Active Protection System - Hardkill Measures

Hardkill Measures

Except for countering intercontinental ballistic missiles, hardkill measures generally refer to measures taken in the so-called "end-game" shortly before a warhead/missile hits its target. The hardkill measure in general physically affects the incoming warhead/missile by means of either blast and/or fragment action. The action may lead to:

• disturbance of the stability of a kinetic energy penetrator which will decrease its penetration ability as the deflection angle increases.
• premature initiation of a shaped charge (e.g., too great stand-off), but most likely improper initiation, thereby impeding optimum jet development of the metallic lining, usually copper, in the shaped charge. The copper jet provides most of the anti armor capabilities of shaped charge weapons.
• destruction of the airframe of an inbound missile or shell.