Aerojet Rocketdyne's Propulsion Supported 11th Successful Missile Defense Intercept for GMD

In a first-of-its-kind flight test of the Missile Defense Agency's Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) program, in partnership with prime contractor Boeing, Aerojet Rocketdyne’s Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS) supported Raytheon’s Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) in its intercept of an ICBM.

The test, designated FTG-11, was the first salvo test for the GMD program. During the test, both interceptors, carrying the Raytheon-built EKVs, were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, following the launch of a threat-representative ICBM target from Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. The Aerojet Rocketdyne DACS helped to successfully maneuver an EKV to destroy the incoming target.

“This flight test further demonstrated the reliability of DACS and its role on the GMD system, an important element of our nation’s ballistic missile defense,” said Aerojet Rocketdyne CEO and President Eileen Drake. “Aerojet Rocketdyne has been a part of GMD since its inception, and we look forward to continuing to support the system.”