#midcourse

[worldwidebreakingnews]

Can US Missile Defenses Keep Pace with North Korea? - Explore the evolving security situation in East Asia and the challenges facing US missile defence systems in countering North Korean threats

[winterwolf0120]

Kings Island (2017)

An out-and-back wooden roller coaster, Mystic Timbers, is unveiled. The ride includes a midcourse tunnel extensive theming, and a first-of-its-kind special effects finale. WinterFest returns to much fanfare, after a 12-year hiatus.

YouTube: Kings Island OPENING DAY 2017

[antoninasavi]

Artifact of uncertain steps. Berlin. Winter 2023

There was this thought to change the road this time to go and greet sunrise and if my step will lead abroad from never changing comes no surprise.

Reality seems to have many definitions I watched how often your you change playing a role nobody has been given Shouldn't judge you, humans are strange.

Some continuity I miss in our days maybe a steady up and down I would accept but life with you goes too many ways and in such abruptness I'm not adept.

I should have kept walking my line like believers in the script stay true midcourse changes at speed are insane and sunset is beautiful too.

Peter Wohne

[starryeyes2000]

The Road Back: Chapter 35

Reframing

Read on AO3 or FFN

Rating: Teen

Pairings: Christopher Pike x OFC (Aalin)

Word Length: 3k

Summary: Once the physical injuries from Talos healed, Chris resolutely moved on resuming a casual social life. When he met someone who called to his heart and each time the moment was right to become lovers he pulled back. Unwilling to trust himself. Unsure if the attraction and his feelings were real. Torn between desire and self-protection. For the Talos incident was more than kidnapping, imprisonment, and mind-control. It was a violation of the deepest and most intimate kind. And perhaps there was no way back.

Excerpt:

Midcourse and without instruction from its passenger the turbolift halted, switched to a horizontal tube for several seconds then back to a vertical shaft. It traveled down, opposite from her requested destination. Aalin glanced at the information panel; no malfunction alerts displayed. She moved to the left rear corner of the car in case the lift was rerouted for a medical emergency.

When the doors opened Chris entered. Or more accurately limped in. “Sorry.” His tone was sheepish. Turbolift call buttons read fingerprints, the Captain’s diverted the nearest car. With tentative, slow movement he leaned against the wall. A wince followed. “Resume to original destination.”

“Belay that. Deck three, crew quarters.”

“Thanks.”

Aalin scrutinized him, trying to push aside how well he filled out the dark blue short-sleeve shirt and cycle-length shorts, both were snug like riding gear. “Rough workout?”

“I held my own.” Defensiveness edged his tone. He rolled then rubbed his right shoulder. His right hand flexed, straightening and curling its fingers on repeat. “Ensigns Maddson and James are ranked players.”

“And less than half your …” she said.

Without moving his head, Chris’ eyes met hers. He glared as if daring her to finish the sentence.

Continue Reading on AO3 or FFN

Series Masterlist | OC Masterlist | Author Masterlist

Taglist: @arrthurpendragon @ocappreciation @ocappreciationtag @bardic-tales @themaradaniels @chickensarentcheap

[heartsoulrocknroll]

Kings Island trip report!!!!! June 2023.

Kings Island was as great as I had hoped. I had been wanting to go here so badly for so long, and it exceeded expectations. Beautiful park, great operations, great rides. Loved it. Now let's talk coasters.

1) Mystic Timbers -- 5 rides -- This has been one of my most anticipated coasters for a long time, because of how insanely fast it looks in POVs, and I was not disappointed. It absolutely feels as fast as it looks -- the pacing is excellent, the transitions are quick, and the airtime never stops. The twisting drop is fun, and every hill delivers with the negative Gs, from the larger hills to the smaller banked hills. However, the out-and-back layout causes Mystic Timbers to lack the twists/turns that make Thunderhead feel so out of control for me. As a result, while I love both rides, Thunderhead remains my favorite GCI by a small margin.

2) The Beast -- 4 rides, including 1 night ride -- The Beast may be one of the most iconic roller coasters in history, but it is still ridiculously underrated among enthusiasts. Because of that, I went into this ride with low expectations. And boy oh boy, was I blown away. The first drop into the tunnel rocks. The setting deep in the woods is incredible. The ride feels like it is never going to end. The finale after the second lift hill is, of course, the highlight. The unnatural banking on that shallow drop is a crazy sensation on its own. And then, the love of my life, the double helix in the tunnels!!!!!!!!! The continuously increasing speed plus the LATERALS plus the tunnel wall being right beside my head on the left side of the train!!! All of this is crazy enough during the day, but at night, deep in the woods where you cannot see what is coming next??? WTF????? I waited over an hour and a half for my night ride, and my god, for the way I was losing my mind during that ride, it was sooooo worth it. A large part of me wants to put The Beast above Mystic Timbers. It's impossible to choose.

