SDI LEAP Interceptor Proves Autonomous Agility in Free-Flight Tests

CR0wm p

Omnidirectional pulse thrusters eliminate aerodynamic constraints, enabling miniaturized interceptors to execute rapid divert maneuvers no piloted aircraft can match.

AI-assisted summary of EKV/KV/KW/KKV/LEAP (Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicles) Hover Test - Compilation Video (SM-3, GBI, etc.) — original source. Check the original for full context.

Source published: 2020-08-17

Key ideas

Exoatmospheric Kinetic Kill Vehicles rely on high-response reaction thrusters and gyroscopic stabilization rather than aerodynamic lift, enabling instantaneous divert maneuvers to intercept ballistic missiles and orbital satellites. (0:00)
The Strategic Defense Initiative transitioned kill vehicle development into the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) program, achieving significant component miniaturization by late 1990. (0:47)
Miniaturization directly supported the space-based Brilliant Pebbles concept by slashing launch costs and lowering interceptor observability in orbit. (0:47)
Hover tests validated closed-loop autonomous capability, including seeker acquisition of thermal booster plumes and handoff to the missile hardbody for hit-to-kill intercepts. (0:47)

Detailed notes

## Background Published on YouTube by CR0wm p on August 17, 2020, this video is a compilation of hover tests featuring various exoatmospheric projectiles, including SM-3 and GBI interceptors. The description highlights early testing milestones at the NHTF with the KHIT experimental hover vehicle in April 1989, documenting a 24-second flight of a 200-pound prototype that maneuvered via bipropellant rocket engines before landing in a capture net.

## TL;DR The video showcases the development and testing of kinetic kill vehicles (KKVs) and Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectiles (LEAP) designed to destroy ballistic missiles and orbital satellites without aerodynamic control surfaces. Relying on gyroscopic stabilization and violent omnidirectional reaction thruster pulses, these compact interceptors execute jarring, instantaneous divert maneuvers impossible for conventional piloted aircraft. The footage demonstrates critical hover tests conducted under the Strategic Defense Initiative's Brilliant Pebbles architecture, verifying closed-loop autonomous tracking, component miniaturization, and seamless sensor handoff from hot booster plumes to the target's hardbody.

## Atmosphere & style The compilation carries a sterile, clinical Cold War documentary vibe marked by retro test footage and steady, technical voiceover narration. Watching the compact, 12-inch mechanical interceptors hover mid-air feels uncanny and almost violent, punctuated by sharp bursts of fire, billowing smoke, and robotic thruster snaps. Tense control room callouts emphasize the razor-thin margin of error during free-flight tests, instilling a sense of awe at early autonomous guidance systems achieving unprecedented agility without human intervention.

## Bulletin - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) Exoatmospheric Kinetic Kill Vehicles rely on high-response reaction thrusters and gyroscopic stabilization rather than aerodynamic lift, enabling instantaneous divert maneuvers to intercept ballistic missiles and orbital satellites. - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) The Strategic Defense Initiative transitioned kill vehicle development into the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) program, achieving significant component miniaturization by late 1990. - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) Miniaturization directly supported the space-based Brilliant Pebbles concept by slashing launch costs and lowering interceptor observability in orbit. - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) Hover tests validated closed-loop autonomous capability, including seeker acquisition of thermal booster plumes and handoff to the missile hardbody for hit-to-kill intercepts.

## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) Kinetic kill vehicles operate free from human physiological constraints, enabling airframes engineered purely for radical exoatmospheric agility. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) Primary operational objectives include the kinetic destruction of nuclear ballistic missiles and satellites without using aerodynamic control surfaces. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) Compact interceptors measure roughly 12 inches in length and utilize perimeter-mounted pulse thrusters for omnidirectional axis translation. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) Internal gyroscopic stabilization provides attitude control and precision alignment during violent thruster firings. - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) Hover test telemetry confirms real-time automated tracking and attitude stabilization in flight regimes no conventional aircraft could match. - [01:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=81s) The KHIT experimental hover vehicle performed early flight testing in April 1989, completing a 24-second preprogrammed hover before netting safely. - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) Development evolved into the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) and Terrier LEAP programs under the Strategic Defense Initiative. - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) Late 1990 hover testing demonstrated radical mass and component reduction, making Brilliant Pebbles interceptors cheaper to launch and harder to detect. - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) Onboard infrared seekers proved autonomous acquisition and closed-loop tracking of simulated rocket stage thermal signatures. - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) Guidance algorithms successfully demonstrated the handoff sequence from tracking bright rocket booster plumes to targeting the cold missile hardbody.

## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) Kinetic Kill Vehicles and High-Agility Thruster Flight

Free from the physical constraints and physiological limits of a human pilot, kinetic interceptors utilize radical airframe configurations and specialized propulsion systems designed strictly for exoatmospheric interception. Originally developed to neutralize incoming nuclear ballistic missiles and orbital satellites, these compact vehicles depend entirely on rapid kinetic divert maneuvers rather than aerodynamic lift. Measuring approximately 12 inches in length, the vehicle relies on internal gyroscopic stabilization paired with high-response reaction thrusters placed at critical points around its perimeter, allowing instantaneous, jarring changes in flight direction.

During tethered and free-flight hover trials, test engineers monitor telemetry as the guidance unit executes attitude stabilization and target acquisition sequences. Control room calls verify each milestone as the thruster pulses fire violently to stabilize the body mid-air: "Two, one, hover... tracking... hover... control." Highlighting the insurmountable disparity in agility between conventional aerodynamic platforms and reaction-control kill vehicles, the narrator emphasizes: “No airplane could ever catch this machine.”

- **Design Purpose:** Interception and destruction of nuclear ballistic missiles and orbital satellites in flight. - **Physical Envelope:** Approximately 12 inches in length with integrated gyroscopically balanced stabilization. - **Maneuverability:** Omnidirectional pulse thrusters capable of instantaneous axis translation and line-of-sight corrections without aerodynamic surfaces.

```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hover Test Architecture accDescr: Sequence diagram showing acquisition, tracking, thruster control, plume-to-hardbody handoff, and net recovery.

subgraph Sensors ["Sensor & Guidance Unit"] A["Gyroscopic Inertial Platform"] --> C["Guidance Computer"] B["Infrared Seeker"] --> C end

subgraph Flight ["Reaction Propulsion"] C --> D["Attitude Control Thrusters"] C --> E["Divert Thruster Pulses"] end

subgraph Engagement ["Target Tracking & Termination"] B -->|"Acquires"| F["Simulated Booster Plume"] F -->|"Handoff"| G["Missile Hardbody Track"] E --> H["Terminal Intercept / Net Capture"] end ```

[00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) Miniaturization, LEAP, and the Brilliant Pebbles Hover Tests

Through organizational restructuring and programmatic shifts, the technology progressed into the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) program, accompanied by the Terrier LEAP demonstration phase. By late 1990, engineers conducted critical hover tests demonstrating substantial gains in component miniaturization. Compared to the massive initial prototype rigs, the refined test vehicle incorporated guidance, control, and lethality packages into a drastically reduced mass footprint. As the narrator explains the strategic value of this scale reduction, “This miniaturization reduces the cost of boosting into space and makes a brilliant Pebble truly a pebble and much more difficult to find.”

