemane will not be marginal. We will know that garden. -- Cdl. Stafford)
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To: Petronski
An ICBM will generally spend 3 to 5 minutes getting to suborbital velocity, some time out in space traveling at close to orbital speed, and two minutes in re-entry phase.

From a satellite, tracking a blazing rocket during boost phase is easy, the exhaust is pretty hot and stands out well. Once the rocket burns out, it's not as easy to see.

If the warhead is stealthy in its orbital phase, and is able to shift around a bit, it makes it much harder for a kinetic-kill intercept to happen.

88 posted on 03/31/2009 10:55:57 AM PDT by PapaBear3625 (The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money -- Thatcher)
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