3) Diamondback -- 4 rides -- This is one of my favorite B&M hypers, right up there with Goliath. It's hard to choose between Diamondback and Goliath, as they are both great for different reasons. The airtime on Diamondback is unlike any of the other B&M hypers I've ridden. Diamondback may not (key word here is may) have a hill that outdoes the first hill on Mako in terms of one singular moment of sustained floater, but cumulatively, Diamondback has way more airtime than Mako. Even in row 7 (the closest to the front that I rode), the airtime hits. But in the back row??? I managed to be the least stapled I've ever been with this type of restraint, and I thought I was going to die on the first two camelbacks because of how sustained (and relatively powerful) the floater air is. Even the drop off the midcourse and the small hills after the midcourse give good airtime. And I love the splashdown on this ride, not only because it looks cool, but because you can actually get wet in the back row if you try.

4) Orion -- 4 rides -- This ride is extremely underrated. I think people who act as if there is some kind of night and day difference between Orion and Fury are insane. The height and the sense of speed alone are amazing, but Orion also has a great mix of forces. The first drop is excellent and basically indistinguishable from Fury's first drop, giving great airtime all the way down. The positive Gs at the bottom of the first drop are awesome. The inward banked hill after the drop does nothing, so that's one legitimate complaint. The speed hill after the turnaround and the camelback that follows are the standout elements. The speed hill gives borderline ejector airtime, while the camelback gives great floater. I also like that this ride has a helix to add some more positives into the mix. The helix is not as intense as I would have hoped, but it was still good. (Maybe I'm just spoiled by the beautifully sustained positives of Goliath's 540 degree helix.) Overall, just a great ride.

5) Banshee -- 1 ride -- I really needed to ride this more than once to get a good feel for it, but I just didn't have time, and honestly, I didn't really want to because of the restraints. I try not to let little things ruin my opinion of a ride, but I cannot get past those vest restraints on some B&Ms. Anyway, I liked this ride. The drop is huge, and there are no midcourse brakes, so this ride has breakneck pacing and crushing positive Gs, which I love. However, the inversions are more gracefully profiled with far less whip than the other inverts I have ridden. I found the slow inline twist at the end to be particularly out of character. The snappy inversions are the main reason why I have loved every other invert I've done, and because Banshee falls short in that regard, it ranks as my least favorite invert. (Also of note, this ride rattles hard for its young age. I personally don't mind that, but thought it was worth mentioning.)

6) Invertigo -- 1 ride -- This inverted boomerang is so much better than a traditional boomerang. It is incredibly forceful and didn't really bang my head at all.

7) The Bat -- 1 ride -- This is a completely different ride than the only other Arrow suspended coaster I've done, Iron Dragon. The Bat has a great sense of speed, as it is continuously descending throughout the ride. The setting in the woods is nice, and the swinging is crazy in parts, particularly coming into the final brakes.

8) Racer -- 1 ride -- I love my woodies, but these old PTCs just aren't the intense ride experience that I need. This one actually did give a little bit of airtime on some of the hills, and it is very smooth since the recent track work. Just a nice, fun ride.

9) Adventure Express -- 1 ride -- This is one of the better mine trains I've done, but it's still a mine train.

I didn't ride Flight of Fear or Backlot Stunt Coaster, as I have already ridden their clones at Kings Dominion and wanted to spend my time on re-rides on the top 4. But they would rank at #9 and #10 respectively, following Racer.

[generalstarkov]

There was a cove,

a little inlet shaped like a bent bow,

a quiet place where Scylla, at midday,

sought shelter when the sea and sky were hot;

and, in midcourse, the sun scorched with full force,

reducing shadows to a narrow thread.

And Circe now contaminates this bay,

polluting it with noxious poisons; there

she scatters venom drawn from dreadful roots

and, three-times-nine times, murmurs an obscure

and tangled maze of words, a labyrinth—

the magic chant that issues from her lips.

Then Scylla comes; no sooner has she plunged

waist-deep into the water than she sees,

around her hips, the horrid barking shapes

Metamorphoses, Ovid

Circe Invidiosa by John William Waterhouse

[bumbis]

Went to Kennywood today! Genuinely forgot how fun riding stuff could be.

Phantom's revenge my beloved is the main reason I went, I love it sm, rode it three times in the back. I can't help but have the goofiest smile on my face, even into the last airtime hill where the photo op is I'm always cheesin' in the picture. :D < me

I ALSO rode thunderbolt, god what a weird ride, I love it but its broken up into a bunch of different sections. Great if you go with someone you're really close with because you can have em' push into you or vice versa. FAIR WARNING you cannot ride thunderbolt alone. sometimes they'll get a ride op to ride with you.

