[CPEO-MEF] Missiles and Tests

[marianne.thaeler@sfsierra.sierraclub.org]

Albuquerque Journal reported that the Navy test of its Standard missile
(test was not against a target) was a successs. It was the first of eight
planned tests for this short-range interceptor over the next two years at
White Sands Missile Range. In latter tests the missile will be tested
against targets. These tests are part of the multi-billion dollar ballistic
missile defense effort. 

The article went on to explain that there are two kinds of attack
missiles: cruise and ballistic. One type of cruise missile is the Tomahawk
which skim the earth's surface and the  Aegis ship based antimissile system
developed during the cold war to shoot them down. 

The Iraqui Scud is a ballistic missile, is cheaper and in wider use. These
fly into earth's atmosphere, tip over and fall toward earth. 

The new Standard, once perfected, would also be mounted on Aegis ships -
Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destrooyers, replacing
the older generation of Standards. Assuming the new Standard will work as
promised it would  defend against ballistic and cruise missiles as well as
enemy aircraft. The Navy is spending $325 million on the Navy Area program
this year. 

Marianne Thaeler


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