WP: Missile Defense Director Moves to End Test Glitches

Equipment Review Ordered; Admiral to Oversee Preparations

The general in charge of the Pentagon's faltering effort to develop a system for defending the United States against ballistic missile attack said yesterday that he has ordered a thorough review of all ground equipment used in testing and appointed a senior Navy officer to oversee future test preparations.

The moves by Air Force Lt. Gen. Henry A. "Trey" Obering III follow failed attempts in December and February to launch interceptor rockets in tests of the fledgling system. Both failures have been blamed on what defense officials say were minor glitches -- a flawed software code in December and a faulty silo retracting arm in February.

In a conference call with reporters, Obering expressed continued confidence in the system. He said that even without the launch of the rockets, the recent tests scored some successes by demonstrating the system's ability to track target missiles and generate intercept instructions. But he acknowledged frustration at the tendency of simple glitches to foil the tests.

(snip)

But Bush has pushed to make the system operational before it has been subjected to realistic testing, prompting complaints from congressional Democrats and many scientists that the program remains largely unproven. The Pentagon has conducted 10 flight tests since 1999, scoring five hits but under conditions markedly different from what would occur in actual attacks.



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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21817-2005Mar9.html

It's not even close to operational, has never been subjected to anything approaching realistic conditions, and it has cost 10's of billions so far.

the more money the contractors make. Sweet deal for them.

a 'minor glitch', a 'flick of a switch' and all is well with our world. GMAFB!

Why they got to go and PRAY more for their Great Jesus-annointed President. Once they do that EVERYTHING will go right!

All future tests will be successful.

Like putting homing devices on the target missile. "OK here I am come and get me!"

Once the attacking missile went after a decoy and the said it was a success because it was close.

Another time the attacking missile didn't even get off the ground and the called it a success because it would have worked if it got off the ground.

I use to live near Vandenberg AFB and we would watch the launch of the target missiles. Then a few hours later listen to the government tell us the results. It has never worked and I doubt it ever will. It is just an excuse to funnel money to Bush's supporters just like privatization is.