US Patent 7494090 Multiple kill vehicle (MKV) interceptor with autonomous kill vehicles

The present invention provides a MKV interceptor including multiple kill vehicles with autonomous management capability and kinematic reach to prosecute a large threat extent. Each KV can self-manage its own KV deployment and target engagement for a determined target volume assigned by a designated master KV. At least one KV is master capable of managing the post-separation of all of the KVs without requiring updates to the mission plan post-separation. The autonomous capability and increased kinematic reach provides for a more efficient use of boosters and more effective engagement of the threat.