Then I waited 30 minutes for Steel Curtain. I've always been pretty skeptical of this ride, from the themeing to the manufacturer to the really unimpressive ride I had in 2021, I never liked it. It looks great though. I got on it and GOD nevermind. I don't know how but in 60 degrees after it just finished sprinkling it blew me away. I got a back row ride (a lot of people love row 3 or 4 so I didn't know if the back was the best) it didn't matter, fun from start to finish. It's relentless. Maybe I just went when it was running good but it's a beast. I have phantom over it still but I completely get it if you think it's the best in the park, S&S did a great job. I think it's an elite ride maybel

Lastly, I rode Skyrocket two times because the line was short, it was the only ride running two trains. I rode in the front row for the first ride and the first 15 seconds or so are really fun! The midcourse brake run kills the pace though. It crawls through the 20-30 second 2nd half. Apparently Kennywood wanted the ride to stand high off the ground so the turnpike could be installed back under, but this never happened and the ride suffers from it. I went on again in the second or third row and jesus. those restraints suck. For reference I am about 6' 1" and skinny with long legs and i was in pain waiting to get out. If you're at all tall I say wait for the front of either car (rows 1 or 4) because I think they have extra leg room. If you're heavier I'm sorry but this ride will probably not be for you. Which sucks because just about every other kennywood coaster is pretty accommodating!

Overalls I had a great time, it was pretty gloomy outside but it was fun regardless! If you can make it out to kennywood I highly recommend it! Ranking: 1. Phantom's revenge 2. Steel curtain 3. Thunderbolt 4. Sky rocket 5. Jack Rabbit 6. Racer if you have somebody to race, otherwise exterminator.

[fatherlybeast]

Circe Invidiosa by  John William Waterhouse

"There was a cove, a little inlet shaped like a bent bow, a quiet place where Scylla, at midday, sought shelter when the sea and sky were hot; and, in midcourse, the sun scorched with full force, reducing shadows to a narrow thread. And Circe now contaminates this bay, polluting it with noxious poisons; there she scatters venom drawn from dreadful roots and, three-times-nine times, murmurs an obscure and tangled maze of words, a labyrinth— the magic chant that issues from her lips. Then Scylla comes; no sooner has she plunged waist-deep into the water than she sees, around her hips, the horrid barking shapes."

[fruityyamenrunner]

hail unto thee who art ahathoor in thy triumphing, even unto thee who art ahathoor in thy beauty, who travellest over the heavens in thy barque at the midcourse of the sun

[mariacallous]

It’s now a cliche to say we are in a new era of great power competition, but that doesn’t make it untrue. The new U.S. national security strategy, the recently released national defense strategy, and the imposition of draconian export controls on advanced computer chips and related technologies make it abundantly clear that the Biden administration sees China as a long-term strategic rival. Chinese President Xi Jinping and his associates appear to have a similar view. Fasten your seat belts: It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Considering this situation, how should we interpret the recent 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)? It provided abundant grist for professional China-watchers, including moments of drama such as what appeared to be the public humiliation of Xi’s predecessor, Hu Jintao. Xi received an unprecedented third term in power, solidified his grip by appointing more loyalists to key positions, sidelined economically oriented technocrats in favor of officials with a more statist orientation, and likely made himself president for life. As Kevin Rudd notes, economic growth and development are no longer the top priorities; national security and preserving the authority of the CCP are.

I’m hardly a China expert, but one doesn’t have to be to understand that relations between the world’s two most powerful countries and the balance of power between them will have profound effects on many aspects of world politics. This raises an obvious question: What impact will the decisions taken at the recent Party Congress have on the balance of power and U.S.-China competition? From a U.S. perspective, was what just took place in Beijing good news or not?

My problem is that I can tell you two stories about this event: one that should make Americans relax a little and one that should make us all more nervous. To make matters worse, these contrasting stories aren’t mutually exclusive and could even be mutually reinforcing.

Let’s start with the good story, as seen from a U.S. perspective.

What happened in Beijing suggests that China is now reverting to the same kind of one-man rule that delayed its emergence as a major power for decades. China is already facing significant headwinds—a slowing economy, an aging population and shrinking labor force, and growing international concerns about its power and ambitions. Some of these developments were unavoidable (e.g., growth invariably slows as economies mature, and demographic imbalances cannot be fixed overnight), but they have been exacerbated by Xi’s rigid zero-COVID policy, his crackdown on China’s high-flying tech sector, and the bellicose “wolf-warrior” approach to foreign policy that China has embraced during Xi’s rule. And China’s problems go beyond U.S. efforts to restrict access to technology; Asian and European states have become increasingly wary about close economic ties with China as well. Although German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and others are still trying to keep these doors open, broader trends (including the European Union’s decision to suspend a previously negotiated investment agreement) suggest that the openness that facilitated China’s rapid rise is beginning to close.

Given these unfavorable developments, the recent Party Congress might have been an opportunity for a midcourse correction, but the exact opposite occurred instead. Xi elevated officials with a statist orientation over more economically oriented technocrats, packed the top leadership bodies with loyal cronies, and continued his campaign to establish himself as a leader on par with Mao Zedong.

This may be bad news for Chinese businesses and ordinary Chinese citizens, but it could be good news for the United States, because Mao was in many ways a disaster for China. He may have been a brilliant revolutionary leader and wartime strategist, but he had no idea how to run an economy or establish the material foundation for enduring global influence. His largely unchallenged leadership left China’s enormous potential untapped for decades, led directly to disasters such as the Great Leap Forward in 1958 and the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s, and caused enormous human suffering, almost entirely within China itself. It was only after Mao died and his policies were abandoned that China began its remarkable rise. Recognizing the dangers of relying on a single, “infallible” leader, Mao’s successors attempted to enshrine principles of collective leadership and prevent a tragic repeat of past follies.

