Lightweight ExoAtmospheric Projectile (LEAP) - United States ...

egton. These tests are required so that the SDIO Director can make a decision concerning
the effectiveness of these technologies ano &dr role in a strategic defP.~'i'!
system.
1.2 PROPOSED ACTION
The proposed action is to design. develop, and demonstrate space test projectiles capable
of intercepting targets in the exoatmosphere. The LEAP Test Program is funded to
demonstrate compliance with this requirement. Activities required to support this program
are execution of component/ assembly tests, pre-flight activities, and flight test activities.
_-\dditionaily, construction oi test iacilities at Phillips Laboratory on Edwards Air Force Base
\AFB), and modification oi launch facilities at Wake Island will be reqUlied.
The following discussion is a brief description of the concept oi the LEAP technology
program and a detailed description of the activities required to suppon the proposed action
for these technologies. The proposed action also covers activities which include the
manufacture of flight test articles unique to the experiments, and the operation of relevant
facilities at the host installations.
1.2.1 Background and Concept of the LEAP Test Program
The LEAP projectile is a miniaturized projectile being designed by several program
participants and integrated by SDIO for demonstration. Other interceptor technology
programs, such as the Exoatmospheric Reentry Vehicle Interceptor Subsystem (ERIS), have
demonstrated that a large interceptor vehicle is capable of intercepting targets in the
exoatmosphere: however, the main objective of the LEAP Test Program is to demonstrate
the possibility of interception by a lightweight, miniature vehicle.
Two technological approaches to the development of LEAP technologies are simultaneously
under investigation. The first approach is being coordinated by the U.S. Air Force through
,;;e Phillips Llboratory, Edwards AFB. C:Jifornia. T:1e second is being coordinated bv the
L".S . .