By sharing tasks between the CV and the KVs, the MKV interceptor provides
a cost-effective missile defense system capable of intercepting and
killing multiple targets. The placement of the acquisition and
discrimination sensor and control sensor on the CV to provide target
acquisition and discrimination and mid-course guidance for all the KVs
avoids the weight and complexity issues associated with trying to
"miniaturize" unitary interceptors. The placement of a short-band imaging
sensor on each KV overcomes the latency, resolution and bandwidth
problems associated with command guidance systems and allows each KV to
precisely select a desirable aimpoint and maintain track on that aimpoint
to impact.