Under Xi, however, China is headed back in the other direction. Open criticism of Xi is now effectively impossible, which means that his policies—no matter how ill conceived—are going to be implemented. If they backfire—and some of them will—they will be hard to reverse. It is no accident that Chinese stocks tanked in the aftermath of the Party Congress once investors grasped there would be “no adults in the room” on economic policy. Unless one believes that Xi is the first completely infallible political leader in history—and he’s already proved that he isn’t—his consolidation of power means that China is going to be less wealthy, less powerful, and less appealing to foreign populations than it would have been under a less willful leader whose associates could question his choices and rein in excesses. Looking ahead, who is going to tell Xi when he’s wrong? Won’t subordinates be even more inclined to tell superiors what they think the latter want to hear and suppress bad news, lest it reflect poorly on them? This is a recipe for inefficiency that also increases the risks of monumental mistakes. All in all, the new configuration of power in Beijing will aid U.S. efforts to retain a position of primacy.

But hold the schadenfreude—there are big downsides here, too. I can think of at least three potential problems.

First, declining Chinese economic growth may be good for the balance of power between Washington and Beijing, but it’s not good for a world economy that is already teetering on the brink of recession. If China under Xi continues to stumble, lots of other economies—including ours—will suffer, ordinary people in many other countries will hurt, and extremists of all sorts will benefit.

Second, the greater priority placed on national security issues (and the decision to elevate them over economic growth) is an obvious illustration of spiral model dynamics at work. China’s rising power and growing ambitions have prompted a defensive reaction by the United States and others. Not surprisingly, Beijing now recognizes that the international environment is more perilous and seeks to protect itself against U.S.-led efforts to constrain its future growth.

Unfortunately, deteriorating relations between the two countries have already made it more difficult to address common challenges such as climate change and are likely to make it even harder to cooperate on such issues in the future. On climate change, China and the United States are beginning to look like a couple of paddlers on the Niagara River fighting to decide who gets to sit in back and steer, even as their canoe careers toward the falls.

Third, as I noted a few weeks ago, when countries are led either by unchecked autocrats or small groups of like-minded people (with nary a dissenter in sight), they are more likely to make big blunders and will have more trouble correcting them when they do. Democracies aren’t immune to this danger, but it seems to be more prevalent in highly centralized dictatorships. If so, Xi’s consolidation of power means we should expect Beijing to be more error-prone in the future than it has been for most of the post-Mao era. That’s not good news, however, when some of the mistakes they might make—such as trying to retake Taiwan—would be extremely dangerous.

That’s where my two stories could come together. If Xi Jinping’s centralization of power saps China’s economic vitality even more and compounds the structural problems it is already facing, then any hopes he may have to equal or surpass Mao as China’s greatest modern leader will be jeopardized. Any claim to have equaled or surpassed Mao would depend on doing something Mao failed to achieve, such as regaining formal control of Taiwan. If he begins to suspect that China’s relative power has peaked, the temptation to act while he still can will grow. Talking openly about this goal alarms others, and attempting it would be a huge gamble, but this is also the sort of miscalculation that autocrats (or closed decision-making groups) are prone to make.

There’s one more reason for Americans to temper their satisfaction at seeing China moving away from market principles, relying more heavily on Marxism-Leninist teachings, and eschewing collective leadership in favor of a one-man cult of personality. The U.S. political system is in deep trouble, too, and there’s ample reason to expect things to get worse after the midterm elections. The world’s two most powerful states seem to be engaged in a relentless competition to see which system can become most dysfunctional fastest. Unfortunately, and despite what just happened in Beijing, I’m not sure that China is winning.

[israelaerospaceindustries]

Missile Interceptors vs. Ballistic Missiles: A Race Against Time and Speed

In the intricate landscape of modern warfare, ballistic missile defense plays a pivotal role in safeguarding nations from devastating threats. Ballistic missiles, capable of delivering warheads at tremendous speeds over vast distances, represent one of the most significant challenges for defense systems. These weapons, designed to deliver nuclear, chemical, or conventional payloads with immense destructive power, travel at hypersonic speeds and can strike targets thousands of kilometers away. To neutralize these threats, missile interceptors are engineered to match or exceed the speed and agility of their targets. However, the speed differential between interceptors and ballistic missiles is just one piece of the puzzle. The effectiveness of missile defense systems depends on a range of factors, from advanced tracking technologies to real-time coordination between radar, satellites, and electronic warfare tools.

This article delves into the mechanics behind ballistic missiles, missile interceptors, and the technological landscape that makes missile interception possible.

