Missile Intercept not Possible but Unit Continues to Fire

Hi All,

Been away a while. Appears I have a bunch of catching up to do.

Wanted to share a brief summary of a problem to see if anyone has had the same experience. Will upload a scenario to demonstrate the issue over the weekend.

Issue: Two pairs of SCUD missiles are launched from a RED land unit over water. Target is a BLUE airfield. The SCUDs are traveling about 3800 knots at VHIGH altitude. I have an AEGIS equipped Kongo class (BMD capable) loaded with SM-3 Block 1A slightly north of the SCUD travel path with both air and surface radar energized. The Kongo initially shoots three SM-3's with the targets about 68 nm out. Usually, the 3 SM-3's hit one of the four targets. The Kongo will next shoot 3 SM-2MR Block IIIA's. I assume the switch to a SM-2MR missile occurs because the SCUDs are within the SM-2MR envelope at this point. About 60 percent of the time there is one hit. Afterward, because the SCUD's velocity is higher than the SM-2MR and the SCUDs are passing the Kongo, a SM-2MR cannot catch the SCUD. As such, I would think the model would switch back to the SM-3. However, the Kongo will continue to fire 3 SM-2MR's at a time, which apparently "self destruct" as soon as they are launched. The occurs until the SM-2MR inventory is used up at which time the Kongo would again start using the SM-3 or the SCUD is outside the range of the SM-2MR and then the unit would start using the SM-3.

Any ideas? Scenario to follow.

Thanks in advance and Happy May.

George