Johns Hopkins University Helps MDA Test SM-3, Aegis Weapon System; Vishal Giare Comments

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory helped the Missile Defense Agency plan and design a recent test of the Standard Missile-3 Block IB missile and the Aegis combat system.

The Aegis weapon system guided the SM-3 to intercept a ballistic missile target launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii May 16, Johns Hopkins said.

Raytheon developed the SM-3 and Lockheed Martin built the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system, which was installed in cruisers and destroyers for the test.

Vishal Giare, APL assistant area manager for Aegis BMD program, said laboratory engineers developed parameters for the mission’s scenario and integrated target instrumentation.

MDA and the Navy jointly manage the Aegis BMD program.