The Speed of Ballistic Missiles: A Relentless Threat

Ballistic missiles are among the fastest and deadliest weapons in modern military arsenals. These missiles are designed to follow a parabolic trajectory that consists of three key phases, each of which involves different speeds and challenges for interceptors:

Boost Phase: The missile launches with the aid of powerful rocket engines, propelling it through the lower atmosphere at a rapid pace. During this phase, the missile accelerates to speeds of up to 7 kilometers per second (25,200 km/h). This stage is brief, typically lasting only a few minutes, but it is essential in defining the missile’s trajectory.

Midcourse Phase: Once the missile exits the atmosphere, it enters a free-fall trajectory, where the force of gravity takes over. The missile essentially coasts through space, reaching speeds between 6 and 7 kilometers per second. This phase can last up to 20 minutes for long-range intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), making it one of the most predictable stages in terms of trajectory but also one of the most challenging for interceptors due to the missile’s speed and altitude.

Terminal Phase: As the missile re-enters the atmosphere, it slows down somewhat due to air resistance, but it remains extremely fast, traveling at speeds between 3 and 4 kilometers per second (10,800 to 14,400 km/h). This is the final phase, where the missile is on its descent towards its target. For missile defense systems, the terminal phase is often the last opportunity to intercept the incoming threat before impact.

Given the tremendous speed and altitude at which ballistic missiles travel, intercepting them requires sophisticated technology that can respond within seconds.

The Speed and Precision of Missile Interceptors

Missile interceptors are engineered to intercept ballistic missiles during their midcourse or terminal phases. These interceptors are optimized for high speed, precision, and real-time maneuverability. Unlike ballistic missiles, which follow predictable trajectories, interceptors need to adjust their path continually to home in on their moving targets.

One of the most advanced systems in this domain is Israel's anti ballistic missile defense system, particularly the Arrow 3. This interceptor is capable of operating at speeds exceeding 2.5 kilometers per second (9,000 km/h). Although this may seem slower compared to the peak speeds of ballistic missiles, missile interceptors like the Arrow 3 have an advantage in their ability to maneuver. Their real-time targeting and course correction capabilities allow them to track and adjust to the missile’s path, providing a high probability of interception.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of interceptors does not rely solely on speed. Interceptors like the Arrow 3 are equipped with advanced sensors and propulsion systems that enable them to make rapid course corrections mid-flight, ensuring that they can stay on target even as the ballistic missile changes its trajectory. This ability to "predict" the missile's path, using data gathered by external radar and satellite systems, gives interceptors the agility they need to overcome their speed disadvantage.

Interception Dynamics: The Role of Timing and Tracking

The dynamics of missile interception are not merely a race of raw speed. Instead, the success of an interceptor depends on timing, precision, and a suite of advanced tracking technologies. Ballistic missiles follow a relatively predictable path once they enter their midcourse phase. This predictability gives missile defense systems a crucial advantage: they can calculate the missile's trajectory well in advance, giving interceptors enough time to be launched at the optimal moment.

Missile interceptors rely heavily on external data provided by radar and tracking systems, such as the EL/M-2084 Multi Mission Radar. This radar system can detect and track missile threats at great distances, providing defense systems with valuable real-time information about the incoming threat’s speed, altitude, and trajectory. This level of precision allows interceptors to be launched only when it is clear that interception is possible, minimizing wasted resources and ensuring the highest chance of success.

Radar systems like the EL/M-2084 play a pivotal role in synchronizing the launch of missile interceptors with the ballistic missile’s position. Without these radar systems, interceptors would have to rely on their own sensors, making them less effective at engaging high-speed targets. Instead, these radar systems provide interceptors with real-time updates, ensuring that they can adjust their flight path as the missile continues its journey.

Electronic Warfare and Ground-Based Defenses

While radar and tracking systems provide valuable data for missile interceptors, modern defense systems have expanded their capabilities to include ground-based electronic warfare tools. Systems like Ground Electronic Warfare are designed to disrupt the missile’s onboard sensors and guidance systems, essentially “slowing down” the missile’s effectiveness. These systems can interfere with the missile’s communication links, making it more difficult for the missile to adjust its course or respond to countermeasures.

By combining radar tracking with electronic warfare, missile defense systems create a multi-layered approach to countering ballistic missile threats. Even if a missile interceptor fails to destroy the target, ground-based electronic warfare tools can still degrade the missile’s ability to hit its intended target accurately. This approach not only increases the chances of a successful interception but also reduces the overall threat posed by the missile.

Satellite Support: The Hidden Eye in Missile Defense

Missile interception also benefits from satellite-based surveillance systems, which provide critical early warning and tracking capabilities. SAR satellites (Synthetic Aperture Radar) offer high-resolution imagery and can track missile movements through the atmosphere and space. These satellites are particularly valuable for monitoring missile launches in real time, giving missile defense systems the advance notice they need to prepare and launch interceptors.

SAR satellites like the TecSAR provide continuous surveillance, allowing defense systems to detect missile launches at their earliest stages. This early detection is critical for intercepting long-range missiles, such as ICBMs, which have extended midcourse phases. By tracking the missile’s path from launch to re-entry, satellites provide defense systems with the time and data necessary to launch interceptors with precision.

