This air-launch capability offered significant geographic flexibility, allowing the target to be launched from and to a variety of locations along different trajectories. Northrop Grumman developed the target using a combination of advanced avionics, vehicle enhancement kits, solid rocket motors, and specialised payloads.
“Through partnership with MDA, we design and launch target vehicles that replicate threats warfighters are likely to encounter operationally,” said Robin Heard, director of targets and interceptors at Northrop Grumman. “Our target vehicles play a critical role in testing the missile defense systems that defend the nation and our allies to ensure they will be effective when it matters most.”
Northrop Grumman’s target vehicles are tailored to simulate specified threats for use in testing key missile defence systems. These include the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system, Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, and the Patriot air defence system.
Since 2011, the company has delivered 26 target vehicles and supported 11 missile defence flight tests. The remaining targets will be used in future flight tests under MDA’s Integrated Master Test Plan.
Northrop Grumman remains a leading provider and trusted integrator of threat-representative targets for national missile defence programmes. The company continues to expand its capabilities with developments such as multi-launch vehicles and advanced front-end technologies.
