Object Details
Manufacturer
Lockheed Missiles and Space Division
Summary
Lockheed built this unflown antiballistic missile (ABM) test vehicle for the U.S. Army's Homing Overlay Experiment (HOE). The HOE vehicle was designed to destroy a missile by physically impacting it - a concept known as "hit-to-kill." After separating from the booster, the vehicle would use its onboard sensors to identify and lock-on to the incoming missile and would use other components to direct it to impact. On the last of four HOE tests, a vehicle intercepted an incoming dummy warhead in the first successful demonstration of hit-to-kill technology in June 1984. The United States is now using much smaller hit-to-kill vehicles in deployed ABMs. Lockheed built this HOE test vehicle, and the U.S. Army transferred it to NASM in 1986.
Alternate Name
Homing Overlay Experiment Test Vehicle
Credit Line
Transferred from the United States Army
Inventory Number
A19860223000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
CRAFT-Missile & Rocket Parts
Materials
Overall, metal
Dimensions
Overall: 168 in. diameter (at the vanes) x 204 in. long x 36 in. diameter (booster) , 2400 lb. HOE and dolly (426.72 cm. x 518.16 cm. x 91.44 cm., 1088.6kg), HOE weight 1064 lbs
Country of Origin
United States of America
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Exhibit Station
Rockets & Missiles
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A19860223000