Satellites play an increasingly important role in missile defense by complementing ground-based radar systems. While radar provides detailed real-time tracking data once the missile is airborne, satellites provide a broader view of missile activity over vast geographic areas. This combination of satellite and radar data creates a comprehensive picture of the missile’s path, improving the accuracy and timing of missile interceptors.

Speed Comparison: How Do Interceptors Stack Up?

In terms of raw speed, ballistic missiles typically outpace interceptors. While ballistic missiles can reach speeds of up to 7 kilometers per second, interceptors often travel at slightly lower speeds, generally around 2.5 to 3 kilometers per second. Despite this difference, missile interceptors maintain a distinct advantage due to their reliance on real-time tracking, maneuverability, and advanced targeting systems.

For example, an ICBM traveling at 7 kilometers per second can be intercepted by a missile traveling at just 3 kilometers per second, provided the defense system has accurate tracking data. The key is that interceptors are launched with precise timing, allowing them to meet the missile at a predetermined point in its trajectory. In many cases, interceptors engage the missile during its terminal phase, when it has slowed down to 3 or 4 kilometers per second, making the velocity gap more manageable.

This strategic approach allows interceptors to overcome their speed disadvantage by ensuring they are positioned in the missile’s path ahead of time. The goal is not to match the missile’s speed but to reach the optimal interception point before the missile arrives, a task made possible by the combination of radar, satellites, and electronic warfare.

Conclusion: Speed Alone Is Not the Only Factor

The comparison between ballistic missiles and missile interceptors reveals that speed, while crucial, is not the only factor that determines success. Ballistic missiles may reach faster maximum velocities, but missile defense systems are designed with agility, precision, and timing in mind. These defense systems operate within a network of tools that include radar systems like the Multi Mission Radar, electronic warfare capabilities such as Ground Electronic Warfare, and space-based tracking assets like SAR satellites.

By leveraging these interconnected systems, modern missile defense strategies compensate for any speed differential between interceptors and ballistic missiles. Ultimately, the effectiveness of an interceptor lies not just in its speed but in its ability to track, predict, and intercept its target with accuracy. This multi-layered approach ensures that even the fastest and most dangerous ballistic missile threats can be countered before they reach their destination.

[militaryleak]

Aerojet Rocketdyne to be Propulsion Provider for the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI)

Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company, will be the propulsion provider for the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) as part of the Lockheed Martin team. On April 15, MDA announced it selected Lockheed Martin for NGI, the nation's first line of defense against long-range ballistic missile threats from rogue nations. NGI is part of MDA's Ground-based Midcourse Defense system and will provide a new, advanced interceptor to protect the homeland. According to MDA, once fielded, NGI will be capable of defeating expected threat advances into the 2030s and beyond.

Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company, will be the propulsion provider for the Missile Defense Agency’s (MDA) Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) as part of the Lockheed Martin team. On April 15, MDA announced it selected Lockheed Martin for NGI, the nation’s first line of defense against long-range ballistic missile threats from rogue nations. NGI is part of MDA’s Ground-based…

[eeyrie]

There was a cove, a little inlet shaped like a bent bow, a quiet place where Scylla, at midday, sought shelter when the sea and sky were hot; and, in midcourse, the sun scorched with full force, reducing shadows to a narrow thread. And Circe now contaminates this bay, polluting it with noxious poisons; there she scatters venom drawn from dreadful roots and, three-times-nine times, murmurs an obscure and tangled maze of words, a labyrinth— the magic chant that issues from her lips. Then Scylla comes; no sooner has she plunged waist-deep into the water than she sees, around her hips, the horrid barking shapes.

[starryeyes2000]

The Road Back Sneak Peak

Tendonitis has slowed my typing and writing. But I am working on new updates.

Below is a sneak peak from the next chapter of The Road Back.

Link to completed chapter: Chapter 35: Reframing

Midcourse and without instruction from its passenger the turbolift halted, switched to a horizontal tube for several seconds then back to a vertical shaft. It traveled down, opposite from her requested destination. Aalin glanced at the information panel; no malfunction alerts displayed. She moved to a rear corner of the car in case the lift was rerouted for a medical emergency.

When the doors opened Chris entered the lift. Or rather limped in. “Sorry,” he muttered in a sheepish tone. With tentative, slow movement he leaned against the wall. A wince followed. “Resume to original destination.”

“Belay that. Deck three, Section B.”

“Thanks.

Aalin scrutinized him, trying to push aside how well he filled out the dark blue short-sleeve shirt and cycle-length shorts, both were snug like riding gear. “Rough workout?”

“I held my own.” Defensiveness edged his tone. He rolled then rubbed his right shoulder. His right hand flexed, straightening and curling its fingers on repeat. “Ensigns Maddson and James are ranked players.”

“And less than half your …” she said.

Without moving his head, Chris’ eyes met hers. He glared as if daring her to finish the sentence.

“I meant your keeping up was all the more impressive.”

His eyes narrowed.

"I meant ... experience trumps ... going to stop digging this hole now.”

