96 TW tests new warhead

A hypersonic Kinetic Energy Projectile, an advanced conventional precision effects warhead, was successfully tested at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., according to the Pentagon. The 846th Test Squadron, a geographically separated unit of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., conducted the high-speed sled test of the precision weapon. During the test, the sled train exceeded 3,500 feet-per-second greater than Mach 3 or three times the speed of sound. Susan Hurd, special assistant to the director of strategic warfare, called the test a significant technology development advancement. She said the test was "critical" in order to subject the warhead to the "dynamic environment it would see in flight." Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory was responsible for the design and development of the warhead itself, while the event was managed by the U.S Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. (Source: American Forces Press Service, 10/28/13) Previous