Conducted under the auspices of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), the full-duration flight testing served as a vital milestone for the space-based interceptor architecture designated as Brilliant Pebbles. The free-flight hover envelope verified fully integrated autonomous tracking, attitude control, and target discrimination in an operational profile. Positioned inside the testing enclosure, the interceptor seeker autonomously acquired and tracked an active heat source simulating the thermal signature of a boosting rocket stage placed beyond a partition wall. Describing the seamless integration of subsystems operating without human intervention, the narrator observes: “This hover test brought together all the elements of acquisition tracking control and independent operation.”

- **Program Evolution:** Transition from early experimental hover vehicles into the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) program and the Terrier LEAP flight demonstration phase. - **Payload Miniaturization:** Dramatically scaled-down vehicle mass, slashing booster launch requirements and reducing orbital observability. - **Autonomous Sensor Operation:** Unassisted acquisition and tracking of a high-temperature thermal target through closed-loop guidance logic. - **Handoff Sequence:** Seeker guidance transition from tracking the high-intensity rocket booster exhaust plume directly onto the cold missile hardbody to achieve hit-to-kill kinetic impact.

## Mentioned EKV, KV, KW, KKV, LEAP, SM-3, GBI, NHTF, KHIT, Terrier LEAP, Strategic Defense Initiative, Brilliant Pebbles

## Video description Compilation video of Exoatmospheric projectiles' hover test.

1:21 The first tests at the NHTF involved the KHIT experimental hover vehicle (EHV) and culminated in April 1989 with the first full up hover test of a KKV prototype. During the 24 second flight, the 200 pound EHV, using its bipropellant rocket engines, maneuvered through a preprogrammed hover flight trajectory and safely landed in the capture net.

[Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0)

中文简报

SDI LEAP拦截弹在自由飞行测试中验证自主机动性能全向脉冲推力器消除空气动力学限制，使微型化拦截弹能够完成有人驾驶飞机无法企及的快速变轨机动。视频展示了动能杀伤飞行器（KKV）与轻量化大气层外射弹（LEAP）的研制与测试，这些飞行器旨在摆脱气动控制面的情况下摧毁弹道导弹和轨道卫星。依靠陀螺稳定与剧烈的全向反作用推力脉冲，这些紧凑型拦截弹能够完成常规有人驾驶飞机无法实现的剧烈即时变轨机动。画面展现了战略防御倡议“智能卵石”构架下进行的关键悬停测试，验证了闭环自主跟踪、组件微型化，以及传感器从高温助推器尾焰到目标弹体本身的无缝交接。大气层外动能杀伤飞行器依靠高响应反作用推力器和陀螺稳定而非气动力升力，从而能够进行即时变轨机动以拦截弹道导弹和轨道卫星。 (0:00) 战略防御倡议将杀伤飞行器的研发转向轻量化大气层外射弹（LEAP）项目，并在1990年底前实现了显著的组件微型化。 (0:47) 微型化通过大幅削减发射成本并降低拦截弹在轨可探测性，直接支持了天基“智能卵石”概念。 (0:47) 悬停测试验证了闭环自主能力，包括导引头捕获热助推器尾焰并交接到导弹硬弹体以实现动能撞击杀伤拦截。 (0:47)

Reading summary

