EADS DT-35 Subsonic Aerial Target Family Performs Successful Flight Demonstrations for the U.S. Army

( ARLINGTON, Va., August 14, 2006 ) - EADS North America Defense has successfully completed demonstration flights of the DT-35 subsonic aerial target to the U.S. Army's Targets Management Office, which validated the system's capabilities during back-to-back missions performed at McGregor Range in New Mexico.

Two of the twin-engine EADS DT-35s were launched within a 90-minute period at the Army range on June 27, accurately performing flight profiles that were pre-determined by the Army. Both jet-powered targets met the full requirements of the demonstration, including their tracking by Army sensors.


These flights were part of an Army evaluation of low-cost subsonic, subscale aerial targets that can be used for weapon system training purposes. One of the mission profiles was flown by the DT-35, which has a typical flight speed of 360 knots, while the other utilized the increased-performance DT-35-200 version - which operates at speeds in excess of 400 knots.

"The Army has now seen the capabilities of our DT-35 family, which offers a truly capable and effective solution for its subsonic, subscale aerial target requirements," said John H. Young, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of EADS North America Defense. "Our two flights successfully met all requirements for the demonstration of this low-cost solution and we look forward to an opportunity to support the Army in meeting their future training and program requirements."

The successful deployment of the EADS system provided a realistic evaluation at the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center's McGregor Range, including the DT-35 aerial targets, their portable pneumatic catapult launcher, and the ground control station.

The DT-35 is in full production for NATO and allied military forces, with an output capacity of up to 200 units per year. More than 150 training flights have been flown by DT-35s, including German Air Force operations for the training of Patriot surface-to-air missile crews.

With a maximum take off weight of 55-70 kg., the DT-35 family offers high-performance and high-reliability in a compact target that is easy to deploy in day and night operations.

Source : EADS