High velocity load

David Brown and Troy Perry, ATA outside machinists, install a slug projectile with a pitch motor installed into the 8-inch bore diameter barrel of AEDC’s Hypervelocity Range G’s launcher. This projectile will be launched out of the G Range two-stage light gas gun at a velocity of 8,200 feet per second. This is the first test of a new rocket motor that will be used to pitch the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) projectile up to a predetermined angle prior to impacting simulated threat targets. The primary objective of this shot is to verify pitch motor ignition and performance. (Photo by David Housch)

High velocity

Published Aug. 15, 2008
By Philip Lorenz III
AEDC/PA

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- David Brown and Troy Perry, ATA outside machinists, install a slug projectile with a pitch motor installed into the 8-inch bore diameter barrel of AEDC's Hypervelocity Range G's launcher. This projectile will be launched out of the G Range two-stage light gas gun at a velocity of 8,200 feet per second. This is the first test of a new rocket motor that will be used to pitch the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) projectile up to a predetermined angle prior to impacting simulated threat targets. The primary objective of this shot is to verify pitch motor ignition and performance. (Photo by David Housch)