Kinetic kill vehicles developed under the Strategic Defense Initiative rely on reaction-control thrusters and autonomous guidance rather than aerodynamic surfaces to execute high-agility exoatmospheric intercepts. Thruster-Driven Agility and Flight Control (0:00) Designed to neutralize orbital satellites and ballistic missiles, kinetic kill vehicles operate without aerodynamic lift or human physiological constraints. Measuring approximately 12 inches in length, the compact airframe relies on internal gyroscopic stabilization coupled with high-response reaction thrusters placed around its perimeter. This propulsion configuration allows the interceptor to execute instantaneous, jarring lateral diverts and axis translations that conventional aircraft cannot match. Hover Testing and Autonomous Handoff Logic (0:47) Tethered and free-flight hover trials verified the vehicle's closed-loop guidance, telemetry, and stabilization sequences during simulated operational profiles. In an enclosed testing environment, the interceptor demonstrated autonomous target acquisition by locking onto a thermal heat source representing a boosting rocket stage positioned behind a partition wall. Flight guidance logic governed attitude control and managed the critical sensor handoff sequence—shifting tracking from the high-temperature booster exhaust plume directly onto the cold missile hardbody to achieve hit-to-kill kinetic impact. Miniaturization Under LEAP and Brilliant Pebbles (0:47) Progressing through programmatic shifts into the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) and Terrier LEAP programs, late 1990 hover trials validated substantial component miniaturization. By consolidating guidance, attitude control, and lethality packages into a significantly reduced mass footprint relative to earlier prototype rigs, engineers supported the Strategic Defense Initiative's Brilliant Pebbles architecture. According to program narration, shrinking the vehicle mass lowered the launch costs of boosting payloads into space while making orbital interceptors considerably more difficult to detect. The hover demonstrations successfully validated the integration of autonomous tracking, divert propulsion, and miniaturized packages required for space-based kinetic defense, though operational deployment depends on resolving booster handoff precision in complex flight environments.

精炼阅读摘要

该资料记录了用于大气层外拦截的动能杀伤飞行器（KKV）技术演进与悬停试验，展示了拦截器如何摒弃传统气动控制，依托高频脉冲推力器与自主导引实现高机动姿态调整与动能撞击杀伤。动能机动机制与全向姿控推力 (0:00) 动能杀伤拦截器最初设计用于在大气层外摧毁处于飞行段的核弹道导弹与轨道卫星。由于脱离了大气环境并摆脱了人类飞行员的生理承受极限，该类飞行器完全不依赖气动升力舵面，而是依托约12英寸长的小型机体、内部陀螺稳定系统以及周向分布的高响应反作用脉冲推力器，实现剧烈且瞬时的飞行方向变轨与视线修正。在系留及自由悬停测试中，控制室遥测监控显示飞控计算机能自主完成姿态稳定与目标截获指令，旁白特别强调这种反应控制飞行器的转向机动能力是传统常规气动飞行平台无法比拟的。 LEAP轻量化演进与智能卵石验证 (0:47) 技术路线随后过渡到轻量化大气层外射弹（LEAP）与小猎犬-LEAP（Terrier LEAP）验证阶段。1990年后期进行的悬停试验重点验证了制导、控制与杀伤组件的小型化成果，这一进展成为战略防御倡议（SDI）旗下“智能卵石”（Brilliant Pebbles）天基拦截架构的关键节点。旁白指出，大幅削减质量不仅降低了发射入轨成本，还削弱了拦截器在轨运行的可探测性。测试舱内，拦截器导引头在无人工介入的情况下自主捕获并跟踪隔墙后模拟火箭助推器羽流的活跃热源，验证了从强红外喷流追踪平稳过渡到冰冷导弹硬体（Hardbody）锁定的交接时序，完成了自主闭环飞行。悬停试验确立了自主目标捕获、羽流至弹体交接及微型推力控制的工程可行性，但资料仅限于地面模拟舱与系留环境，未涉及外太空真实高速交会工况与复杂对抗环境下的实战拦截表现。

Detailed notes — zh

