Northrop Grumman Advances Missile Defense with MBRV-11 Target Vehicle Production

Northrop Grumman is set to revolutionize missile defense testing with its Modified Ballistic Re-Entry Vehicle-11 (MBRV-11), a cutting-edge system designed for the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) program. This milestone aligns with the MDA's Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP), which aims to advance the capabilities of the U.S. missile defense systems against evolving threats.

Accelerated Development Timeline

In October 2024, Northrop Grumman completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the MBRV-11, achieving this milestone just 16 months after securing the initial contract. This rapid progress was facilitated by an innovative approach that merged the System Requirements Review (SRR) and Preliminary Design Review (PDR) into a single streamlined process. Additionally, the company began hardware procurement and qualification testing before the CDR, enabling an accelerated timeline for production readiness.

Robin Heard, director of targets at Northrop Grumman, emphasized the importance of this efficient methodology:
"By executing with speed and building for the future, the MBRV-11 is a paradigm shift in how we collaborate with the MDA to develop advanced programs. Our mission expertise allowed us to compress the timeline by combining critical reviews and initiating testing early."

MBRV-11 Specifications and Features

The MBRV-11 is designed to emulate complex missile threats for advanced defense systems like the NGI. Its key specifications include:

• Baseline Design: A versatile vehicle architecture that supports multiple mission configurations.
• Optional Enhancement Kits: Four modular kits provide additional adaptability for specific mission needs.
• Compatibility: Integration with Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) and Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) target vehicles to replicate a wide range of adversary threats.
• Avionics System: Advanced avionics enable precise operation and realistic simulation of target trajectories.
• Solid Rocket Motor Technology: Proven propulsion systems enhance reliability and performance.

These features make the MBRV-11 a critical tool for validating the performance of the NGI and other missile defense systems under real-world conditions.

Testing and Future Prospects

The MBRV-11 program includes the production of five units for missile defense demonstrations, with the first flight test slated for 2027. To further enhance its capabilities, Northrop Grumman will also upgrade existing IRBM and ICBM target vehicles, ensuring seamless integration with the MBRV-11.

Northrop Grumman’s decade-long expertise in developing threat-representative target vehicles underpins the MBRV-11's design. Since 2011, the company has delivered 25 advanced target systems and supported 10 successful missile defense demonstrations.

By combining advanced avionics, adaptable enhancement kits, and reliable propulsion technology, the MBRV-11 sets a new standard for simulating the sophisticated threats faced by modern missile defense systems.

A New Chapter in Missile Defense

As Northrop Grumman transitions the MBRV-11 into production, the program marks a pivotal step in bolstering the U.S. missile defense infrastructure. Its innovative design and rapid development underscore the importance of agility and technological excellence in countering evolving global threats.

With the first test flight scheduled for 2027, the MBRV-11 is poised to play a central role in shaping the future of missile defense, ensuring robust protection against increasingly complex adversary capabilities.