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This is a 1/2 scale model of an early 1990s version of the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), then built by Hughes. Today's EKVs, now built by Raytheon, are the interceptor component carried in the nose of the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) anti-ballistic missiles now being deployed in Alaska and California as a defense against long-range ballistic missiles. After the EKV separates from GBI, its infrared seeker acquires and tracks the enemy missile in space and the Divert and Attitude Control System steers the EKV. The EKV does not have any warhead and destroys the missile by actually colliding with it, a concept known as "hit-to-kill." The collision and destruction can occur at combined speeds in excess of 16,000 mph.

Hughes built this model and Raytheon donated it to NASM in 2005.

Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

MODELS-Uncrewed Spacecraft & Parts

Manufacturer

Hughes Missile Systems

Dimensions

Overall: 2ft 1in. x 10 1/2in. (base) (63.5 x 26.67cm)

Materials

Plastic and metal model; wood base with metal citation plate

Inventory Number

A20050293000

Credit Line

Gift of Raytheon Company

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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