## Background 该视频由频道 CR0wm p 于 2020 年 8 月 17 日发布在 YouTube 平台上。视频简介说明这是一部关于大气层外杀伤飞行器（EKV/KV/KW/KKV/LEAP）悬停测试的合辑视频，涵盖了标准-3（SM-3）、陆基中段拦截弹（GBI）等相关型号，并特别记录了 1989 年 4 月 NHTF 开展的 KHIT 试验悬停飞行器（EHV）首次完整 KKV 原型机悬停试飞。 ## TL;DR 本视频展示了大气层外动能杀伤拦截器（KKV/EKV）在摆脱人体生理极限约束下展现出的极端机动性与推进控制能力。早期长度仅约 12 英寸的紧凑型拦截器依靠机载陀螺仪与高频微型姿态推进器，实现了令常规飞行器无法企及的瞬间姿态调整与悬停测试。随后演进的“轻质大气层外射弹”（LEAP）与“智能卵石”（Brilliant Pebbles）项目进一步推动了极度微型化，在大幅降低发射成本与探测截面的同时，成功验证了集自主探测、隔墙羽流跟踪、机动姿态控制及由热源羽流向导弹硬弹体（Hard Body）交接于一体的全流程动能拦截能力。 ## Atmosphere & style 整段内容洋溢着冷战尖端国防军工特有的硬核科技感与精密机械张力。伴随着推进器剧烈喷射的爆鸣与烈焰闪光，旁白以冷峻而震撼的口吻道出其超常规性能，每一次瞬间变向与稳定悬停都扣人心弦。当自主闭环测试成功、现场爆发出热烈掌声时，观者能深刻感受到工程师们在突破物理极限与反导拦截技术边界时的纯粹狂热与历史里程碑意义。 ## Bulletin - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) 大气层外动能拦截器（KKV/EKV）弹体长度仅约 12 英寸，摆脱飞行员生理极限限制后，依靠反作用控制推进器与陀螺仪实现超高机动性悬停与即时变向。 - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) 轻质大气层外射弹（LEAP）项目于 1990 年底完成关键悬停试飞，大幅微型化弹体并显著削减天基入轨发射成本。 - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) “智能卵石”悬停测试成功完成了全闭环自主作战流程，并在测试中实现了从羽流热源到导弹实体硬弹体（Hard Body）的关键末制导目标交接。 ## Key takeaways - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) 动能拦截器核心战术定位是在太空中以超高速直接撞击摧毁核导弹及轨道卫星（Hit-to-Kill）。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) 拦截器弹体尺寸极度紧凑（约 12 英寸长），内部高度集成陀螺仪以维持飞行姿态平衡。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) 弹体关键受力点密集布置微型姿态控制推进器（Thrusters），能以极高频率喷射烈焰并输出超高机动响应。 - [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) 没有人体生理过载限制，使拦截器得以做出传统飞机无法企及的极限制导变向动作。 - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) LEAP（轻质大气层外射弹）项目演进自早期技术验证，推动动能杀伤飞行器走向极度微型化与轻量化。 - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) 微型化设计使拦截器真正具备“智能卵石”（Brilliant Pebbles）特征，不仅削减发射运载成本，也大幅压缩了被敌方侦测反制的物理截面。 - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) 天基拦截器悬停试验整合了目标捕获、自主跟踪、轨道控制及独立运算的全套自主作战流程。 - [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) 机载探测系统在测试中成功展示了从模拟助推羽流热源平滑交接至导弹实体硬弹体（Missile Hard Body）的突破性制导能力。 ## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=0s) 大气层外动能拦截器的悬停测试与极限制导机动在没有飞行员生理极限限制的情况下，工程师们得以设计并测试一系列外形极其特异、性能极为极端的飞行器与推进系统。这类精密的动能杀伤拦截器（KKV / EKV）最初被构想并制造出来的核心任务，就是在太空中以极高速度直接撞击并摧毁核导弹及卫星。整台机器的物理尺寸极度紧凑，长度仅约 12 英寸（约 30 厘米），内部高度集成了陀螺仪平衡系统，并在箭体周围的关键受力点分布着微型姿态控制推进器（Thrusters）。依靠这套敏捷的推进阵列与精准的姿态控制算法，飞行器能够在空中展现出令人叹为观止的即时变向能力与快速响应。旁白在描述其惊人的机动性与超强响应时感叹道：“No airplane could ever catch this machine.” 在悬停测试现场，伴随着指令员下达的追踪与姿态控制确认指令，推进喷管以极高频率喷射烈焰并伴随剧烈爆鸣，飞行器在悬挂与自稳状态下瞬间调整姿态，引发现场工程团队的热烈掌声。 - **尺寸与平衡控制**：弹体长度仅 12 英寸左右，依靠内置陀螺仪维持飞行姿态平衡。 - **机动推进架构**：外周关键点密集布置反作用控制推进器，可实现极高过载的瞬间转向与三维悬停。 - **原始战术目标**：针对再入大气层前的弹道导弹核弹头以及轨道军用卫星进行动能直接碰撞杀伤（Hit-to-Kill）。 ### [00:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0&t=47s) LEAP 项目演进与“智能卵石”微型化拦截器测试随着防空与反导项目的重组与演进，“轻质大气层外射弹”项目（Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile，简称 LEAP）逐步成为发展核心。早期诸如 Terrier LEAP 等探索项目主要作为概念验证阶段实施，并在 1990 年底成功完成了另一项关键的悬停试飞。与最初庞大的试验平台相比，新一代拦截飞行器集成了完整的制导传感器、姿态控制及动能杀伤机制，但体积极度微型化，真正让“智能卵石”（Brilliant Pebbles）在尺寸与重量上实至名归。这种极端的微型化设计不仅大幅削减了将拦截器运送入轨的火箭发射成本，而且极小的物理截面使其在太空中极难被敌方侦测与反制。作为战略防御倡议（SDI）迄今为止最重要的里程碑之一，天基拦截器（即后来的“智能卵石”）进行了全时长自主飞行测试。该测试成功整合了目标捕获、自主跟踪、轨道控制以及完全独立运算的全套战斗流程。在试验场中，飞行器隔着障碍墙成功锁定了模拟助推段火箭尾焰的热源，完全依靠自主决策进行追踪机动。现场记录强调：“This hover test brought together all the elements of acquisition, tracking, control and independent operation.” 