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Ground-Based Midcourse Defense System

Overview

The GMD employs integrated communications networks, fire control systems, globally deployed sensors, and Ground-Based Interceptors (GBIs) that are capable of detecting, tracking and destroying ballistic missile threats. The GMD element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System provides Combatant Commanders the capability to engage and destroy intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats in space to protect the United States.

Our Role

L3Harris supplies the liquid propellant Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) that maneuvers the Raytheon-built EKV with the precision needed (often referred to as a “bullet hitting a bullet”) to successfully impact and destroy missile threats.

Alternate Propellant Tank (APT): Next generation design propellant tank for the EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed producibility, material obsolescence, and cost related to the incumbent design.

Alternate Divert Thruster (ADT): Next generation divert thruster (main propulsion) for EKV used on the GBI. This design update addressed a platform stability and reliability concern as well as cost.

Key Features

The GBI is a multi-stage, solid fuel booster with an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) payload that uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats against the United States and its allies.

Latest News

A Standard Missile-3 Block IIA is fired from a Vertical Launching System on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam as part of Flight Experiment Mission-02. The Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with U.S. Department of Defense partners, successfully conducted FEM-02 on December 10, 2024. Photo credit: Missile Defense Agency

Press release | 12. 12. 2024

L3Harris Plays Key Role in Successful Missile Defense Test

L3Harris Technologies provided the Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target and propulsion for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA (SM-3 Blk IIA) used in the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) latest successful test aimed at strengthening U.S. missile defense.

A Standard Missile-3 Block IIA is fired from a Vertical Launching System on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam as part of Flight Experiment Mission-02. The Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with U.S. Department of Defense partners, successfully conducted FEM-02 on December 10, 2024. Photo credit: Missile Defense Agency

Press release | 12. 12. 2024

L3Harris Plays Key Role in Successful Missile Defense Test

L3Harris’ new ammonium perchlorate (AP) processing facility will enable the company’s Camden site to more efficiently screen and handle the ingredient used to make solid rocket motor propellant.

Editorial | 11. 14. 2024

L3Harris Technologies Begins Operations at New Solid Rocket Motor Propellant Processing Facility

L3Harris Solid Rocket Motors

Press release | 11. 07. 2024

L3Harris Solid Rocket Motors Soar in Successful Flight Test

From sub-orbital space to the black depths of the sea, L3Harris is equipped to support multi-domain defense capabilities. (Photo Credit: L3Harris)

Editorial | 10. 08. 2024

From Sea to Space: L3Harris Provides Multi-domain Defense Solutions

L3Harris to Provide Propulsion for Hypersonic Defense System

Press release | 09. 26. 2024

L3Harris to Provide Propulsion for Hypersonic Defense System

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