846TS Test Programs - Blast and Impact Lethality Testing

Blast and Impact Lethality Testing

Missile warheads, bombs, hit sensors, penetrators, and hit-to-kill interceptors have been subjected to impact testing against stationary inert and live munition targets at speeds ranging from 3000 to 9500 ft/sec. Targets for both inert and live munitions can be installed in an area where the track has a "pulldown". The sled hardware separates from the payload and goes downward into a pit, thus permitting the payload to impact the targets or to detonate the warhead as it approaches the target area without sled debris contamination. On 27 May 1998, the High Speed Test Track was designated the Missile Defense Agency's Live Fire Test and Evaluation primary lethality test base.