The Iskander (left) and the ATACMS (right), two of the most capable Short Range/Tactical Ballistic Missiles are some of the target candidates for the A1A anti-ballistic interceptor.

The A1 Interceptor — A “Monster” 10 ton Warhead and Its Target Candidates — Part III

The A1 warhead

The core philosophy of the A1 anti-ballistic and hypersonic missile interceptor is the capability to intercept incoming threats without a need for precise tracking. Thus, it is immune to countermeasures and any kind of avoidance manoeuvring the target could undertake.

This is possible due to the use of a passive warhead that is activated electromechanically at a pre-programmed altitude.

The A1 interceptor warhead is probably the heaviest ever mounted on an anti-missile defence system.

Instead of explosives, or a single large kinetic warhead, it contains a large amount of metallic pellets, chaff and flare, that are deployed mechanically.

The A1A warhead

The A1A contains up to 2,000,000 pellets, chaff and flare. Their weight, composition and deployment pattern are confidential. The pellets act as kinetic projectiles, while the chaff and flare aim to distract the incoming missiles.

The estimated impact energy of one pellet deployed by the A1A is between 25–130kJ in the case of an ICBM deployed MIRV, or 12–100kJ in the case of a hypersonic missile.

A1B warhead