“An excellent plan,” he said in a grumble.

The corner of her mouth twitched masking an amused smile.

When the lift halted and its doors opened, Chris exited walking with an awkward gait favoring his knee and ankle. Aalin followed. “What are you doing?” he asked.

“Seeing you to your quarters.”

With effort he straightened a posture bent slightly at his lower back. “Don’t need a babysitter.” A pause in words and movement; his groan resisted disguise. “Or a nursemaid.” He resumed limping down the corridor.

“Of course not,” she said in a placating tone.

“And yet you are still following me.” His voice echoed the increasing crankiness of his mood.

“Yes.”

He muttered as they entered his quarters.

She chuckled from behind. “Stubborn? Absolutely I am.” Aalin started to give Chris a playful light push on his back, then stopped having fallen into the habit of touching him only after seeking permission. “Go get cleaned up while you’re still ambulatory. I’ll find a cold pack for that ankle.”

Taglist: @bardic-tales @themaradaniels @chickensarentcheap

[heartsoulrocknroll]

One month later, I have finally mustered the energy to write this trip report. After months of anticipation, I finally got to visit Busch Gardens Tampa and SeaWorld Orlando. This was my first time to BGT. I went to SWO in 2011, but I have only very foggy memories of that trip. I was in Florida from the evening of Friday 2/10 to the afternoon of Monday 2/13. I did BGT Friday evening, all day Sunday, and Monday morning/afternoon. I did SWO all day Saturday. I was able to ride all the coasters, except Scorpion at BGT, which was closed the whole time I was there. Here are my thoughts and rankings!!!!

1) Iron Gwazi - 10 rides, including 3 night rides. MY NEW NUMBER ONE!!!! When I say that this is a life-changing coaster, I do not exaggerate. I have hyped this ride up in my mind for so long, and it still exceeded all my expectations. I expected it to be more intense than most of the other RMCs I have ridden, but my mind was still blown by the intensity after my first ride. I expected it to be ejector airtime city on this thing, but there is a greater quantity of airtime and more aggressive airtime than I could have imagined. I was flung out of my seat on the first drop and on that beautiful outerbanked hill following the drop every time. The barrel roll down drop is taken from such a height and at such a speed that it blows the one on Twisted Timbers, which I love with all my heart, out of the water. I hear people talking about sideways airtime on Fury, and I just think they’re insane. The wave turn on IG actually gives crazy sideways EJECTOR airtime. The stall on IG lasts longer than the one on Steel Vengeance, but surprisingly, isn’t as whippy. You get another great airtime pop on that last drop, then absolutely slam into the brakes. If you have ridden Steel Vengeance, you almost have no choice but to compare the two, and for my money, Iron Gwazi wins. If you have two similar rides, and one has a midcourse brake run and the other does not, the one without the midcourse brakes will usually win for me. Iron Gwazi is shorter, but its pacing is better. You are thrown from one element to the next in rapid-fire succession without a second to catch your breath, and that is one of the most appealing characteristics in a roller coaster to me. I cannot say enough good things about this coaster, and the fact that it is 9.5 hours away from me is eating me up inside. I cannot wait to get back on it. 

2) Montu -- 3 rides. I am a B&M invert freak, so this was my second most-anticipated ride of this trip. Again, it did not disappoint. I am so obsessed with this layout. Carowinds is my home park and Afterburn is one of the great loves of my life. Montu and Afterburn have nearly the same layout, so of course I am comparing them. Montu provides all of the positive Gs I love in an invert, with the gray-out-inducing first vertical loop, the foot-ripping batwing, and the whippy corkscrew. But it also throws in that nice, floaty zero-g roll for some variety. I appreciate the extra height that Montu has on the first drop, as well as the additional ride time you get from the second vertical loop, which is still intense and forceful despite coming after the midcourse brake run. But here we are, back to the “two similar rides, one with a midcourse and one without” issue. As a result, I think Afterburn still sits atop the B&M invert throne. It just feels a little better paced and a little more intense to me. But the rides are so similar, I can hardly even separate the two. I love both more than I can adequately describe.

3) Manta -- 3 rides, including 2 night rides. Manta was the second major thrill coaster I ever rode, with my first ride occurring in 2011. I remembered liking it, but now being 12 years older and an insane enthusiast, I am in love. After riding Nighthawk countless times, this B&M flyer is like a dream. This coaster has an excellent blend of intensity and gracefulness. I am obsessed with the pretzel loop. I love positive Gs, and being exposed to them while lying down is a whole different sensation that sort of blows the mind. Also, the inline twists and corkscrew are floaty and buttery smooth. This coaster also has fantastic interactions with the terrain/surroundings, including the dive off the midcourse toward the water (which results in a little splash if you are in the correct seat) and the following bit where the train flies right by the waterfall. I love everything about this ride, except being left hanging on the brake run for minutes on end when operations are slow.

