Here is the Flight Test that I was almost around for last fall...the test target comes in from Ft. Wingate and gets boosted to a very high velocity...simulated coming from much farther away...small mock warhead separated...Two Patriot GEM-T interceptors ripple fire at it (what we call "double-tap).
These destroy the target by explosive warheads and fragments. The 1st missile hits it (and damages it to an unknown degree), then the 2nd utterly disintegrates it. The two silent flashes you see are the intercepts 1 then 2 taking place at an altitude above 25000 feet and a closing speed in excess of 6000 mph.
Here's the catch: the test was scrubbed repeatedly for clouds...they wanted good video...I eventually had to go home, could not make the reschedule so I suggested a replacement who went...and got to see it.
But, I hope everyone have good speakers. The GEM-Ts are supersonic out of their canisters, just like a rifle bullet, so there is New Mexico early morning silence, then NOISE.
I'll take this over ice cream. I think I know who posted the video, but I just found it!