其中最具突破性的一刻，是探测系统成功将目标跟踪由初始红外信号平滑交接至来袭导弹的实体硬弹体（Missile Hard Body），为最终的致命动能撞击提供了决定性的制导保障。 ```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: LEAP interceptor hover test targeting flow accDescr: 流程图展示从传感器捕获目标热源到完成硬目标交接的制导控制全过程。 subgraph S1["探测与目标捕获"] A["红外传感器启动"] --> B["隔墙追踪模拟助推段火箭热源"] end subgraph S2["自主飞控与交接"] B --> C["机载系统完全自主运算决策"] C --> D["推进器微调姿态完成三维悬停"] D --> E["目标交接: 从羽流热源切换至导弹实体硬弹体"] end subgraph S3["末制导终端交会"] E --> F["高精度微推进器即时变向调整弹道"] F --> G["实施动能碰撞杀伤 (Hit-to-Kill)"] end ``` - **LEAP 发展阶段**：Terrier LEAP 作为技术验证阶段，验证了轻量化大气层外拦截概念的可行性。 - **微型化效益**：体积相比早期原形大幅缩减，显著降低进入太空的助推成本，大幅压缩雷达与光学特征，成为难以被捕捉的“卵石”。 - **全自主闭环验证**：测试覆盖了自主探测、隔墙热源捕获跟踪、推力矢量悬停平衡以及由羽流向硬弹体（Hard Body）的关键末制导目标交接全过程。 ## Mentioned EKV, KV, KW, KKV, LEAP, SM-3, GBI, KHIT, EHV, NHTF, Terrier LEAP, 智能卵石, 战略防御倡议 ## Video description Compilation video of Exoatmospheric projectiles' hover test. 1:21 The first tests at the NHTF involved the KHIT experimental hover vehicle (EHV) and culminated in April 1989 with the first full up hover test of a KKV prototype. During the 24 second flight, the 200 pound EHV, using its bipropellant rocket engines, maneuvered through a preprogrammed hover flight trajectory and safely landed in the capture net. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnofCyaWhI0)

Original transcript

[0:00] two one cover [0:04] with no pilot to compromise performance [0:07] even more unusual craft and propulsion [0:10] systems have been designed and tested [0:14] this incredible machine was originally [0:16] designed to shoot down nuclear missiles [0:18] and satellites [0:20] just 12 inches long gyroscopically [0:23] balanced and with thrusters at key [0:25] points around its body it is capable of [0:27] instant changes of Direction [0:30] of her cover [0:31] [Applause] [0:34] tracking cover [0:37] control [0:41] no airplane could ever catch this [0:44] machine [0:47] emerging through the changes in mergers [0:49] was the lightweight exo-atmospheric [0:51] projectile or Elite program [0:55] Terrier Leaf was developed as a [0:57] demonstration phase only [0:59] at the end of 1990 another hover test [1:02] was successfully conducted [1:04] here the vehicle with all its controls [1:07] and lethality is Tiny compared to the [1:10] first test vehicle this miniaturization [1:13] reduces the cost of boosting into space [1:15] and makes a brilliant Pebble truly a [1:18] pebble and much more difficult to find [1:20] one of the most significant SDI tests to [1:23] date was the full duration flight test [1:26] of a space-based Interceptor soon to [1:28] become brilliant Pebbles [1:30] this hover test brought together all the [1:33] elements of acquisition tracking control [1:36] and independent operation [1:39] this vehicle is tracking a heat Source [1:42] similar to a boosting rocket on the [1:44] other side of the wall [1:45] it is operating totally on its own [1:49] one of the most exciting moments is when [1:51] the system handed off the phone to the [1:53] missile hard body for final lethal [1:56] energy [2:21] foreign [4:13] thank you [5:11] thank you