4) Mako -- 6 rides, including 5 night rides. Now THIS is a B&M hyper!!!!!! The first drop gives excellent airtime, especially in the back row. The overbank following the first drop is nice and intense. But that first hill??? It is the most perfect floater airtime hill ever constructed. I don’t think that’s even debatable. It literally gives 5 to 6 solid seconds of airtime. I’ve never experienced anything else like it. The hills on the return run continue to provide good airtime, lifting you out of your seat for a second or two. The ending bit around the fountain provides a couple of fairly steeply banked turns that actually have the slightest bit of whip to them. This is simply a fantastic ride.

5) Kumba -- 3 rides, including 1 true night ride, with the other 2 being evening/almost-dark rides. Oh. My. God. My mind has been blown. Kumba is the prime example of the forcefulness and intensity that I love in a 90s B&M. The pacing is absolutely amazing. It is an inversion-packed layout that never lets up for a second. And every inversion delivers for me. Awesome positives from the vertical loop and dive loop, a super whippy zero-g roll, a nice cobra roll. The mid-course brakes do not hinder the intensity at all, as the second-half corkscrews still have great force to them. And I love the tunnel at the end, especially at night. This is a relatively smooth, well-maintained coaster as well. What a ride!!!!!!

6) SheiKra -- 2 rides, including 1 night ride. I liked SheiKra far more than I  expected I would after my disappointing experience with Valravn. Despite having a shorter drop and two fewer inversions, SheiKra is a much better ride, owing largely to the over-the-shoulder restraints, which actually allow for some airtime on the dives and don’t make me feel like I am going to suffocate. The 200-foot first drop is awesome, providing some good airtime on the way down. The Immelman gives good positive Gs. I particularly like the second drop into the tunnel. The splashdown at the end is a nice touch as well.

7) Kraken -- 2 rides. Kraken is very similar to Kumba, as it is also incredibly intense and well-paced with nonstop, back-to-back inversions. Additionally, Kraken's sequence of elements is almost identical to Kumba's, with the exception of a second vertical loop replacing one of Kumba’s corkscrews. Kraken gives great positives throughout, with all the loops, but especially the second vertical loop that goes down into a trench. There are several trenches on this ride, offering a lot of low-to-the-ground moments that add to the forcefulness. One of my favorite moments comes at the end, when you barrel through the tunnel and come flying out into that whippy corkscrew. It sort of depresses me to put Kraken below SheiKra, but I feel that I should for one reason. I hear enthusiasts bitching about a nonexistent "rattle" on B&Ms all the time, and to that I say, you haven't felt a rattle until you've been on Kraken in 2023. It holds this otherwise amazing ride back so much, it's depressing.

8) Cheetah Hunt -- 2 rides, including 1 night ride. After riding Maverick, I think it’s impossible not to be underwhelmed by Cheetah Hunt. With a bit more force in the launches and more whip in the heartline roll and banked turns, this would be an excellent ride. But as it is, the ride is still very fun. The three launches are fun (and necessary to keep the speed up as much as possible). The layout is interesting, with the big drop not coming at the very beginning of the ride. The heartline roll gives some hangtime, which is not really my favorite thing -- the lack of whip there is a real bummer. The banked turns that weave through the rocks and over the water are the best part of the ride. The hill after the third launch gives some decent airtime. Overall, the ride also makes great use of the terrain and surroundings.

9) Ice Breaker -- 1 ride. This ride is short, but still packs in some good elements. I like the backwards drop you get with the swing launch, although the vertical spike is extremely unimpressive and does not feel beyond-vertical, especially if you are sitting toward the front of the train. The best and most unexpected part of this ride is the surprisingly powerful ejector airtime, especially on the small hill just before the tophat, but also going over the tophat and on the small hills in the second half. I know everyone says it, but in this case, that's because it's true -- the comfort collars are garbage and really hold the airtime and the ride overall back. But this is still a good ride that I liked more than I thought I would.

10) Tigris -- 1 night ride. This is also a very short ride. Like Ice Breaker, Tigris provides that backwards dropping aspect, which is unique and fun. The slow heartline roll gives good hangtime, which again, isn't my favorite thing in the world. Going from the force of the launch that gets the ride up to max speed to the slow crawl at which the train takes the heartline roll is a weird transition. Nevertheless, the first half of the ride is pretty fun. The rest doesn't do much for me. Additionally, the comfort collar is even more obnoxious here than it is on Ice Breaker. It genuinely ruins the ride for me.

11) Cobra’s Curse -- 1 ride. Although this coaster obviously and purposely lacks in thrill, it is very enjoyable. I like the novelty of the elevator lift, and the spinning of the trains, although very tame and controlled, is a lot of fun. I wish the spinning lasted for the entire ride, rather than just the final third. The ride also provides really good views of the giraffes.

12) Sand Serpent -- 1 night ride. This is the standard wild mouse layout, with all the lateral-filled tight turns and almost-painful dips that make these rides good fun. 

[spacenutspod]

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 12, 2023 Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC), a key player in defense technology, has recently supported a crucial test of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, conducted by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This test, known as FTG-12, showcased the capabilities of a stage selectable Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) missile system, which engaged with an air-launched Intermediate Range Balli