The series of images below attempts to visually explain the operation of the Safeguard system by giving a chronological perspective to the diagrams shown above. Click "Next" to begin.
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Note:
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Diagrams are greatly simplified compared to a "real world" engagement. For example:
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Discrimination between real and false targets is not considered. (False targets included booster remnants and counter measures such as decoys and chaff.)
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The system could simultaneously handle many more targets and defensive missiles than are shown in this simplified scenario.
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Diagrams are not to scale.
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All times shown are "guestimates" based on an approximate six minute window available for destruction of target ICBM re-entry vehicles (RV's) after first acquisition by the Safeguard system.
(Large images; 958x474 ~32k)
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(Small images; 585x289 ~26k)
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