NASA- Early version of the Lightweight Exoatmospheric Projectile Kinetic Kill Vehicle (LEAP KKV)

Built by Hughes Aircraft, this early version of the Lightweight Exoatmospheric Projectile Kinetic Kill Vehicle (LEAP KKV) was successfully tested at the hover facility at Edwards Air Force Base in June 1991. Launched by a booster, LEAP KKVs are designed to destroy an enemy missile in space by physical impact and not by detonation of a warhead. After separation from the booster, the infrared seeker and divert propulsion system help guide it to the enemy missile. Modern versions of the LEAP KKV, now built by Raytheon, are being deployed atop SM-3 missiles on selected U.S. Navy ships to provide defense against theatre ballistic missiles.

This LEAP KKV was donated by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command.